Beginning April 1, 2022, Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the removal of the pre-travel testing requirement for overseas entrants. If you are planning to travel to Thailand, now you can do so in a hassle-free way. Go through this update to know more about the current situation of moving to Thailand for foreigners.
Now, tourists will have to take only an on-arrival RT-PCR test and a self-administered ART on day five. This is an important step since many travel experts have stated that excessive testing, as well as the cost and difficulty connected with it, deters many people from traveling.
Thailand was a popular tourist destination for travelers across the globe prior to COVID. Basically, beautiful pristine beaches, nature reserves, rustic countryside, and hillside towns are the reasons behind this fascination. Additionally, fascinating cities with stunning temples, delicious food, exciting nightlife, and high-quality economical accommodation are the other reasons.
Relaxed Rules from April 01, 2022
Eligible Travelers
TEST & GO, Sandbox, and Alternative Quarantine (AQ) international arrivals can now enter Thailand. Moreover, this will be done without having to present proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel.
Points of Entry
The relaxation is applicable for land, air, and water points of entry.
Initially, there were 7 airports in Thailand with government approval to welcome international tourists. Now it has gone up to 8. Following are the airports that you can use to enter Thailand –
- Don Mueang
- Suvarnabhumi
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Samui
- Chiang Mai
- U-Tapao, and,
- Hat Yai (New)
Secondly, there is an increase in land border checkpoints as well. Following are the land border checkpoints using which you can enter Thailand –
- Nong Khai
- Udon Thani
- Songkhla, and,
- Satun (New)
However, for water points of entry, there is an increase in the numbers of ports & piers allowing tourists inside Thailand. They are –
- Phuket
- Chon Buri, and,
- Surat Thani (New)
The types of vessels allowed to enter Thailand have also increased from yachts. Now, it includes ships owned by Thai government entities, as well as Thai crew members aboard cargo ships.
Testing Requirements
For TEST & GO and Sandbox travelers, two tests remain in place:
a. RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 0) and
b. Antigen self-test on Day 5.
Sandbox Staying Period
The number of days is now five from seven. Travelers will be able to travel domestically within Thailand after spending five days in the Sandbox destinations.
AQ Requirement
Quarantine was shortened to five days, with an RT-PCR test performed on Days 4-5.
The Bottomline
According to figures from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, about 2 million Indians visited the country in 2019, making them the third-largest group of foreign visitors. Thailand’s tourism industry contributes to around a fifth of the country’s GDP. Due to the closure of the borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 20-25% of Thais have been displaced financially. According to United Nations research, Thailand could lose USD 47 billion as a result of the shrinkage of this industry.
There is great lobbyism of the tourism industry with the Thai Government. This is in connection to reopening the country to guests as soon as it is safe to do so. The “Test & Go” and “Sandbox Programme” are two quarantine-free travel initiatives in Thailand. The primary difference is that people coming under the Sandbox Program may not undergo pre-arrival testing.
However, Sandbox Program guests can only enter Thailand via Chon Buri, Krabi, Phangnga, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trat. Additionally, they must stay in an approved hotel in those locations.
They must currently wait at their port of entry for seven days after arriving before traveling throughout Thailand. Owing to the new policy on April 1, they will only have to stay at their port of entry for five days.
Therefore, this is a good indication and a friendly gesture of the Royal Thai government to foreign tourists. If you are planning to visit Thailand for a vacation, business trip, or any work requirement, proceed now to avail yourself of the relaxations. Reach out to us for all types of assistance in immigration and customs clearance. Email us at [email protected].
