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Following the news that Thailand was potentially considering allowing travelers from certain countries to enter without the need for a visa, it was confirmed yesterday that this plan has been given the go-ahead. Timed just before Thailand’s peak travel season, it’s hoped that more travelers take advantage of this incentive and provide a much-needed boost to Thailand’s ailing tourism sector. Here’s a list of the countries that this applies to, as well as a look at what you’ll need to do to guarantee entry into the Land of Smiles.
Visa-Free Travel and the Travelers it Effects
The latest development in Thailand’s ever-changing visa landscape, the decision to announce visa-free travel to the country was announced by Taweesilp Witsanuyotin, a spokesman for the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration – the body in charge of decision relating to Covid-19 in Thailand.
The decision affects citizens of the following countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Principality of Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vietnam
Citizens of the above countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, as was the case before the pandemic. Those from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea can also enter the Kingdom for up to 90 days without a visa.
What Else Do Travelers Need to Do?
Whilst visas may not be necessary for many, there are some hoops that travelers must jump through to guarantee entry to Thailand.
First, they must undertake a Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to travel and have a certificate proving they are free of the virus. They must also ensure they have a booking at a quarantine facility for 14 days prior to arrival. In a change to previous procedures, the number of tests required in quarantine has risen from 2 to 3. Each arrival will be tested three times, on day 0-1, day 9-10 and day 13-14. This procedure is expected to last until December 31st, after which officials will study the results and decide whether or not to reduce quarantine from 14 days to ten days.
Following a successful period in quarantine, travelers are free to explore all of Thailand, and their visas will be amended to show 45 days instead of 30, to make up for time lost due to quarantine.
What Should Travelers Know About Covid-19 in Thailand?
Thailand’s handling of the pandemic has been widely praised, with only 4,297 cases since the pandemic started and just 60 deaths.
However, there have been recent flares of the virus that has caused consternation and panic. The start of the month saw Thais that had been working in neighbouring Myanmar illegally re-enter Thailand and spread the disease whilst traveling to different provinces. Meanwhile, today saw 12 local infections in Samut Sakhon province, less than 50km to Bangkok. It represent Thailand’s largest rise in cases in 7 months.
Relatively speaking, the threat of Covid-19 is far less severe than the majority of countries around the world, yet travelers should ensure to maintain social distancing where possible and wear masks in public places.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
njntisawitness
Monday 21st of December 2020
14 days in quarantine at your own expense, are they serious? I'd rather go to Brazil, Mexico or Chile where they don't force you into quarantine.
PeterK
Monday 21st of December 2020
Last time I checked with the Thai Embassy in Munich this past Friday, I was told that there is only the STV and TR Visa. They knew nothing about VOA. Where do you get the info that Thailand is open to VOA?
Jerry
Sunday 20th of December 2020
Hi Kashlee,
As we don’t need a visa to enter Thailand as a Canadian now, do we still need to obtain certificate of entry along with the covid 19 certificate to enter? Thanks so much.
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 21st of December 2020
Yes, all other covid-related entry requirements still stand
Mohammad Aziz
Sunday 20th of December 2020
I visit Thailand atleast 4-6 times a year. 14 days or 7 days quarantine is not going to work for me, I'll wait till it drop down to no quarantine,I am willing to take test before travel and after arriving in Bangkok. How about people with vaccine certificates? do they require to quarantine also.
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 20th of December 2020
It's way too early to tell what their stance is going to be on vaccine certificates and how it may or may not change entry requirements.
Rajan
Saturday 19th of December 2020
Instead of quarantine Thailand should make covid tests mandatory upon arrival, on 5th day and on 12th day.