Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and is well known for its diverse culture, buddhist temples, jaw dropping beaches and epic never ending parties.
Just like most countries around the world, Thailand’s tourism industry was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Thailand was able to control the virus within its own borders, it has come at a steep cost.
Now Thailand is beginning to cautiously reopen for tourism and start a long recovery process for its tourism sector.
Here are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Thailand and everything you need to know. We’ll keep this article updated weekly with any official announcements from the Thai government.
Is Thailand Open For Tourism During COVID-19?
Thailand has reopened for select international tourists and travelers under strict entry requirements.
Countries Permitted To Visit Thailand
Countries allowed depend on the type of Visa you are applying for:
TR Visa – Tourist Visa 60 Days: All countries may apply
STV Long Stay Visa – Special Tourist Visa 90 Days: Low risk countries may apply
Low risk countries:
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- China
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- Hong Kong
- Ivory Coast
- Kazakhstan
- Macao
- Mongolia
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Qatar
- Korea
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
Travel Authorization To Visit Thailand
At this time, all travelers must apply for a visa before visiting Thailand.
Types of Travelers Permitted To Visit Thailand
- Tourist Visa: TR Visa 60 days more info on this visa later in the aritcle
- Long Stay Tourist: STV Visa – Special Tourist Visa more info on this visa later in the article
- Medical Tourists: Travelers seeking medical and wellness services may enter Thailand upon receiving a ‘International Flight Permit’ from the Thai Embassy/Consulate in their home country. A letter from a Thai doctor must be presented when applying.
- Non-Thai nationals who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national
- Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid certificate of residence, or permission to take up residence in the Kingdom
- Foreign workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar for food and construction industries
- Foreigners participating in trade fairs in Thailand
- Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid work permit and their spouse or children
- Foreign film crews coming for filming in Thailand
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
All travelers arriving in Thailand must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to flight
All travelers will be given a second COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival.
If a traveler tests positive, they will be transferred to a state hospital for quarantine.
If the test test negative, the traveler will be transferred to a state quarantine facility.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
All approved travelers must quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Thailand at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) approved hotel or hospital.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to show evidence of medical and travel insurance that covers COVID-19. The Insurance needs cover at least US$100,000 in medical treatment, a minimum of 400,000 Thai baht (USD $13,050) for other medical and accident expenses. This insurance must be valid for the full length of stay.
How To Apply For The Tourist Visa: TR Visa
Thailand announced on November 1st, 2020 they will begin offering 60 day tourist visas and granting Certificates of Entry (COE) online. To apply for the certificate of entry travelers must meet the following entry requirements.
TR Visa Requirements:
- Bank statement providing proof of income in the last 6 months equivalent to USD $16,336 (500,000 Baht)
- 14 day ‘state quarantine’ upon arrival
- All countries may apply
- Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ)
How to Apply:
Travelers can apply for the visa on the official Thai Government website.
How To Apply For The Long Stay Visa: (STV Visa – Special Tourist Visa)
Thailand announced the 90-day visa for long-stay tourists on September 15th, 2020. Travelers must commit to a minimum of 90 days.
STV Visa Requirements:
- Proof of payment for 90 day accommodation booking
- 14 day ‘state quarantine’ upon arrival
- Bank statement providing proof of income in the last 6 months equivalent to USD $16,336 (500,000 Baht)
- Preference given to low-risk countries according to the Public Health Ministry regulations (countries are not defined)
- Proof of travel and medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
How to Apply:
Travelers can apply for the visa on the official Thai Government website.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Thailand
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Thailand:
- Wearing a mask at all times when in public
- Follow social distancing markers and instructions
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available to the public. Thailand has not announced any mandates on if a proof of vaccine record (POVR) will be required for for entry in the future.
What About Phuket Reopening For Tourism?
Phuket was originally scheduled to open for international tourism on October 1st, 2020 but the reopening has been delayed after Thailand confirmed its first case in 30 months of COVID-19 at the end of September.
When a reopening date is confirmed by the Thai government, it will be posted here along with all the relevant entry requirements.
