Thailand reopened its borders to foreign visitors in 2020, but its strict attitude towards quarantine and other restrictions kept numbers of visitors low. Depending on how effective the vaccine turns out to be, Thailand may change policies to increase international travel and tourism, which would be welcomed by local industry and businesses. Tourists would have to show certification that they’ve been vaccinated. For now, you must be an eligible traveler and provide documentation to enter Thailand. There are different groups of eligible travelers. Some of these include Thai nationals and their non-Thai family members, people with exemptions, and diplomats or people with international organizations and their family members. Other groups allowed to enter Thailand are residents (such as expats and their families), and those with work permits or studying at formal educational institutions.
           You may need to apply to get a visa. There is a Visa Exemption Scheme that applies to travelers from 56 countries, which include the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. Travelers from these countries can stay up to 45 days, and nationals from certain countries may be able to stay up to 90 days. If you are not from one of these countries, you will need to apply for either the normal 60-day tourist visa or the 90-day special tourist visa (STV). Previously, the STV would only be granted to foreigners from a list of low risk countries, but with recent developments foreigners from any country can now apply for the visa. As of February 10, Thai embassies and consulates are issuing both of these visas. Click here to see the application process and documents required for the STV.
Once you arrive in Thailand, there are several required documents. These include a certificate of entry, a fit to fly certificate, a certificate from the Thai embassy or the Thai consulate in the country of origin, health insurance covering COVID-19 (not less than 100,000 USD), letter of approval on quarantine accommodation by Thai authorities, and post-quarantine accommodation details for the entire duration of stay. In addition, you must present proof that you had a negative PCR test not more than 72 hours prior to your flight. Mandatory quarantine lasts 14 days and must be at a state approved hotel. The cheapest 14 days government approved quarantine package is US$ 960/-
Keep in mind that national governments set travel policies and these may change quickly. For updates and announcements regarding traveling to Thailand, visit this link.
Will you be traveling to Thailand during Pandemic? Well, let me know your thoughts in comments, thank you!
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