Updated on February 26, 2022
After months of strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. The government has introduced the Test and Go and Sandbox programs allowing vaccinated travelers to enter the country without quarantine.
Travelers around the world are now keen to find out when and how they can travel to Thailand in 2022. What important things do travelers need to know about Thailand Travel Restrictions if they are planning to fly to the Land of Smiles? Here is some helpful information for you.
Update:
Thailand Pass system is currently open and accepting new applications for the Test and Go, Sandbox and Quarantine entry programs.
Travel to Thailand
Travelers will be allowed to enter Thailand with our without quarantine based on their vaccination status and their country of departure. Please see information below:
Test and Go: No Quarantine
Fully vaccinated travelers from any country are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. Here are the requirements: Fully vaccinated for more than 14 days before traveling;; Must book a SHA+ Hotel for Day 1 while waiting for the result of the RT PCR COVID test; must possess a COVID-19 Insurance.
SandBox Program
Fully vaccinated travelers from any country visiting Thailand are also not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. They must enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Sandbox programs. These travelers are required to stay for 7 nights in a designated SHA Plus Hotel in Pattaya, Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Samui, Koh Phang Ngan, or Koh Tao before they are allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
Alternative Quarantine Program
For international travelers who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, they will be required to undergo the mandatory alternative quarantine of 10 days in a designated quarantine hotel in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pattaya, Phuket, or Samui before they can travel to other parts of Thailand.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?
General tourists are not required to apply for a Thai Visa. Since December 2020, visitors from countries under the Visa Exemption List are not required to obtain a Thai visa in order to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes. The Thai Immigration Bureau will allow foreigners to stay in Thailand for 30 days. Tourists will have the option to apply for 30 days visa extension at any local immigration office in Thailand. The visa extension due to COVID-19 is valid for 60 days.
If you wish to stay longer in the country, please know that the normal 60-day Tourist Visa, Thai Elite Visa, and other non-immigrant visas are also available at the Thai Embassy or Consulate around the world. Holders of these visas are still required to apply for the Thailand Pass at the MFA website.
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
Applying for Thailand Pass
Everyone planning to come to Thailand should know that having a valid Thailand Pass is mandatory during the COVID pandemic. The Thailand Pass is a web-based system designed to support Thailand’s “Ease of Travel” system and to make the documentation process of the travelers entering Thailand simpler and more efficient.
You may visit the MFA website https://tp.consular.go.th/ and apply for the Thailand Pass directly.
It is advised to submit/register your Thailand Pass application at least 5 to 7 days before your scheduled departure. You cannot enter Thailand until you have received your Thailand Pass, so make sure you start the application process well in advance. The application for the Thailand Pass is free of charge, however, you may also retain a service provider who would assist you with your Thailand Pass application.