The simple answer is YES… Thailand is BACK and welcoming tourists with open arms once again! It’s been a rocky few years with lockdowns, quarantine and a complete shutdown of international travel but it’s clear that good times are here to stay! Continue reading to find out more about travelling Thailand and the latest changes to the entry requirements.
IMPORTANT: The information that we deliver through this blog is based on developing circumstances and from a range of sources. None of the information included is guaranteed and the situation is subject to change. We recommend that you sign up for email notifications from official sources in your country of residence. It is important that you personally check visa, entry and quarantine requirements before you travel (both during & outside of COVID times).
Can I travel around Thailand right now? 🇹🇭
You sure can, for quite a few months now Thailand has been offering relaxed entry packages as an alternative to full state quarantine. It started with the ’Sandbox’ scheme, which was a brilliant initial method of combining quarantine for 7 days in controlled areas like Koh Samui, Phuket & Krabi. Next up in the evolution of re-opening their borders was the ’Test & Go‘ scheme. This was similar to the sandbox, but a much shorter version. Rather than 7 days travellers could do a single night in a SHA++ hotel, and after a negative covid test they were free to head on their merry way. Surely they haven’t made it even easier? If you thought that then you’d be wrong!
‘Test & Go’ to be dropped… 👍🏼
Yes you read that correctly, from the 1st May vaccinated travellers will no longer have to quarantine at all or take any kind of PCR test to enter Thailand. This also includes the removal of the mandatory PCR test on arrival… GONE GONE GONE!
For Non-vaccinated/partially vaccinated travellers there is still a few hoops to jump through but it appears to be getting far far easier. On the TAT News website they have reported that travellers without a full course of vaccination (2 jabs by approved providers) will have the option to either i) Stay 5 nights in an approved hotel similar to that of the Sandbox scheme or ii) Complete a PCR 72 hours before departure and provider a negative result to ‘Thailand Pass’ system.
What is the ‘Thailand Pass’ system? 🛂
The Thailand Pass is an online system set up by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for all travellers to register and upload the necessary information including; personal information, copies of your passport, travel insurance, proof of vaccination (if appropriate) and your arrival/departure details. The online form can take approx 15-30 minutes and will usually be processed in 3-7 days on average. It is a requirement that ALL travellers entering Thailand complete the ‘Thailand Pass’ registration and receive approval before commencing their travel plans to Thailand.
Out with the old, in with the new!
There is no name for the new system, as it’s simply about getting the levels of tourism back to where they once were. It’s not a complete free for all as you still need to sort out your Thailand Pass and any necessary documentation.
The new entry process requires you to have insurance coverage of $10,000 which was recently halted from $20,000
What exactly do I need?
It’s super important that you keep an eye on the restrictions yourself as things can often change and this blog is just a guide and not an official source of information. Here is a simple list of things you’ll need to get ready to comply with the ongoing entry requirements;
- Flights Booked– During the Thailand Pass application process, you’ll be asked for your arrival and departure information. It’s important you enter the arrival details accurately but the departure date can be just approximate.
- Important Documents – You’ll be required to upload copies of your passport, vaccination certificates (if appropriate) and your travel insurance document during the Thailand Pass application.
- Thailand Pass – A very simple online form. You can apply here, it’s not too difficult.
- Travel Insurance – Medical coverage for the value of $10,000 or greater.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Thai govt websites to stay upto date with any further changes!
Who can come to Thailand? 😎
Everyone! All are welcome back to the Land of Smiles with open arms, and can once again hear the sweet, sweet sound of “Sawa Dee Kap” (Hello in Thai) again with their own two ears. You can see that fully vaccinated travellers reap more rewards than others with these new measures, but there are improvements for all!
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand? 📄
For most travellers, Thailand is a very easy country to visit with a simple ‘Visa on Arrival’ process. This includes 41 different countries; the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe.
The ‘Visa on Arrival’ allows you 30 days when entering Thailand by air or 15 days when visiting the Kingdom of Thailand by land.
Why travel Thailand in 2022/23?
This is the easiest question of all to answer. Thailand is a beautiful country full of amazing people, delicious food and endless beauty. Whether you are island hopping in the south or adventuring north to Chiang Mai & Pai – there is really something for everyone in this incredible country. From the second you arrive, you’ll know why it’s commonly known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, the people are very friendly and welcome tourists with open arms. Thailand really does sit at the top of every backpacker’s bucket list.
Read this blog to see what’s changed in Thailand and what to expect in this amazing country!
What can I do in Thailand?
There is such a variety of things to do it would be too much to fit in 1 paragraph, below is a list of some of the highlights;
- Visit the ancient golden temples of Bangkok
- Hop around the southern islands of Krabi, Railay & Phi Phi 🏝
- Stay overnight in the rainforest on floating bungalows – Khao Sok National Park
- Take a snorkelling trip and explore the tropical underwater world
- Experience a fire show on the beach of Koh Phi Phi 🔥
- Tube down the river in the north in Pai
- Take a Tuk Tuk and explore the city of Bangkok 🛺
- Hand feed and cuddle up with Thailand’s most sacred animals 🐘
- Taste the delicious street food & take a cooking class
- Get IG ready at the bamboo bridge in Pai 📸
- Party on the beach and the famous Khao San Road
- Visit the night markets & much much more… 😃
Experience the very best of Thailand on our ‘South to North – 15 Day’ trip. Perfect for solo travellers or those looking for hassle free adventures
Are tours running again in Thailand?
They sure are… we’ve been running tours in Thailand since early January and almost all our trips have been full. There is no better time get get planning for that big trip. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best sights this amazing country has to offer then jump on one if our amazing small group tours. It really doesn’t matter if you’re on a gap year, a backpacking adventure or just having a few weeks off work… come join us for the trip of a lifetime! Just like before COVID our tours are booking up FAST, we have dates 3-6 months in advance that are already full so don’t wait around and miss out! You can click here to book your spot 🙌🏼
IMPORTANT: The information that we deliver through this blog is based on developing circumstances and from a range of sources. None of the information included is guaranteed and the situation is subject to change. We recommend that you sign up for email notifications from official sources in your country of residence. It is important that you personally check visa, entry and quarantine requirements before you travel (both during & outside of COVID times).
- UK Travellers – Click here for official guidance from the FCO
- US Travellers – Click here for official guidance from the state department
- Canadian Travellers – Click here for official guidance from the government department
- Australian Travellers – Click here for official guidance from the government department
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in both Australia & South East Asia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure & party nights out. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends. There really is no better way to travel than with Feel Free Travel 🤙🏻
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
👉🏼 View all Trips
👉🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
👉🏼 Check out our Reviews
👉🏼 Why choose us?
👉🏼 How does it all work?
If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either Whatsapp or Facebook.