Travel to Thailand in 2022

In order to Travel to Thailand in 2022 you must jump through some hoops. It seems like a complicated process, but the steps are straightforward, and Thailand is open for business. Thailand is open to travelers from all countries around the world. There are no restrictions on citizens from any countries.

The timing is a little tricky as you must apply, 3-7 days and you must have a negative RT-PCR test 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand.

The following steps must be followed for all people:

All travelers must apply for entry through the Thailand Pass application/website

The Thailand Pass allows three ways of entering Thailand at present.

1. Test and Go
2. Sandbox
3. Alternative quarantine

Eligible Citizens

All countries are eligible for travel to Thailand. The citizens from the following countries may enter with a visa on arrival. All other citizens must obtain a visa before arriving.

Before your departure

Apply to enter Thailand through the Thailand Pass website.

Choose one of the 3 options above, Test and Go, Sandbox, Alternative Quarantine. Fill out the application on the Thailand Pass site.

In order to complete your registration you will need the following:

Note: the processing time for approval is 3 to 7 working days.

Approval Process

Once you have submitted your documents the staff at your hotel will authenticate your hotel reservation. They will reject incomplete or non-compliant documents and will email you through the Thailand Pass system for re-submission. At this stage we recommend you contact the hotel directly to see what the issue may be.

Booking directly with the hotel will help to ensure you do not experience any difficulties with the hotel bookings. You can use Agoda.com if you choose, but be sure that you have booked the correct hotel package that corresponds with your Thailand Pass application. Test and Go, Sandbox, or Alternative Quarantine.

Note: if you do use Agoda then cancellation will be easier if necessary.

When your hotel has approved your reservation your Thailand Pass is sent to the DDC (Thailand’s Department of Disease Control). The DDC will check your vaccination certificates and COVID insurance. Once approved by the DDC you will be issued your Thailand Pass QR code by email.

What to Expect Here

Thailand is open for travelers and is actively seeking tourists. The WHO has praised Thailand for its handling of the Corona virus pandemic and Thailand is accepting visitors. Thailand does enforce the wearing of masks in public. This policy seems to have worked well for Thailand.

• Be prepared for your RT-PCR test on day one and again when required under your entry program.
• Wear your mask in public, it is common courtesy here.
• Bars and nightclubs are not open (some are open under a special restaurant license).
• The big discos are not yet open.
• Not all attractions in Thailand are open. If you have a specific destination in mind be sure it is open first.
• Thailand has had 2 years of almost no tourism – things have changed. (it is a lot quieter than it used to be).
• The country is opening up and is welcoming people from around the globe.

Resources

1. Thailand Pass website
2. General Inquiries – phone – +66 2 572 8442
3. General Inquiries – phone – mobile – +66 (0)65 205 4247
4. General Inquiries – email – testgo@consular.go.th
5. Phuket Sandbox and Test and Go – phone +66 75 530 220
6. Phuket Sandbox and Test and Go – email – phuket.thailandpass@gmail.com or thailandpass.htk@gmail.com

Insurance Cautions

Check your insurance carefully.

• be sure your policy is for a minimum of $50,000.00USD and covers medical as well as Covid-19.
• Insurance requirement will drop to $20,000 as of March 1st, 2022.
• Be sure your insurance covers in-patient hospitalization, hospital isolation, hotel isolation, related quarantine.
• Avoid insurance with Covid-19 only insurance, unless you are sure you have other insurance for medical issues.
• Be sure your insurance can be extended, if you are required to stay over due to quarantine.