From 1 November, Thailand will welcome back international arrivals from a total of 46 countries. Quarantine will no longer be a requirement for returning travellers, provided they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The news was confirmed last night (21/10), when Thailand’s premier signed the official entry guidelines that will be used to regulate new arrivals.
Earlier today (22/10), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) greeted the news with a statement that encapsulates the optimism surrounding Thailand’s post-pandemic revival: “we wish all visitors an enjoyable, safe, and rewarding holiday in Thailand during this exciting time, in which we are able again to welcome travellers from around the world.”
To enter Thailand, returning international tourists must adhere to seven requirements. First, they must arrive by air, from a country approved as ‘low risk’ by Thailand’s Public Health Ministry (see below for more information); second, they must provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination; third, all travellers must present a negative PCR test upon arrival, taken within 72 hours of departure; fourth, they must have Covid-19 insurance cover equal to at least US$50,000.
In addition, travellers must also prepare proof of a hotel booking in Thailand and download the Mor Chana app prior to arrival. This will help authorities to track and trace new arrivals more effectively. Finally, under the new regulations all new arrivals will be required to take a second PCR test upon arrival, or within 24 hours of touchdown in Thailand. Once the results of this test have been confirmed negative, they will be free to travel the Kingdom at leisure. A Certificate of Entry (COE) will still be required in all cases.
In addition to ending quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, Thailand’s government is also lifting pandemic-era restrictions nationwide, with curfews coming to an end and tourism-related businesses reopening throughout the Kingdom. Earlier this month, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, confirmed that Thailand will reopen its borders to international travellers from designated ‘low-risk’ countries to enter the Kingdom without quarantine. The full list of countries has now been confirmed.
The list of 63 nations has now been approved for quarantine-free arrivals in Thailand: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, The Maldives, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, The United States, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Taiwan
While this is great news for citizens of the above countries, it is even better for Thailand’s tourism sector, as the industry prepares to reopen after approximately 18 months of disruption caused by Covid-19. With borders open, curfews lifted and quarantine scrapped just in time for the Christmas period, the Land of Smiles is finally back in business and ready for some happy holidays.
