From 1 October 2022, international arrivals in Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results. The kingdom will lift its Emergency Decree status on 30 September, effectively marking the end of the pandemic era for tourism in Thailand.
The news was confirmed by Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on 23 September, as part of plans to remove all nationwide Covid controls from today (30/9) onwards. From 1 October, Covid-19 will be downgraded from ‘a dangerous communicable disease’ and reclassified as ‘a communicable disease under surveillance’.
For travellers entering Thailand, this means that proof of vaccination and test results will no longer be necessary. Thailand fully reopened to international arrivals from 1 July 2022, with the removal of the Thailand Pass registration scheme; thereafter, foreign arrivals only had to show proof of vaccination or a negative ATK test result, taken within 72 hours of departure. From Saturday (1/10) onwards, these requirements will also be scrapped.
Interestingly, the end of the Emergency Decree will also mean the end of the CCSA itself, as the department is deemed no longer necessary. All regulations, announcements and orders previously issued by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet will be revoked, leaving tourism operators and travellers free to roam.
In more good news, Thailand has decided to extend the period of stay for travellers to a total of 45 days (up from the previous 30-day limit). This is available to all holidaymakers from countries with visa exemption, while those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) can also enjoy an extra 15 days (up to a total of 30 days from the previous 15). These changes will also come into effect from 1 October 2022, and will be in place at least until 31 March 2023.
