Thailand’s latest travel rules starting May 1, 2022

The latest Thailand entry rules beginning May 1, 2022, have been finalized and are in effect with particular guidelines for travelers who are vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated from all countries and territories.

The following are the Requirements for arrival and the documentation needed for visiting Thailand:

1. A valid passport, as well as a Thailand Pass which you can access at https://tp.consular.go.th/, or a Border Pass for border crossings.
2. An insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $10,000 USD. This rule, however, does not apply to Thais or foreigners holding Non-B visas and is covered by Thailand’s social security system (SSO).

For the COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, the following are the rules:

1. Adult travelers aged 18 and up must be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 with an authorized vaccine at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand.
2. Minor travelers aged 5 to 17 years must get vaccinated with at least one dose of an authorized vaccination at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. This condition does not apply to children traveling with their parents.
3. A medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery is required for travelers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have received at least one dose of an authorized vaccine after infection.

Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated or who have not been fully vaccinated must have the following documentation in order to visit Thailand:

1. Same documentation requirements as listed in number 1 and number two above.
2. Evidence of prepayment for a 5-night quarantine at a government-approved hotel or hotels, such as the SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel or AQ Accommodation/s, as well as proof of prepayment for one RT-PCR COVID-19 test. An exception is given to Thais who do not have to pay for the test in advance.

Unvaccinated / partially vaccinated travelers who can upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test via the Thailand Pass system within 72 hours of travel are exempt from quarantine. The exception also applies to children under the age of six who are traveling with their parents.

The following are the Requirements Upon Arrival:

All visitors must undergo entry screening, which includes a body temperature check, and provide the necessary documentation to the Immigration/Health Control officer who will conduct the checks.

Those who have been vaccinated will be given admission and will be free to travel across the kingdom. Arrivals by land with a border pass will be permitted to stay for no more than three days in certain areas only.

Unvaccinated / not fully vaccinated travelers who upload documentation of a negative RT-PCR test using the Thailand Pass system within 72 hours of travel will be allowed admission and will be free to travel anywhere in the country.

However, it’s still quite a hassle for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers who must have a 5-day quarantine period. In my understanding, they must pre-book an accommodation that is at least five hours travel away from the airport and they must travel to the accommodation in a prearranged vehicle.

They must have RT-PCR test on days 4-5 and if they test negative, they are free to go anywhere in the country. But if they test positive, they will be referred for an appropriate medical treatment which must be covered by the insurance policy that they presented otherwise they have to pay at their own expense.

And lastly, of course, travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated / not completely vaccinated, are recommended to adhere to all health and safety regulations while in Thailand. COVID-like symptoms should be investigated. If they test positive, they must seek medical attention.