Are you ready for a sunny vacation in Thailand? Tourism in the kingdom is on its way back to its glory days—two years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit—especially now that travel policies allow for more convenience for international tourists.
Restrictions to enter Thailand have been relaxed, as long as travelers travel via the Test & Go and Sandbox programs, which allow access to almost every destination in Thailand with minimum hassle. From April, Thailand will no longer require inbound passengers to present proof of a negative result on an RT-PCR test. Quarantine days have also been reduced.
Here’s all you need to know about traveling to Thailand.
1. How many ways are there to apply for a Thailand Pass?
There are currently three schemes that grant permission, aka Thailand Pass, to international tourists to travel to the country: Test & Go, Sandbox, and Alternative Quarantine (AQ).
2. What are the differences between these three schemes?
These three schemes vary according to two factors: your desired destination and your vaccination status.
If you haven’t received any COVID-19 vaccines, you can apply for Alternative Quarantine (AQ). Under this scheme, you are required to undergo quarantine in a government-approved facility for five days, and take one RT-PCR test on the fourth or fifth day.
If you have been vaccinated, you are welcome to apply for either Sandbox or Test & Go.
The Sandbox program is designed for vaccinated visitors who wish to travel to the following destinations:
- Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Na Jomtien or Bang Saray in Sattahip)
- Krabi
- Phang-Nga
- Phuket
- Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao)
- Trat (Koh Chang)
You have to stay within these locations for five days before extending your trip to any other part of Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Test & Go initiative allows vaccinated visitors to travel to any destination (excluding Sandbox locations), provided they do one day of quarantine in a certified hotel and take an RT-PCR test upon arrival.
3. Is Thailand banning travelers flying in from certain countries?
Fortunately, no. The Thai government has opened up the country to all individuals from any country or territory.
4. What do I need to prepare before flying to Thailand?
Here are the basic documents that all three schemes require:
- A Thailand Pass, which can be granted via tp.consular.go.th
- An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery
- A booking confirmation for at least seven days at a SHA-certified hotel, if going to a destination included in the Sandbox program
Starting 1 April, travelers no longer need to show a negative RT-PCR test result before flying to Thailand.
5. How can international tourists enter Thailand?
Tourists can now travel to the kingdom via all means of transport, namely air, land, and water. Here are the eligible points of entry:
- Eight international airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai
- Four land border checkpoints: Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun
- Three ports of entry: Phuket, Chon Buri, and Surat Thani.
Keep in mind that each scheme has slight differences regarding required documents and traveling restrictions. Find out more from the links below.
