Thailand Removes PCR Test Requirement

Announced April 22, 2022, Thailand is removing its requirement for pre-arrival and on-arrival PCR testing for fully vaccinated international travelers. The change takes effect May 1, 2022.

What vaccinated travelers need to enter Thailand as of May 1, 2022

The new protocols are detailed in this press release from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Travelers need to show proof that they’re fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and that they have travel health insurance that covers any Covid-related health expenses during their entire stay in Thailand.

All international travelers still need to register for the Thailand Pass, which verifies your documentation and then issues a QR code (travelers who have already been issued a Thailand Pass under the old system do not need to register for a new one, so long as their arrival date has not changed or is within seven days of the original date). Health insurance coverage needs to be for a minimum of $10,000 U.S., reduced from the previous $20,000.

Tourists from most countries are granted a visa on arrival. Travelers from, currently, 18 countries (including Mexico and India) can also apply in advance for an E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) on VHS Global’s website, an authorized partner of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau.

Where you can go in Thailand

Vaccinated travelers can enjoy all of Thailand’s varied destinations. Thailand’s Test & Go and Sandbox programs no longer apply to fully vaccinated travelers.

In Bangkok, you can feast on blue swimmer crabs at Michelin-starred restaurants like Nahm at the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok hotel. In Phuket, you could have a massage with warmed bamboo sticks and a swim in your private pool at Anantara Layan resort in Phuket. In Kanchanaburi, about three hours from Bangkok, you can take a walk with the seven protected elephants at Elephant Haven. You could explore the shopping and street food in the walled city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Or, check out TravelFish.org to find the Thai island, cooking course, scuba destination, national park, ancient ruins, or relaxed Thai town that suits you best.

Rules for nonvaccinated travelers to Thailand

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated have two choices. To be exempt from quarantine, nonvaccinated travelers can show a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before traveling. Or, nonvaccinated travelers can stay in an Alternative Quarantine hotel for five days and undergo a PCR test on day four or five.

Information related to the choice (including the reservation for the Alternative Quarantine hotel) must be added to the forms when applying for the Thailand Pass. More details is available in this press release from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.