The rules are – there are no rules/restrictions for traveling to Thailand in October 2022.
As of September 30th, 2022, Thailand will lift the COVID-19 emergency decree that has been in place since early 2020. Travelers will no longer need proof of vaccine, or ATK testing as of October 1st, 2022.
Please note: This does not mean you are free to do as you please when visiting Thailand. Thailand is a deeply spiritual country and should be respected for its culture and natural beauty.
The End of the Covid-19 Era
Thailand will end the Covid-19 emergency decree as of September 30th, 2022. The emergency decree was put in place on the 25th of March 2020 and extended 19 times by the CCSA (Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration). This will see the dissolution of the CCSA and revocation of all rules, regulations, and orders that were put into place during its tenure.
Thailand has been gradually re-opening since mid-2021, cautiously, but optimistically welcoming travelers back to her shores. First with the Thailand Pass, the Sandbox schemes, followed by general relaxation of the many rules and regulations that were put into place to limit the spread of Covid-19
From July 2022, Thailand removed the Thailand Pass requirement for entering the kingdom, foreigners were only required to show proof of vaccination or a negative ATK test result within the last 72 hours.
Tourists from visa-exempt countries were given 30 days on arrival, with the possible extension of 30 days if they desire. Tourists from other countries were given a visa on arrival for 15 days.
October 1st, 2022 Guidelines – what Guidelines?
Note this changes again as of October 1st, visa-exempt countries will be allowed 45 days on arrival (with 45 days extension) and countries with visas on arrival will be given 30 days (with 30 days extension).
- No testing is necessary prior to arrival
- No vaccine is needed prior to arrival
- No mandatory travel insurance – note, insurance is always recommended
- No restriction on travel anywhere on arrival
- Anyone who does test positive for Covid-19 will not be required to self-isolate
- Masks are not required while outside
These guidelines are in effect from October 1st to March 31st, 2023.
Note: Masks are still requested at many indoor venues. Shopping Malls, stores, meetings. This is an individual company request and should be honored.
The Reclassification of Covid-19
From the end of September 2022, Thailand will no longer consider Covid-19 as a dangerous communicable disease and will reclassify Covid-19 as a communicable disease under surveillance as of October 1st.
Thailand will consider Covid-19 as just another case of the flu. You should take care of yourself and try not to infect anybody else, but you will not be singled out in any way by the government if you do have Covid-19.
No Visa is Required if you are from these Countries
Anyone from these countries is invited to visit Thailand and they will be allowed to stay for 45 days simply by presenting their passport on arrival. If they choose, they may extend another 45 days by visiting the closest immigration office and filling out an extension of stay form.
Note: all are eligible for no visa on arrival of 45 days, except for a few who are noted.
List of Visa-Exempt Countries visiting Thailand in 2022
| 1. Andorra | 23. Ireland | 45. Peru (30 and 90 days) |
| 2. Argentina (90 days) | 24. Israel | 46. Philippines |
| 3. Australia | 25. Italy | 47. Poland |
| 4. Austria | 26. Japan | 48. Portugal |
| 5. Bahrain | 27. Korea (30 and 90 days) | 49. Qatar |
| 6. Belgium | 28. Kuwait | 50. Russia |
| 7. Brazil (30 and 90 days) | 29. Laos | 51. San Marino |
| 8. Brunei | 30. Latvia | 52. Singapore |
| 9. Cambodia (14 days only) | 31. Liechtenstein | 53. Slovak Republic |
| 10. Canada | 32. Lithuania | 54. Slovenia |
| 11. Chile (90 days) | 33. Luxembourg | 55. South Africa |
| 12. Czech Republic | 34. Macau | 56. Spain |
| 13. Denmark | 35. Malaysia | 57. Sweden |
| 14. Estonia | 36. Maldives | 58. Switzerland |
| 15. Finland | 37. Mauritius | 59. Turkey |
| 16. France | 38. Myanmar (14 days only) | 60. Ukraine |
| 17. Germany | 39. Monaco | 61. United Arab Emirates |
| 18. Greece | 40. Mongolia | 62. United Kingdom |
| 19. Hong Kong | 41. Netherlands | 63. United States |
| 20. Hungary | 42. New Zealand | 64. Vietnam |
| 21. Iceland | 43. Norway | |
| 22. Indonesia | 44. Oman |
Visa on Arrival is available to the following Countries
| Bulgaria | India | Russia |
| Bhutan | Kazakhstan | Saudia Arabia |
| People’s Republic of China | Malta | Taiwan |
| Cyprus | Mexico | Uzbekistan |
| Ethiopia | Nauru | Vanatu |
| Fiji | Papua New Guinea | |
| Georgia | Romaina |
In Summary
Thailand is open for business. They have eliminated all CCSA restrictions that were in place during the Covid era, as of October 1st, 2022. They have eliminated the need for testing and mandatory paperwork, quarantine, and insurance.
Visitors are free to rock up to the border, be it land, sea, or air and if they are from visa-exempt countries, just present their passport and be granted 45 days to visit with an additional 45 days granted with minimal fuss. Others who do require a visa on arrival will be granted 30 days and a potential 30-day extension.
Thailand is welcoming the world back to her shores. It is a great time to visit. The country is almost back to normal. Wearing a mask is not required while outside, however, many indoor venues still do require masks to be worn. This is up to the individual venues and should be respected.