During the global COVID-19 pandemic, measures have been enforced to prevent and control COVID-19 from spreading in Thailand. This includes measures to keep an influx of visitors to Thailand in check. Therefore, foreign visitors who need to visit Thailand must comply with the measures. There are 5 easy steps to take. See them below.
Latest News as of May 5, 2022
- For up-to-date information and weekly updates regarding current Thailand travel restrictions, please visit the Weekly Updates for Thailand Travel Restrictions.
- Starting May 1, 2022, Thailand will have new entry requirements. To learn more about the new entry requirements, please visit: Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 1.
- YouTube Video showing you how to apply for the Thai Pass:
Instructional Video for Thailand Pass Application - Before you apply for Thailand Pass, we highly recommend purchasing your COVID travel Insurance and book your hotel stay:
- Buy your COVID Insurance now at AXA Thailand.
- Book your hotel in Thailand at Agoda.com
- Travelers may join our Facebook Group to ask questions, get help and read the latest developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
It is important to start your travel plans to Thailand by checking your eligibility. On this part, you must check if you fall in one of the eligible groups to enter Thailand. In a phrase, we can say that THAILAND IS OPEN FOR TRAVELERS but with special requirements. For a general traveler, you may opt to enter Thailand without a visa under the Visa Exemption program and you are able to secure a Thailand Pass. For those who are entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa and Thailand Pass prior to coming to Thailand. You may also check if you are eligible to enter Thailand under the No Quarantine and Quarantine programs. In the next step of the process, you may check the available visas for you.
Step 2 – Apply for the Visa
Thailand Elite Visa
Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? You may consider the Thai Elite Visa program. It is an easy-to-apply and hassle-free visa application for your long-term stay in Thailand. For more information about the Thai Elite Membership and Visa application, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-elite-visa
Visa Exemption
Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa by the Thai Embassy or Consulate. The traveler may directly apply for the Thailand Pass online. Upon arriving in Thailand, the traveler will be allowed to stay for 30 days.
Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)
Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days and the 90-day special tourist visa (STV) which can be extended for two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office.
Non-Immigrant Visa
Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:
- Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
- Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
- Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand as well as their Parents or Legal Guardians
- Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
- Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for long stay (it is different from type O visa)
Stay on track of your plan to travel to Thailand. Download your Complete Travel Guide HERE!
Step 3 – Book a Flight, Hotel, and COVID-19 Insurance
The main requirements for the Thai visa application and the Thailand Pass application are the Hotel Booking, COVID-19 Travel Insurance, and Flight Booking, to be allowed to enter Thailand.
Flights to Thailand
At present, most airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon, Finnair, Thai Airways and other major airlines are now permitted to operate flights to Thailand whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.
Before booking flights to Thailand with the airlines, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of Thai visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel. Please note that having plane tickets does not guarantee entry to Thailand, non-Thai travelers must have all the required documents such as Thailand Pass to enter Thailand.
How to Book a Hotel
From May 1, vaccinated travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Travelers can enter the Kingdom and travel freely, booking any of the many wonderful hotels in Thailand.
Unvaccinated travelers entering under 5-day Alternate Quarantine will still be required to book a SHA+ hotel package that includes transfers from the airport to the hotel and an RT-PCR test. They will need this booking confirmed in order to qualify for a Thailand Pass.
It is highly recommended to browse AQ, SHA+ and SHA Extra+ hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com website as many travelers find these documents easy to use to apply for the Thai Pass.
Book your complete ASQ package. CLICK HERE
All ASQ bookings are subject to specific terms and conditions of the hotel so make sure to read them carefully before making a booking.
Book Your COVID Insurance
COVID-19 Travel Insurance for Foreigners
You’ll need to buy COVID-19 Insurance that meets the requirements of the Thai authorities. These include:
- Coverage of up to at least USD $10,000 for medical expenses due to injury or sickness including COVID-19
- The COVID-19 travel insurance policy must cover the length of your stay in Thailand. It can be 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or 180 days.
A certificate will be provided to facilitate applications for the Thai visa and Thailand Pass, as well as to present to relevant authorities when departing/arriving for Thailand.
NOTE: Thai authorities may reject your Visa and Thailand Pass application if you do not have the correct format for Health Insurance. In order to have the correct insurance for the Thailand Pass, it is advisable to purchase insurance from a reputable company such as AXA with its easy online application and receive the insurance certificate within minutes.
Step 4 – Apply for the Thailand Pass
All travelers must apply for the Thailand Pass at least 3 to 5 working days prior to the intended date of arrival.
To apply for the Thailand Pass, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page and upload supporting documents such as a copy of passport, copy of the valid visa, and COVID-19 travel insurance.
Step 5 -Prepare the documents for your flight
Once you have received your Thailand Pass, you have to prepare the following documents for your trip to Thailand. You should present these documents to your airline before departure:
- Thailand Pass
- Valid Thai visa in your passport or electronic visa approval (if applicable)
- Please print the COVID 19 travel insurance certificate and all pages of the terms and conditions on the COVID-19 coverage and medical benefits. You may be refused to board the flight if you could not show that the insurance meets this requirement.
- Copy of confirmed Thailand Hotel booking
- Copy of confirmed flight reservation
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)
Get a Copy of the Complete Travel Guide and Checklist. CLICK HERE!
ALERT
Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, strongly recommends purchasing the proper insurance and therefore endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING THAILAND PASS INSURANCE
- Please carefully review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate coverage. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability and scenarios where policyholders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out of pocket medical expenses are not uncommon. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
- Those policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Simply pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
- AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) due to accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
- AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.
Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA coverage which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.
You can purchase your COVID-19 Thailand Pass insurance today in the link below.
https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
Siam Legal Visa and Thailand Pass Application Assistance
Package 1: 395 USD (for UK, USA, and Canada Only)
- Thai Visa Consultation with our Visa Specialist
- Assistance in Thai visa application (non-immigrant O visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application
- Assistance in booking an AQ or SHA+ or Test & Go Hotel
- Assistance in getting the best COVID insurance in Thailand
- Assistance in booking the flight to Thailand
Package 2: 200 USD (for UK, USA, and Canada Only)
- Thai Visa Consultation with our Thai Visa consultant
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in getting the best COVID insurance in Thailand
- Assistance in Thai visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application
Package 3: 100 USD
- Visa Consultation with our Thai Visa consultant
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in getting the best COVID insurance in Thailand
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including visa exemption)
List of Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:
- Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
- Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
- AstraZeneca or Covishield
- Sinopharm or COVILO
- Moderna
- CoronaVac or SinoVac
- Covaxin
- Sputnik V
- Medigen
- Sputnik Lite
How to Book ASQ Hotel for Unvaccinated
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has required that any unvaccinated Thai or foreign nationals traveling to Thailand must undergo a mandatory Quarantine at any accredited Alternative Quarantine (AQ) facilities. Here are some of the highly recommended Hotels:
Luxury Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Budget Hotels
How to Obtain COVID-19 Insurance
The COVID-19 travel insurance is required for entry to Thailand so you will be purchasing this before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of coverage that you will present to the authorities when you arrive in Thailand. You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you onboard. It’s quick and easy to do it online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand or you may be refused entry.
You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.
You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
For travelers who are 75 years old and above, get your Health Insurance here:
https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-health-insurance
How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand
Siam Legal offers and provides assistance for a smooth and hassle-free way in opening up a Thai bank account.
- You will receive assistance in opening up a savings/current bank account
- You will receive a Bank book and a debit/ATM card
- Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)
Requirements
- Passport
- Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
Process
- The applicant may book for our service online.
- Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
- The applicant will collect the application form and documents from Siam Legal Bangkok office and will proceed to the specific bank branch. The process of opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.
Service Fee
Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.
City Travel Guide
- How to Travel to Bangkok
- How to Travel to Phuket
- How to Travel to Pattaya
- How to Travel to Chiang Mai
- How to Travel to Samui
- How to Travel to Hua Hin
Useful Links
- Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners
- Test and Go Thailand –Enter Thailand Without Quarantine
- Phuket Sandbox -Enter Thailand Without Quarantine
- Phuket Sandbox SHA+ Hotels
- ASQ Hotels in Thailand
- Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
- How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide
- Samui Plus Sandbox – Enter Thailand Without Quarantine
- Thailand Pass Assistance – Apply for Thailand Pass Now
Download the latest Travel Guide and Checklist.
CLICK HERE!
Top 20 Questions on Thailand Pass
What is the longest period I can stay in Thailand under Visa exemption?
Entering Thailand under visa exemption allows you to stay for 30 days. Towards the end of your 30 days, you can apply for a 30-day extension at your local Thai Immigration Office. This allows you to stay a maximum of 60 days.
How long can I stay in Thailand with a Tourist visa?
A tourist visa allows you to stay in Thailand for 60 days. At the end of your 60 days, you can apply for a 30-day extension at your local Thai Immigration Office. This allows you to stay a maximum of 90 days.
Do I require any other vaccines (i.e. Malaria or rabies) in order to apply for a Thailand Pass?
Other vaccines are not required when applying for a Thailand Pass. Thailand Pass is a security measure for COVID-19. However, depending on your nationality or country of departure, you may be required to have proof of yellow vaccination.
Have the April 1st updates regarding the pre-departure RT-PCR test been published in the Royal Gazette?
Yes. The Royal Gazette has posted an official statement on March 31 that pre-departure RT-PCR tests are no longer required from April 1. And on May 1, the on arrival RT PCR test will not be required anymore.
Is it now official that the pre-departure RT-PCR test requirements are no longer required to enter Thailand?
Yes. It is now official that as of May 1, no pre-departure RT-PCR test is required and no RT PCR test on arrival in Thailand.
What are the current Covid precautions in Thailand?
When arriving in Thailand, vaccinated visitors will no longer be required to undergo an RT PCR test on arrival. However, unvaccinated travelers who opted to do the mandatory 5-night quarantine will be required to undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 4.
Visitors must apply for a Thailand Pass. When applying, visitors will present proof of vaccination, a booked SHA+/AQ hotel, transport from the airport to the hotel, and confirmation that an RT-PCR will be conducted (at the hotel or airport)
If I have recovered from COVID and have a recovery certificate, do I still need to quarantine when I arrive in Thailand?
No. Under the No Quarantine scheme, if you have previously contracted COVID and you have at least one vaccination, you will be considered as fully vaccinated and you will need to upload your recovery certificate and one vaccination when applying for Thailand Pass.
Will SHA+/AQ hotels update their pricing after May 1?
Yes, more and more hotels in Thailand are now adjusting their prices. The new hotel prices will no longer include RT PCR test and ATK test since these are no longer required.
What languages can my COVID recovery certificate be in?
A COVID recovery certificate will need to be presented in either Thai or English languages.
What vaccines are accepted in Thailand?
Listed below are the approved vaccines by MoPH in Thailand:
- CoronaVac (Sinovac)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria, Covishield)
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
- Moderna
- COVILO (Sinopharm)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Sputnik V
- Covaxin
- Medigen (For Sandbox only)
- Sputnik Light (For Sandbox only)
Where is the best place to find up-to-date information on Thailand Pass & Test & Go?
You can find the latest information for Thailand Pass and Test & Go at:
- https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass-faqs
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand
Where can I quarantine in Koh Samui?
If you are unvaccinated, you can find the best deals for SHA+/AQ hotels in Koh Samui visit Agoda
Is it possible to quarantine under Test & Go in Hua Hin?
As of May 1, test and go will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travelers. For the unvaccinated travelers who opted to undergo a quarantine, yes, you can quarantine in an ASQ or SHA+ hotel in Hua Hin.
I have children aged 10 & 12. Are they required to do an RT-PCR test on arrival in Thailand?
As of May 1, 2022 pre-departure and on arrival RT-PCR tests will not be required for all travelers holding a No Quarantine Thailand Pass.
Do my children have to do a nasal swab test?
As of May 1, 2022 pre-departure and on arrival RT-PCR tests will not be required for all travelers holding a No Quarantine Thailand Pass.
Do I need to do an RT-PCR test when leaving Thailand?
You are not required to do an RT-PCR test in order to leave Thailand. You can present your vaccination certificate or an ATK test result at the airport. However, there may be some countries that will require an RT-PCR test, so it is recommended also to check the entry requirements of your next country of destination.
Are international flights landing directly in Phuket?
Yes. Most airlines are now flying to Phuket, usually transiting in Qatar, UAE, Singapore, India, Malaysia, and Australia.
What are the accepted sealed flights from Bangkok to Phuket with Bangkok Airways?
As of May 1, 2022 the test and go program will be abolished therefore you can apply for Thailand Pass under the No Quarantine program. After arriving at the Bangkok airport, you can definitely move on to your next domestic flight.
What tests will I have to do if I am only visiting Thailand for 3 nights?
As of May 1, 2022 pre-departure and on arrival RT-PCR tests will not be required to all travelers holding a No Quarantine Thailand Pass.
Can I visit Thailand for less than 5 days?
Yes. You can visit Thailand for less than 5 days. You only need to apply for a Thailand Pass. When you apply for Thailand Pass, you need a copy of your vaccination and COVID 19 insurance.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
When can I travel to Thailand again?
The short answer is NOW. Foreign travelers may travel to Thailand right now under visa exemption of 30 days, 60 days tourist visa, 90 days special tourist visa, 90 days non-immigrant visa, and 5, 10, 20 years Thai Elite Visas. You only have to bear in mind that you still have to apply for Thailand Pass; undergo a mandatory Test and Go, Sandbox or Quarantine stay; and provide a COVID 19 Travel Insurance.
Want to stay in Thailand for up to 20 years? Consider the Thailand Elite Visa program.
Are there travel restrictions for foreigners to enter Thailand?
Yes, certain travel restrictions are still in place. First, all travelers both Thais and foreigners must obtain a Thailand Pass from the Thailand Pass system official website. All foreign travelers must purchase a COVID 19 travel insurance. Both Thais and foreigners must undergo a test and go, sandbox stay or the strict mandatory quarantine in government-accredited hotels. The COVID 19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure will still be required. For updated travel restrictions, please check this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions
When will Thailand open for international flights?
Currently the flights to Thailand are operating as usual.
What is the best COVID-19 Insurance policy to buy?
AXA Sawasdee Thailand Travel Insurance is the best COVID-19 Insurance in Thailand. This COVID-19 travel insurance was successfully used by thousands of foreign travelers to enter Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic as it meets all the requirements such as 10,000 USD coverage for medical expenses including COVID 19.
Will the fit to fly certificate and T8 still be required to enter Thailand?
The fit to fly certificate and T8 are not required in Thailand. Travelers are required to present the COVID 19 RT-PCR test result confirming that the travel has no COVID 19 and the Thailand Pass QR code.
Will the vaccinated travelers still be required to undergo mandatory quarantine?
Travelers who were vaccinated are not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. The fully vaccinated travelers are eligible for the no-quarantine stay. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are required to undergo a 5-night mandatory quarantine at AQ hotels.
How is a family with children affected by the Thailand Travel Restrictions?
For a family with children traveling to Thailand, it is important to remember that each family member is required to apply for Thailand Pass. Each member is also required to have COVID-19 insurance. The parents must be fully vaccinated in order to enter Thailand under the No Quarantine program and depending on the children’s age, they may be exempted from vaccination and still exempted from quarantine.
How many days before I travel should I apply for the Thailand Pass?
You may apply for Thailand Pass as early as 60 days before traveling. It is highly recommended to apply for the Thailand Pass at least 3 to 5 working days before your intended travel to Thailand to avoid any problems or delays in Thailand Pass issuance.
What if I don’t receive a response after I submit my Thailand Pass application?
After you submit the Thailand Pass application, within minutes, you will receive your 6-digit access code. If you have not received any access code, it is either you have provided a misspelled email address or your email address has blocked the Thailand Pass email. In this scenario, it is recommended to resubmit the application and make sure to check the email address that was provided and to make sure that you use a GMAIL account. You may email the Thailand Pass system at [email protected]
I have attempted to apply for a sandbox pass for Phuket but I need to provide proof of payment for 2 PCR test. How can I pre pay for these tests
Dear Richard,
Good day.
You can go to http://www.thailandpsas.com
Thank you.
Hello,
Can USA citizens enter with the test and go program if we are currently traveling in the country of the Republic of Georgia?
Thanks,
Dear Kip,
Yes, you can definitely apply for Test and Go Thailand Pass. Please go to this site: https://tp.consular.go.th/ and apply for the Test and Go starting February 1.
Thank you.
why can’t choose Test & Go?
Only Sandbox Programme and Alternative Quarantine.
I allready booking airline and hotel to bangkok at 11 feb 2022
Dear Jeff,
You need to wait until February 1, 2022 at 9AM Thai time for the opening of the system for new application under Test and Go program.
Thank you.