Thailand Drops On-arrival Covid-19 Tests from May
The CCSA (the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration) announced that Thailand decided to drop the on-arrival RT-PCR tests for foreign visitors and the ‘Test&Go’ scheme for fully vaccinated visitors.
The new entry rules will become effective as of May 1, 2022, and will be the next steps taken by the Thai authorities to facilitate entry to Thailand during the still ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Thailand already dropped pre-arrival Covid-19 tests for vaccinated visitors at the beginning of April.
Antigen self-testing instead of the 'Test and Go' Scheme
Visitors planning to travel to Thailand soon are encouraged to take a rapid antigen self-test during their stay in Thailand instead of choosing the ‘Test and Go’ scheme that requires all arrivals to self-isolate in a hotel until receiving the negative Covid-19 test.
The hotel must be government-approved, and the traveler can end the isolation and travel further if the test result is negative.
Moreover, travelers need to take another rapid antigen test on Day 5.
Thailand Pass still mandatory to enter Thailand
All travelers to Thailand are still obliged to submit the Thai Pass no later than 7 business days before the planned departure. Every successful application is followed by the issuance of a unique QR code which must be shown during the airport control.
Those who are not able to submit the code upon entering Thailand will not be allowed into the country.
Application for the Thai Pass requires a traveler to upload vaccination proof and insurance details.
Updated Thailand entry rules applicable from 1 May 2022
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a pre-departure Covid-19 test to enter Thailand; they are, however, highly recommended to take a RAT in case of developing any coronavirus-alike symptoms
- Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers can avoid on-arrival testing but need to perform an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departure; those passengers who plan to enter Thailand without the negative pre-departure test report will need to undergo a 5-day quarantine and take an RT-PCR test on Day 4 and 5 of the quarantine
- All travelers still must complete the Thailand Pass providing, i.a., vaccination information, and insurance details
- All visitors must purchase Covid-19 insurance with the minimum coverage of US $ 10,000 (previously, it was the US $ 20,000) for the entire duration of the intended stay in Thailand
- All safety measures, including wearing of face masks and thermal screening at all entry and exit points, remain in place
Tourism is a key driver of the Thai economy, accounting for about 12 percent of GDP before the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the number of international visitors to Thailand is increasing. Loosening the restrictions further next month may encourage even more tourists to Thailand.
