Thailand To Remove 1 Day Quarantine And PCR Test Upon Arrival

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Thailand has made entry to the country much easier for most travelers around the world with its latest entry restriction easing measures. The move comes following the successful roll out of its latest Thailand Pass entry scheme, which has seen more travelers flock to the Land of Smiles in the past month than at any other time in the pandemic recently – and these changes could be set to make those figures rise even higher. 

In addition to easing the entry restrictions, Thailand is also softening a range of other protective measures it had put in place during the pandemic, such as curfews and closing land borders, as well as extending its sandbox schemes to include more destinations. Here's everything you need to about Thailand's latest travel changes, plus a recap of how to apply for the Thailand Pass needed to enter the country. 

Thailand Eases Entry Restrictions – Information For Travelers

Since it was launched at the start of the month, the Thailand Pass entry system has been more successful than any of Thailand's other systems designed to lure travelers back to its shores, such as the mandatory quarantine system and the Phuket Sandbox scheme. Since the Thailand Pass was launched at the start of the month, more than 81,000 visitors have arrived into the country by air – down considerably compared to pre-pandemic numbers, but a welcome boost compared to this time last year. 

Those numbers could be set to receive yet another boost following the news that the country is set to make travel more attractive to travelers. The key way in which Thailand will be doing this is by phasing out the need to take a PCR test and compulsory stay in a hotel upon arrival. Instead, travelers will be able to take an antigen test – also known as an ATK test – upon arrival, which will generate results much faster and will allow travelers to be able to start their vacations quicker.

Such changes only affect those arriving through the Test and Go scheme, and will come into effect from December 16th, providing they pass through the Royal Gazette without issue and ascend into law. As a result, travelers applying for the Thailand Pass who are visiting from December 16th have been asked to wait until December 1st before submitting their applications, as the submission process will change to reflect the new entry requirements. In the event that a traveler is arriving after December 16th and they already have Thailand Pass, the pass will still be valid.

There are also proposed changes for those arriving via the sandbox route. Under the sandbox, travelers are free to travel in specific provinces without quarantine but cannot leave. The length of time travelers must spend in a sandbox province is set to be shortened to five days, whilst Kanchanaburi, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani are being added as sandbox destinations. These changes will come into effect from December 1st.

Across Thailand, other restrictions are also being eased. Provinces considered to be amongst the most dangerous are set to be reclassified, ending Covid-related curfew in the country, whilst land and sea entry to the country is also set to be relaxed some time in the near future. Unfortunately for some travelers, the ban on entertainment venues reopening is set to stand. 

In order to apply for the Thailand Pass, travelers must ensure they have the following documents:

• Passport
• Vaccination Certificate or Card
• COVID-19 Health Insurance Certificate
• Confirmed ASQ hotel booking or Confirmed SHA+ hotel booking (with pre-booked RT PCR test)
• Flight Booking

Travelers must then apply via the Thailand Pass website, where they will receive an update within 3-7 days. This will generate a QR code, which is needed to enter Thailand.

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