Thailand to Maintain 'Fully Reopen' Policy to Welcome International Tourists 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms that Thailand will continue to welcome all international tourists on the rules set out in the fully-reopen-to-tourism policy announced at the beginning of October 2022. 

The Thai authorities also stated that international travelers are not required to submit COVID-19 vaccination proof to enter Thailand.

They do not need to present ATK or RT-PCR test results either. 

The full reopening policy also offers a longer period of stay for international visitors. The extended period (45 days instead of 30 days) is effective through 31st March 2023 and applies to tourists coming from visa-exempt countries. 

Additionally, those who can obtain a Visa on Arrival can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days (instead of 15 days).

Despite the fact that visitors to Thailand no longer need to provide a negative coronavirus test, a visitor source market may require them to do so, including their own nationals returning home.

In practice, it also means that a passenger from a country maintaining RT-PCR testing requirements must have health insurance with COVID-19 coverage in Thailand. 

Entry requirements for foreign visitors to Thailand

The latest public health measures announced on 10 Jan. 2023 include:

• no vaccination proof required;
• travelers coming from the listed countries, including China and India, need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken prior to departure and have health insurance with at least US $ 10,000 COVID-19 coverage for the entire duration of stay in Thailand plus 7 more days;
• travelers having business arrangements, e.g., flight crew or students, may submit an official letter issued by the host or other insurance form;
• those travelers who must have health insurance will be verified by the Thai officers, and in case of not having the insurance, they will need to cover its cost before immigration;
• the insurance requirement does not apply to Tai passport holders and passengers in transit;
• post-arrival COVID-19 testing is recommended for all those passengers who have certain symptoms after arriving in Thailand.

Health insurance requirements 

Health insurance requirement applies to passengers coming from the country where a pre-departure COVID-19 test is required to enter their countries (irrespective of their age).

The minimum coverage of the insurance is US $10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) and must cover the entire period of planned stay in Thailand plus an additional 1 week (7 days).

The medical treatment coverage should include 'acute illness or sickness', while accidental coverage alone will not be accepted.

The Thai authorities will accept other proof of funds, e.g., a guarantee letter issued by certain authorities or organizations. 

Exemptions 

The insurance requirements do not apply to Thai nationals, including those with dual nationality holding a Thai passport or Thai Identification Card. Moreover, flight crews, whether based in Thailand or overseas, may provide a guaranteed letter issued by their airline. 

Insurance is not mandatory for airside transit, transfer passengers, holders of official and diplomatic passports, ex-pats with valid work permits, and UN Laissez-Passer, either. 

As stated by the MoPH, once the countries decide to lift pre-departure testing requirements, then they will not need to have health insurance to enter Thailand. 

Other requirements

Apart from the COVID-19 regulations, visitors to Thailand need to meet regular entry requirements, including having a valid visa if coming from a non-visa-exempt country. 

Since September 2021, Thailand has been offering an electronic visa. The Thailand eVisa is issued as a single-entry visa covering short-term tourism-related purposes. 

Currently, there are nearly 40 countries eligible for an online visa application. The nationalities not listed as eligible still need to contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate to obtain a visa in person.

The visa requirements and processing time may vary depending on the selected visa type.