(CNN) — If you're planning to travel to Thailand, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Thailand has recorded more than 23,000 deaths and over 3.21 million cases of Covid-19 as of March 15, 2022
On average, around 20,000-30,000 Covid-19 cases are reported per day as the Omicron variant continues to spread in the country.
On February 1, Thailand restarted its "Test & Go" program, allowing vaccinated international travelers from all countries to enter without lengthy quarantine restrictions. (Thailand temporarily suspended the program from December 22, 2021, citing the rising number of Omicron variant cases in the country.)
Those wanting to enter face several requirements, including proof of prepayment of one night of accommodation at a government-approved hotel on Day 1, where travelers must await the results of mandatory RT-PCR tests.
Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated are required to quarantine in an approved hotel for 10 days.
More information on the various entry programs can be found on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.
What's on offer
Picture-perfect islands. Golden beaches with swaying palms. Ornate temples and lush forests. Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eyes tropical break.
Who can go
Holders of US, Canada, UK and Australia passports are among those not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 45 days on each visit.
Tourists from countries not on the visa exemption list can apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows for 90-day stays, and can be renewed twice. You must apply for an STV via the Thai consulate or embassy in your own country.
What are the entry restrictions?
All travelers need to apply for a "Thailand Pass" prior to their journey.
As part of the entry requirements for the "Test & Go" scheme, foreign tourists must provide proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for Covid-19 up to the cost of $20,000.
All travelers need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Fully vaccinated international travelers can also travel to Thailand under the "Sandbox Program," meaning they need to stay for a minimum of seven days in one of several approved destinations including: Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan or Ko Tao.
Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities for 10 days. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages.
A full list of participating hotels and resorts, along with package rates, can be found here: asq.locanation.com.
What's the Covid situation?
For months, Thailand reported few locally transmitted Covid-19 cases thanks to strict quarantine on arrival rules.
However, the country was easing out of its third and worst wave of infections when the Omicron variant began to spread in January, leading to a swift increase in positive cases.
At the moment, the country is reporting around 20,000-30,000 new cases per day on average.
source : CNN
March 18, 2022
