What It’s Like Entering Thailand Right Now

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Now that Thailand is at its ‘most open' state for travel in the past two years, more tourists are starting to return to the beautiful Land of Smiles. However, entering isn't the same process as it was in 2019 and most tourists still have questions or doubts about what it looks like first-hand to enter right now.

I traveled to Thailand two days after the government has relaxed its entry requirements, on May 3rd, and I've got a recent perspective of what it’s like entering Thailand right now.

I am going to walk you through the pre-departure process, travel, and arrival process, as well as what the situation is like on the ground in Thailand. 

Entry Requirements into Thailand as of May 1, 2022:

Before Departure:

Fully Vaccinated Travelers: 

• No quarantine or COVID-19 test requirement (including locals and international travelers).
• All travelers are required to possess a COVID-19 insurance coverage of at least USD10,000 (except for Thai nationals).
• Register for a Thailand Pass.

For Unvaccinated Travelers: 

• Travelers must produce a negative PCR COVID-19 test result (test must be taken within 72 hours of departure and must be presented upon arrival).
• All travelers are required to possess a COVID-19 insurance coverage of at least USD10,000 (except for Thai nationals). 
• Register for a Thailand Pass.
   

After Arrival:

For Vaccinated Travelers:

Nothing. Enjoy your trip!

For Unvaccinated Travelers: 

• If the traveler is unable to provide a negative pre-travel PCR test result taken 72 hours before arrival in Thailand, they will be subject to a 5-day quarantine.
•  For travelers who are able to produce a negative pre-travel PCR test result, they will not be subject to quarantine. 
• Unvaccinated travelers who are unable or unwilling to undergo a PCR test before travel can still apply for a Thailand Pass but will also need to pre-book 5 days of quarantine in a hotel.
   

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must register on the Thailand Pass website, however, there will be no more ‘Test & Go’ or ‘Sandbox’ programs. 

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What traveling to Thailand was actually like. 

Traveling to Thailand was quite effortless, to be honest. Originally I came from the U.S., but I did a short stop in Bali before Thailand, as it's another incredible place I couldn't miss out on. I flew into Bangkok from Denpasar and upon checking in at the airline counter, I was simply asked for a copy of my Thai Pass and hotel itinerary.

That was all that was asked of me surprisingly.

The whole process took less than 5 minutes. 

At no other point in my journey to Thailand was I asked for any of those documents again. My flight to Bangkok wasn’t very packed either.

It was a smooth process altogether and once arrived in Bangkok, I quickly made my way through the health screening and immigration services. 

I was asked by Thai officials for my passport and boarding pass, which was the extent of the “health screening”. 

 I was one of the first people off the plane and so making my way through the immigration services didn’t take long at all. Within 10 minutes was I standing in front of the baggage carousel waiting for my luggage. 

After you get your bag, you can leave the airport and go on your journey without any form of restriction.

I flew on to Phuket and again, the flight wasn’t really that busy, with around 60% of the plane being empty. 

What are the streets of Thailand currently like? 

There certainly is an influx of travelers roaming the streets of Thailand. You can tell that tourism is ramping up. Stores are open, businesses are operating at 100% capacity, and tourists are flocking to beaches and temples.

Hotels and tour operators are busy with the number of travelers they are receiving but most of those travelers seem to be domestic travelers from other parts of Thailand and a few Europeans. 

Are Thais eager to welcome foreigners? 

I’ve certainly been welcomed gracefully and with open arms, but you can still feel that some locals are cautiously embracing the loosened Covid-19 restrictions, and foreigners that come with it.

Needless to say, everyone has been kind and friendly to see foreign faces once again.

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What about masks in Thailand? 

Masks are required in a lot of places throughout Thailand, and you will see most Thais wear them religiously, however wearing a mask is more encouraged than enforced.

Bottom Line:

Thailand is open for virtually anyone with a valid passport and it’s almost as easy to get into the country as prior to Covid.

With a little bit of planning and organization, you’ll be back in this incredible country in no time. Now really is a great time to visit the Kingdom of Thailand. 

READ MORE:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Welcome Back To Thailand: Top 5 Places You Should Visit in 2022

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.