Entering into Thailand as of Today
Entering into Thailand as of Today
Test & Go is finally back on for vaccinated travelers who are able to register for quarantine-free entry to Thailand. This was recently cancelled due to the Omicron variant which spread throughout the country right after new year’s.
In Phuket, life has been a bit of a roller-coaster, moving from the sandbox to Test & Go, back to the sandbox again and potentially a 14-day quarantine with the omicron scare. However, things have seemed to be improving with clear signs of new travelers which is a heart-warming sight to see. Bang-la road, the infamous nightlife party street is now back to what it was prior to the pandemic.
Entry under Test & Go is open to travelers from all countries. Those who are fully vaccinated against Covid must apply for a Thailand Pass QR code to enter the country. Travelers are required to take an RT-PCR test on arrival and stay at an approved hotel for up to a night while they wait for their test results to come back.
Travelers will now need to book a stay at an approved hotel on their fifth day in Thailand for their second RT-PCR test. A spokesperson says travelers do not need to stay at the same hotel, adding that they can travel throughout Thailand in between their tests.
So here are the new requirements for Test & Go…
- Proof of hotel booking for Day 1 and Day 5 in Thailand
- Confirmed payment for a SHA+ approved hotel
- Pre-payment for the two RT-PCR tests
- Certificate of vaccination or vaccine passport
- Proof of a negative result from an RT-PCR test issued no more than 72 hours before departure
- Thailand Pass QR code (Click HERE for the official website run by the Department of Consular Affairs. The Thailand Pass is free. Watch out for other sites seeking payment.)
After New Year’s, infections have been increasing at a alarming rate but was still manageable with almost 55% percent of the population vaccinated, trends are now suggesting a gradual decrease with low fatalities rates when compared to the delta variant.
The CCSA also decided to add more destinations to the Sandbox entry program, which allows vaccinated travelers to enter specified areas and roam freely for a week instead of undergoing a quarantine period at a hotel or facility. Trat’s Koh Chang was approved as well as Chon Buri’s Pattaya.
Those who are unvaccinated must enter under the Alternative Quarantine program, which requires travelers to isolate at an approved hotel or resort for 10 days and undergo Covid tests before they can be released.
Restrictions are easing in 25 provinces following a revision to the color-coded zoning based on local infection rates. Those provinces have moved “orange” controlled zones to “yellow” zones under surveillance.
The “blue” zones, which are approved for pilot tourism programmes, have remained the same and include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi,
Krabi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
Phang Nga, and Phuket.
The zoning revision goes into effect January 24.
Alcohol sales at restaurants “yellow” and “blue” zones have been approved until 11pm.
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