Traveling to Thailand during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

Editor’s Note: Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you’re fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on September 26, 2022.

If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The basics

Thailand has recorded more than 32,000 deaths and over 4.67 million cases of Covid-19 as of September 26, 2022.

On average, around 700 Covid-19 cases are reported per day.

On July 1, the government lifted its requirement for visitors to apply for a Thailand Pass online before their journey.

Incoming travelers, regardless of their country of origin, are no longer subjected to Covid-19 tests on arrival.

Vaccinated travelers entering the country must provide proof they have been fully vaccinated. No Covid tests are required before departure.

Unvaccinated or not-fully-vaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative result from an RT-PCR test or professional ATK within 72 hours of travel to Thailand. However, from October 1, 2022, international travelers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results.

More information can be found on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

What’s on offer

Picture-perfect islands. Golden beaches with swaying palms. Ornate temples and lush forests. Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eyes tropical break.

Who can go

Holders of US, Canadian, UK and Australian passports are among those not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 45 days on each visit.

Tourists from countries not on the visa exemption list can apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows for 90-day stays, and can be renewed twice. You must apply for an STV via the Thai consulate or embassy in your own country.

What are the entry restrictions?

Vaccinated travelers entering the country must provide proof they have been fully vaccinated. No Covid tests are required before departure.

Unvaccinated or not-fully-vaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative result from an RT-PCR test or professional ATK within 72 hours of travel to Thailand.

From October 1, 2022, international travelers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results.

What’s the Covid situation?

At the moment, the country is reporting around 700 new cases per day on average and is easing its Covid restrictions.

Face masks are no longer required.

A nationwide vaccine program officially kicked off on June 7, 2021. According to CNN’s vaccine tracker, about 76% of the country’s citizens have been fully vaccinated.

What can visitors expect?

Restrictions have been eased in recent months.

Restaurants, museums, art galleries, historical sites, ancient monuments, spas, cinemas, pools, tattoo studios and sporting facilities are open throughout the country.

Bars and other entertainment venues, including nightclubs, have been permitted to reopen and resume normal operating hours.

A countrywide mask mandate has been lifted, however most people in urban areas continue to wear them in public spaces including outdoor markets and shopping malls. Some businesses and public venues still require people to wear masks.

Useful links

Certificate of Entry form

Special Tourist Visa

Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom

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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Karla Cripps contributed to this report