The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various travel restrictions and enhanced guidelines to travel internationally and a majority of countries have closed their borders to international tourists. Although, Thailand, the tropical paradise and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, has become one of the very few first countries to reopen its borders for international visitors with strict safety guidelines in place. The country has been on top of the global COVID-19 recovery index since months and has thus succeeded in resuming tourism all across.
If you’re planning to visit Thailand and are confused about the entry requirements, safety rules and other guidelines, we’re here to your rescue with this guide to travelling to Thailand in the new normal!
Entry To Thailand
Thailand has introduced a special tourist visa scheme for long term foreign visitors. The visa has been introduced for a year- from September 2020 to September 2021. The visa will only be granted to countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates as advised by the ministry of public health. Here is everything you need to know about entering Thailand on this visa:
- The visa will be valid for 90 days and will be extendable to 90 more days twice.
- Along with the visa, proof of long term residence stay in Thailand also needs to be presented
- Health and accident insurance coverage that covers their period of stay in Thailand will also be needed. This should have a minimum of 40,000 Baht coverage for outpatient treatment and 400,000 Baht coverage for inpatient hospital and physician services.
- A quarantine of 14 days in an alternative local state or hospital is mandatory for all tourists on arrival.
- A COVID test would have to be taken at the beginning and the end of the quarantine period. If you’re staying in Phuket and are leaving for some other island, you’ll have to take another COVID test before you leave.
Staying In Thailand
The Thailand government has introduced various safety measures across the country to make it safe for visitors and citizens and are checking for strict abidance to the same by all. The safety guidelines at airports, hotels and all public areas have been enhanced in accordance with the requirements of the current times to keep all travellers visiting Thailand safe.
Reopened Hotels
- Most 4-star and 5-star hotels in Thailand have been reopened with strict safety measures in place to keep their guests safe.
- Safety measures include thermal screening, enhanced sanitization protocols, social distancing enablers, regular checks, staff screening, etc.
What Happens If You Show COVID Symptoms While your Stay In Thailand
If you show COVID symptoms while staying in Thailand, you will have to immediately inform your hotel or resort manager after which you will be isolated and would have to take a COVID test. Alternatively, you can also call +66 968478209 or +66 927260474.
Local Transport
Local transport including buses, taxis and trains across Thailand has resumed for the public with various safety measures. It is mandatory for all to wear masks and follow social distancing while using public transport. Hand sanitizing gels will be provided free of charge on board the buses and trains.
The timings of local transport have been changed- buses and trains are not functional from 11 pm to 4 am.
Safety Measures
- The Thai government has issued separate safety guidelines to be followed at homes, hotels, public areas, and workplaces.
- Wearing masks and abiding by social distancing is mandatory for all at public areas.
- Travellers and residents are advised to stay away from people who are at high risk of infection like elders and people with severe respiratory diseases.
- The timings of various beaches and attractions have been changed to accommodate a lower amount of people and to keep them safe.
