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Thailand Travel Restrictions
Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status
Traveling from the United States to Thailand
Open for vaccinated visitors
COVID-19 testing
Not required
Not required for vaccinated visitors
Restaurants
Recommended in public spaces.
Thailand entry details and exceptions
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Can I travel to Thailand from the United States?
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.
Can I travel to Thailand if I am vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Thailand without restrictions.
Can I travel to Thailand without being vaccinated?
Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Thailand without restrictions.
Do I need a COVID test to enter Thailand?
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Thailand.
Can I travel to Thailand without quarantine?
Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.
Do I need to wear a mask in Thailand?
Mask usage in Thailand is recommended in public spaces.
Are the restaurants and bars open in Thailand?
Restaurants in Thailand are open. Bars in Thailand are .
No more 7-day quarantine as Thailand encourages vaccinated tourists to return
Jan 20, 2022 • 4 min read
Thailand is resuming its quarantine-free entry program for international visitors ©Getty Images
Thailand is resuming its Test-and-Go tourism plan from February, which means that fully vaccinated visitors can bypass seven-day quarantine and travel to any part of Thailand, provided they take a negative COVID-19 test on the first and fifth day of their visit.
Fully vaccinated tourists from 63 countries, including United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Germany, China, Singapore, Spain, France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, can soon avail of the Test-and-Go program again after the government suspended it in December due to the uncertaintity surrounding the Omicron variant.
The (almost) quarantine-free entry Test-and-Go plan requires fully vaccinated arrivals to have COVID-19 insurance cover of at least US$50,000 (£36,600), and present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they depart for Thailand.
New applicants for the Test-and-Go program are also required to undergo two additional COVID-19 tests upon arrival and must, at their own expense, spend the first night and fifth night in Thailand quarantining at a government-approved hotel while awaiting their results (COVID-19 test results can take about 24 hours to be processed). Tourists must stay in their room while awaiting the result. But once the result is negative, tourists will be free to move and travel around Thailand much in the same way that any Thai citizen can.
Anyone who applied for the Test-and-Go program before December 22 and received their QR code is required to take their test on day five and six instead.
Government spokesperson Taweesilp Wisanuyothin told reporters, via The Bangkok Post , that the Test-and-Go program can resume on February 1 now that the Omicron peak has passed. The tourism program will be kept under review though, along with the Sandbox program (Thailand's first phase of its return to tourism which allows fully vaccinated visitors from any country to travel to approved locations such as Phuket , Krabi and Ko Pha-ngan for at least seven days before being free to travel around Thailand).
"In case there are more infections or the situation changes, there will be a re-assessment for inbound travellers and adjust toward the Sandbox scheme," Wisanuyothin said.
Travelers are also required to download the MorChana app , a tracking app where they will be reminded to take another antigen test on day five. Travelers under the age of 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements but they will be required to undergo testing.
Unvaccinated travelers in Thailand
People who are not vaccinated can also visit Thailand under the country's Alternative Quarantine program . They must apply for a Thailand Pass and travelers over the age of six must take a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before traveling. They'll also have to have an insurance policy with at least US$50,000 coverage and pay for their quarantine accommodation before traveling to Thailand, as well as their PCR tests.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated with an approved dose (or at least one dose for travelers under the age of 18) are required to quarantine for seven days and take two PCR tests. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days and take three PCR tests. When they quarantine period is over, travelers will be free to travel around Thailand.
Read more: Full Moon Party or peaceful paradise? Thailand has a beach for you
Thailand entry fee
Meanwhile, Thailand is considering introducing a tourist fee of 300 baht ($9/£7) in April, though it has yet to be approved. If introduced, the charge would be applied to all international tourists, regardless of where they are coming from and included in their airfare.. According to Thailand's tourism ministry , the revenue generated from the fee would be used to fund the sustainable management of Thailand's tourism resources, in addition to covering accident insurance for tourists who can't afford it.
"We've encountered times when insurance didn't have coverage for tourists... which became our burden to take care of them," the country's tourism minister, Yuthasak Supasorn, told Reuters .
Thailand continues to categorize provinces into dark red, red and orange zones based on their COVID-19 risk, with varied restrictions in place across each zone. Check the latest advice for the area you are traveling to before departure. Face masks are compulsory across Thailand and must be worn in indoor and outdoor public places and on public transport.
You might also like: The quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to get around in Thailand You won't believe the views on these 9 iconic Thailand hikes Bali is now open to international travelers from these countries
This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022
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Covid-jab rules for travellers confirmed
Aviation regulator says requirement will apply to all passengers on international flights landing from 1am Monday
PUBLISHED : 7 Jan 2023 at 20:50
WRITER: Online Reporters
The requirement that all international travellers show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand will take effect from Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Saturday.
The aviation regulator has formally notified all parties about the change to arrival rules for international travellers aged 18 and over. They will take effect for flights landing in Thailand from 1am local time on Monday and will remain in effect at least until the end of the month.
The vaccination requirement was scrapped last October but it has been revived as travel from China is about to resume worldwide on a large scale. Many countries have responded with special measures out of concern that Covid-19 is sweeping through China since the country scrapped its zero-Covid restrictions last month.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has said that any rules adopted in Thailand must not discriminate against any particular country.
According to the CAAT, everyone travelling to the country from Sunday must show proof of full vaccination or a letter certifying that they have recovered from Covid-19 infections no more than six months prior. Unvaccinated travellers must have proof of why they cannot receive a vaccine.
Details of the approved vaccines and required number of doses are available on the CAAT website .
Airlines will be responsible for checking the relevant documents before passengers board and must bar those without the correct paperwork. It is not clear whether passengers will also be required to show the documents again when they land in Thailand.
As well, people who will be travelling from Thailand to a country where a negative RT-PCR test is a condition of entry must show proof of health insurance. This is to ensure that the costs of their care will be covered if they test positive before leaving Thailand.
Thai passport holders or travellers in transit are not required to submit proof of vaccination or hold a Covid-19 insurance policy.
A Xiamen Airlines flight with 200 passengers is scheduled to be the first flight from China to touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday.
- Coronavirus
- International travellers
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Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023
Last updated on January 9, 2023 at 5 PM
- Travelers entering Thailand are not required to show Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 test results. All travelers can freely travel to Thailand without any COVID restrictions.
- Travelers are not required to obtain a Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry (COE). There is no need to download any mobile app.
- Travel Insurance is still highly recommended when you travel to Thailand.
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelers traveling from and to countries that require RT-PCR COVID test for incoming travelers such as India and China. Insurance validity must be +7 days to the intended stay in Thailand.
- Buy your Travel Insurance now at AXA Thailand .
- Book your Hotel in Thailand at Agoda.com
Travelers may join our Facebook Group to ask questions, get help and read the latest developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand
1. Passport and Thai Visa
From October 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023, travelers will be allowed to stay for 30 days or 45 days without prior approval of a Thai visa.
During this period, the length of stay per visit will be 45 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may enter Thailand under a tourist Visa Exemption scheme: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, UK, Ukraine, Vietnam and the USA.
Also, during this period, the length of stay per visit will be 30 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may apply for a VOA: Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu. The visa fee of 2,000 THB will remain the same for these countries.
In addition, passport holders of the following countries/ territories may enter Thailand without a visa under a bilateral agreement: Cambodia (45 days), Myanmar (45 days), Lao PDR. (45 days, Macau (45 days), Mongolia (45 days), Russia (45 days), Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Korea (ROK) (90 days), and Peru (90 days).
Note: Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months or check with your airline for the passport validity requirement.
2. Buy Travel Insurance for Thailand
For health security, foreign travelers should buy Travel Insurance when traveling to Thailand or Asia, in general. Health Insurance is mandatory for travelers whose next country of destination requires them to perform an ATK or RT-PCR test in Thailand prior to traveling to the said country.
You may use your own health insurance purchased from your own country or it is recommended to purchase from an insurance company in Thailand such as AXA Insurance Thailand .
To purchase AXA Thailand Insurance; the most reliable insurance that has never had any problem with the Thailand Pass application, please click the link below:
https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
3. Proof of Vaccination or COVID Test
UPDATE: The Proof of vaccination or Covid test requirement has been revoked as of today’s announcement by the government.
4. Hotel Booking or Proof of Address
Foreigners arriving in Thailand are normally required to provide an address in Thailand. Travelers may provide private accommodation such as a house or apartment. Travelers who opted to stay in hotels must book a hotel in advance.
To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended Bangkok Hotels:
- Anantara Riverside Bangkok
- Avani+ Riverside Bangkok
- Bangkok Marriott Marquis
- Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
- Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
- Lebua at State Tower
- Millennium Hilton Bangkok
- Park Hyatt Bangkok
- Shangri-La Bangkok
- Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
- The Landmark Bangkok
- The Okura Prestige Bangkok
- Vie Hotel Bangkok
To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended hotels in Phuket:
- Andakira Hotel
- Andamantra Resort and Villa Phuket
- Crest Resort and Pool Villas
- Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
- Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa
- Impiana Resort Patong
- Kalima Resort & Spa
- Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa
- Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
- Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
- The Marina Phuket Hotel
- The Nai Harn Phuket
- The Nature Phuket
- V Villas Phuket
To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended hotels in Pattaya:
- Avani Pattaya Resort
- Bella Express Hotel
- Cape Dara Resort
- Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort
- Dusit Thani Pattaya
- Grande Centre Point Pattaya
- Hilton Pattaya
- Ibis Pattaya
- InterContinental Pattaya Resort
- MYTT Beach Hotel
- Navana Nature Escape
- Pullman Pattaya Hotel G
- Royal Wing Suites and Spa
- Veranda Resort Pattaya
- Woodlands Hotel and Resort
Book Your Thailand Hotel on Agoda.com
Accredited vaccines approved by who and thailand ministry of public health.
- AstraZeneca / AZD1222 / Covishield / Vaxzerria
- Pfizer / BNT162b2 / Comirnaty / Tozinameran (INN)
- Janssen / Ad26.COV2.S
- Moderna / Spikevax
- Sinopharm Vaccine / COVILO/BBIBP-COrv / Hayat-Vax
- Novavax / NVX-CoV2373 / Nuvaxovid / Covovax
- Medigan COVID-19 vaccine / MVC-COV1901
- Turkovax / ERUCOV-VAC
- Sputnik Light
- Ad5-nCoV / Convidecia
- Zifivax (Protein subunit)
- V-01 (Protein subunit)
- KCONVAC (Inactivated virus)
How to Stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 Years
Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years with VIP treatment? The Thailand Elite Visa program is the best fit for you. The Thai Elite Visa is one of the special Thai visas aimed for digital nomads, retirees, business people, investors, high-income individuals, and families looking to move to Thailand. Siam Legal is the authorized corporate sales and service agent of Thailand Elite visa in the USA, UK, and Australia ; with years of experience and an exemplary reputation.
Privileges of Thailand Elite include:
- Multiple entry Visa valid for 5 to 20 years
- VIP assistance on arrival and departure at the airport
- Expedited immigration and passport control processing
- Exclusive arrival and departure VIP lounge
- Immigration services such as 90-day reporting
- Assistance in processing driver’s license and opening a bank account
Should you choose Siam Legal as your official agent for applying for Thailand Elite visa, we do not charge any agent fee and we also offer exclusive benefits such as:
- 24/7 VIP phone number provided by Siam Legal
- 1-Night Free Hotel Stay and Food Vouchers at Marriott Hotels in Bangkok, Phuket, and Samui (value 9,000 THB)
- 2 hours of legal consultation with our legal advisor (value 10,000 THB)
- 2 hours of immigration consultation (value 6,000 THB)
- Free Notary Public service (one document, one-time value 3,000 THB)
- Free Bank Account Opening Service (value 5,000 THB)
For individuals or families who are interested in this long-stay visa program, you may visit: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite
Apply for Tourist and Non-Immigrant E-Visa
Travelers may apply for a Thailand visa through the online portal. The online visa application is open to the type of visas such as 60-day Tourist visa (TR), 6 months tourist visa (METV), 90-day Non-Immigrant visas, and 1 Year Non-Immigrant visas. The e-visa application process will take from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the Thai Embassy or Consulate. The application fee will be paid by credit card and the e-visa will be sent to the applicant through email. The online application is only available to countries listed below and the applicant must be currently located in that country or territory.
Applicants may apply for the Thai visa at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
Notary Service in Bangkok
Siam Legal Visa Assistance
Package: 395 usd (non-immigrant o visa assistance).
- Visa Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa or retirement visa)
- 2-3 weeks total processing time
- Our offer is available in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada visa applications only
Package: 200 USD (TR Visa Assistance)
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Assistance in visa application (TR tourist visa)
- 2-3 weeks of processing time
- Available in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada visa application only
https://www.siam-legal.com/omise-payment.php
For the latest information, updates, and guide on How To Travel to Thailand in 2022, you may check this page here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-travel-restrictions-updates
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Travel to Thailand is about to get easier for vaccinated tourists
BANGKOK — Visitors vaccinated for COVID-19 will no longer need a test before traveling to Thailand starting April 1, health officials said Friday.
Visitors will still need to take a RT-PCR test upon arrival and a self-administered rapid antigen test on the fifth day in the country, said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesperson for the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
Thailand is keen to restore its lucrative tourism sector, which took a nosedive when most arrivals from overseas dried up since April 2020.
Neighboring Cambodia, whose tourism industry was similarly battered, announced Thursday that fully vaccinated passengers are no longer required to have a RT-PCR test before arrival. It also removed the need for a rapid antigen test upon arrival.
TRAVEL TO THAILAND: Thailand easing entry requirements in March despite rising COVID-19 cases
Learn more: Best travel insurance
Coronavirus cases in Thailand
Thai health authorities are currently coping with record numbers of daily COVID-19 cases and related deaths this year.
There were more than 50,000 new cases reported Friday, slightly more than half confirmed by RT-PCR tests, and the remainder with rapid antigen tests. There were also 80 new deaths.
Since the pandemic started in 2020, Thailand has had a total of around 3.3 million confirmed cases and 24,075 deaths.
The health authorities are concerned about the potential for the spread of the virus next month during the Songkran festival , a raucous holiday that celebrates the Thai New Year.
They have prohibited the traditional splashing of water in the streets and other public areas and banned the selling and consumption of alcohol at public celebrations.
TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA: South Korea to allow fully vaccinated travelers to visit without a quarantine period
CANADA EASES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Canada to drop COVID testing requirement for vaccinated travelers
A major threat from the holiday is mass travel from the cities to home villages in rural provinces. The practice was a huge problem last year, when most Thais had not yet been vaccinated.
Thailand has administered 126 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. At least 54.6 million people, more than 78% of the population, have been vaccinated with at least one jab. Fifty million people have received at least two jabs, and 22 million received booster doses.
Update January 10, 2024
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Thailand Travel Advisory
Travel advisory july 24, 2023, thailand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Reconsider travel to:
- Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Thailand.
If you decide to travel to Thailand:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
- Review the Country Security Report for Thailand.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Travel Advisory Levels
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Thailand to Eliminate All Pandemic-related Travel Restrictions This Week — What to Know
“The ‘Land of Smiles’ is eager and excited to welcome travelers to experience all the beloved destinations across Thailand just as easily as they used to.”
SOPA Images/Getty Contributor
Thailand will drop the last of its remaining pandemic-related travel rules this week as the country ends its nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree.
Starting Oct. 1, the Southeast Asian country will no longer require travelers to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test to enter, the Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed to Travel + Leisure . The decision comes as Thailand reclassifies COVID-19 from “a dangerous communicable disease” to “a communicable disease under surveillance.”
The new rules “further simplifies the ability for all to experience the vibrant culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Amazing Thailand. We’re hopeful that easing the arrival process will encourage travelers to plan their visits, resulting in a resurgence to Thailand’s tourism,” Santi Sawangcharoen, the director of the TAT New York office and acting director of the TAT Toronto office, said in a statement provided to T+L. “The ‘Land of Smiles’ is eager and excited to welcome travelers to experience all the beloved destinations across Thailand just as easily as they used to.”
In addition to dropping pandemic-era restrictions, Thailand will also extend the time visa-exempt travelers can stay in the country from 30 days to 45 days. Travelers from the United States do not require a visa to enter, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand .
The new visa rules will be in effect from Oct. 1 through March 31, 2023, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Thailand first started welcoming international tourists in July 2021 as part of a Phuket Sandbox program before eventually expanding travel and then once again tightening border restrictions amid the emergence of the omicron variant. Earlier this year, the country brought back a "Test & Go Thailand Pass" program , allowing vaccinated international visitors to travel to any part of the country and skip quarantine.
Currently, travelers must show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of traveling to enter the country.
Thailand is the latest country to lift restrictions. In July, Australia lifted all remaining pandemic-era rules and nearby New Zealand followed earlier this month. In October, Japan also plans to begin welcoming independent travelers again, while Hong Kong just relaxed travel rules , eliminating its mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine.
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Latest update
Exercise a high degree of caution to Thailand overall due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, including in Bangkok and Phuket.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Thailand (PDF 998.61 KB)
Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)
Local emergency contacts
Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.
Call 1669 for medical emergencies and rescue services.
Call 1724 for an ambulance in Bangkok. 1669 Nationwide.
Call 191 for police.
Call 1155 for the tourist police.
Advice levels
Exercise a high degree of caution to Thailand overall due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, including in Bangkok and Phuket.
Exercise a high degree of caution to Thailand overall due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, including in Bangkok and Phuket.
Reconsider your need to travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
- Yala province,
- Pattani province, and
- Narathiwat province
due to ongoing risks of low-level insurgent activity.
See Safety .
- Anti-government protests have previously occurred in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. The security environment can be unpredictable and turn violent. Those attending protests can face arrest or other legal consequences. Monitor local media for information on protest locations and avoid public gatherings. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Popular tourist areas in Thailand may be the target of terrorist attacks. Thai authorities have warned of possible bombings on symbolic dates or holidays. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Border areas near Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia are dangerous due to violence, armed conflict and landmines. Pay close attention to your personal security.
- Reconsider your need to travel to the 3 most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border: Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Low-level insurgent activity continues to occur in these areas.
- Sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking can happen to tourists. Never leave your drink unattended. Stick with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.
Full travel advice: Safety
- If you're visiting Thailand and then travelling to a country that requires COVID-19 testing (RAT or PCR test) for entry, you'll need to purchase medical insurance prior to your arrival in Thailand. The insurance will need to provide cover for COVID-19 treatment.
- Travellers have been arrested for carrying medicine they bought at a Thai pharmacy without a prescription. Get medical advice before buying medicine.
- Insect-borne diseases include malaria, Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis. Use insect repellent. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof as possible.
- Animals in parts of Thailand can carry rabies. Don't ever feed, pat or tease monkeys. If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other animal, get treatment immediately.
- Thailand has high levels of air pollution. Air pollution can make bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions worse. Check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index .
- Medical tourism is common. Avoid discount and uncertified medical establishments. Their standards can be poor. Research medical service providers and choose with care.
Full travel advice: Health
- Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty.
- Commercial surrogacy is illegal. E-cigarettes, e-baraku, vaporisers and refills are illegal. Smoking on some beaches is illegal. Travel without carrying identification is illegal.
- Penalties for breaking the law can apply to anyone aged under 18 years. Penalties for children can include detention in a juvenile or adult prison.
- Thailand has the death penalty for serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder and rape. Crimes against the state and offences against the monarchy can also attract the death penalty. Take care not to cause offence about the monarchy, including on social media.
Full travel advice: Local laws
- You can get a visa exemption for up to 30 days if you arrive through one of the international airports or for up to 15 days if you enter through a land border (restricted to 2 entries per calendar year). Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Thailand or see the Thai government's Facebook page for the latest details.
- You may be subject to biometric screening at points of entry, and restrictions may change at short notice. Check with your airline, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the nearest Thai Embassy for the latest information.
- You can transit between international flights in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport . Ensure that your connecting flight is booked on the same itinerary and ticket. You must remain in the transiting area in the airport.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
- For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy, Bangkok , the Australian Consulate-General, Phuket or the Passport and Notarial Services, Chiang Mai .
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Civil unrest and political tension, security situation .
The security situation can be unpredictable in Thailand. Large protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas. In previous years, large political protests and government crowd control operations have resulted in violence.
More incidents are possible.
To stay safe during periods of unrest:
- avoid demonstrations, processions and public gatherings
- follow media and other sources
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the advice of local authorities
- If you see a suspicious package, stay clear and report it to Police
More information:
- Demonstrations and civil unrest
Thailand-Cambodia border
Thailand and Cambodia have an ongoing border dispute. There's a risk of landmines and unexploded weapons near the Thai-Cambodian border area.
Be extra careful at tourist areas, including:
- the Preah Vihear temple - Khao Pra Viharn in Thailand
- the Ta Kwai temple - Ta Krabei in Cambodia
- the Ta Muen Thom temple - Ta Moan in Cambodia
Tourist attractions and border crossings in this area may close with little or no notice.
Thailand-Myanmar border
Fighting and armed theft can occur along the Thai-Myanmar border. This includes:
- fighting between the Burmese military and armed ethnic opposition groups
- clashes between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers
Armed clashes between the military and opposition groups inside Myanmar may lead to border closures.
If you try to cross the border illegally, you may be detained and deported.
Bandits may target you if you travel through national parks in this border region.
If you travel to this region:
- monitor the news
- watch out for other signs of unrest
- pay close attention to your personal security
Thailand-Malaysia border
Reconsider your need to travel to or from the three most southern provinces:
Violence includes attacks and bombings, with deaths and injuries. Since 2004, over 6500 people have been killed and many more injured in these provinces.
Bombings are often coordinated to target people who respond to the first explosion.
Over the past few years, multiple coordinated explosions have occurred in the southern border provinces, and low-level insurgent activity continues.
If you travel to or stay in these provinces, you could get caught up in violence directed at others.
Attacks can happen at any time.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
Attacks, including bombings, are possible anytime. They can happen anywhere, including Bangkok and Phuket.
Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks.
Thai authorities have warned of possible bombings on symbolic dates or holidays.
In August 2016, around 24 incidents with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), arson and other suspicious events killed 4 people and injured over 30.
Some IEDs were detonated in popular tourist spots, including:
- Hua Hin, Patong Beach and Loma Park in Phuket
- Surat Thani
On 10 March 2019, several IEDs exploded in Phatthalung and Satun provinces. No people were killed or injured.
IED incidents have occurred in Bangkok and other tourist areas in recent years. On 2 August 2019, a series of explosions occurred in public places throughout Bangkok, including near Chong Nonsi BTS Station and outside several Thai Government buildings.
In May 2017, attacks at a Bangkok Military Hospital and the National Theatre injured 26 people.
Possible targets for future attacks include:
- shopping malls, markets and banks
- hotels and beach resorts
- restaurants, bars and nightclubs
- schools and places of worship
- outdoor recreation events
Other targets include public buildings, public transport, airports and sea ports.
To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:
- have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident
- be alert to possible threats
- report suspicious activity or items to police
- monitor the media for threats
If there is an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Sexual assault and violent crime
Travellers may experience sexual assault , other assault and robbery .
Be extra careful in tourist spots such as Khao San Road in Bangkok and the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Be aware of drink-spiking. Don't drink homemade or local cocktails. They can contain narcotics or poison. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.
Never leave your drink unattended.
Stick with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.
Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.
If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, get immediate medical attention.
Under Thai law, courts will only accept the results of a medical examination from some government hospitals. After you've been examined by a government hospital, you can receive medical attention at a private hospital. Please contact the Australian Embassy Bangkok, Consulate-General Phuket, Consulate Chang Mai or Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra for assistance.
- Partying safely
Petty crime
Money and passports have been stolen from budget hotel and hostel rooms, and from bags on public transport. Thieves also target luggage stored on trains and below buses.
Bags have been snatched by thieves on motorcycles, or sliced open with razor blades.
To reduce your risk of theft:
- don't leave valuables in luggage stowed under buses or away from you on trains
- be wary of motorcycles approaching from behind as you walk on the footpath
- hold bags and backpacks in front of you
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Cyber security when travelling overseas
Tours and adventure activities
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes for:
- scuba diving
- elephant safaris
- bungee jumping
If you plan to do an adventure activity :
- check if your travel insurance policy covers it
- ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
- always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Climate and natural disasters
Thailand experiences natural disasters and severe weather , including:
- earthquakes
Severe weather events are likely to disrupt transport, electricity and communications.
To stay safe during severe weather:
- check media and weather reports
- check in with your tour operator
- don't enter areas affected by flooding or landslides
If there is a natural disaster:
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
- keep in contact with friends and family
- monitor the media and other local sources of information
- Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Storms and floods
Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding can occur without warning. This includes flash floods.
The wet season in north and central Thailand is from May to October.
In Koh Samui and the south-east of the peninsula, the wet season is from November to March.
- Thai Meteorological Department
- Mekong River Commission — flood levels for the Mekong River
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Earthquakes occur in Thailand.
Tsunamis are more likely in Thailand because of the risk of earthquakes.
Check with the US Tsunami Warning Centre for updates on seismic activity and tsunamis.
If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:
- feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
- feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
- see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
- hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
If you're visiting Thailand and then travelling to a country that requires COVID-19 testing (RAT or PCR test) for entry, you'll need to purchase medical insurance prior to your arrival in Thailand. The insurance will need to provide cover for COVID-19 treatment.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
- what activities and care your policy covers, including in terms of health and travel disruptions
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Thailand. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Get medical advice before buying medicine in Thailand. Travellers have been arrested for carrying medicine they bought at a Thai pharmacy without a prescription.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
- Medications
Health risks
Insect-borne illnesses.
Zika virus is a risk in Thailand. If you are pregnant, defer non-essential travel to affected areas. Speak to your doctor before you travel. Several cases have been reported, including in Bangkok.
The Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin has advice for all travellers on how to reduce Zika virus risks. There's no vaccine for Zika virus.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in rural areas. The worst affected areas are near the borders with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Dengue occurs in Thailand. It's common during the rainy season:
- November to March in Koh Samui and the south-east of Thailand
- May to October in the rest of Thailand, including Phuket
Dengue peaks in July and August although it is prevalent throughout the year . There's no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue.
Other insect-borne diseases include:
- chikungunya
- Japanese encephalitis
To protect yourself from disease:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
- consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
- get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis
- Infectious diseases
Animals in parts of Thailand can carry rabies .
Rabies is deadly. Humans can get rabies from mammals, such as:
- other animals
Don't ever feed, pat or tease monkeys, even if you're encouraged to.
If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other animal, get treatment as soon as possible.
Smoke haze and air pollution
Thailand has high levels of air pollution. It can reach hazardous levels. Bangkok and Chiang Mai can be particularly bad.
Air pollution can make bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions worse.
Smoke haze is an issue across the north and north-east of Thailand from March to April.
Check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index .
Get advice from your doctor before you travel.
Medical care
Medical facilities.
The standard of medical facilities varies .
In an emergency, we recommend you contact an ambulance on 1669.
Private hospitals in major cities have high standards of medical care. Services can be limited in other areas.
Hospitals and doctors often need to confirm your insurance before they'll treat you, even in an emergency. Otherwise you may need to pay cash up-front. Costs can be very high.
Hospitals in Bangkok and other large cities can treat serious illnesses and accidents. In other areas, you may need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Decompression chambers are located near popular dive sites in:
Medical tourism
Medical tourism , including for cosmetic and sex-change operations, is common.
Standards at discount and uncertified medical establishments can be poor. Serious and life-threatening complications can result.
Some hospitals and clinics have refused to compensate patients:
- who aren't satisfied with the results of cosmetic surgery
- who are harmed during surgery
- who die during surgery
Do your research. Choose your medical service providers with care.
Don't use discount or uncertified medical service providers.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed , the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty.
Possession of even small quantities of drugs for recreational purposes can lead to long jail sentences and deportation.
Thai authorities may conduct spot-checks for illegal drugs in tourist areas.
Travellers have been targeted for narcotic tests. Under Thai law, authorities have the right to demand urine samples from people suspected of taking illegal drugs.
If you're asked to submit a urine sample, ask to do it at a police station. You can also ask to contact the Tourist Police. Call 1155 for English-speaking officers.
Private recreational use of cannabis is legal if the THC content is below 0.2% in weight. Cannabis use in public places remains illegal, and smoking outside is considered a public nuisance, and offenders risk fines and arrest. It is still illegal to sell or supply any extracts of cannabis containing more than 0.2% of THC.
Follow directions from local authorities.
- Carrying or using drugs
Surrogacy laws
Commercial surrogacy is illegal.
- Going overseas for international surrogacy
- Going overseas to adopt a child
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes, e-baraku, and other related vaporisers, including refills, are prohibited. You can't import or transfer them through Thailand, even for personal use.
Producing or selling these items is illegal. You face either 10 years of imprisonment or a fine up to THB1 million, or both.
Penalties for breaking the law can be severe.
These penalties can also apply to anyone aged under 18 years who is subject to Thai juvenile judicial processes. Penalties can include detention in a juvenile or adult prison.
The death penalty can apply to:
- attempted murder
- crimes against the state, including treason
- some offences against the monarchy
Insulting the monarchy, or defacing images of the monarchy - including on a bank note bearing the King's image - can lead to prison terms of up to 15 years.
Take care not to cause offence when posting, commenting or liking items about the monarchy, including on social media.
In Thailand, it's illegal to:
- travel without carrying identification
- gamble - other than at a few major race tracks
- make a false statement to police, including about an insurance claim
It is also illegal to smoke on beaches in tourist areas, including:
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
- Staying within the law and respecting customs
Dual citizenship
Thai-Australian dual nationals may be liable to complete military conscription.
If you're a dual national, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Thailand before you travel.
- Dual nationals
Local customs
Respect local customs and take care to not offend. Deliberately ignoring local customs can cause grave offence.
Do not show the soles of your feet or touch the top of a person's head. These are insulting in Thai culture.
If in doubt, ask for local advice.
Visas and border measures
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Australian tourists can get a visa exemption for:
- up to 30 days, if you arrive through one of the international airports
- up to 15 days, if you enter through a land border (restricted to 2 entries per calendar year)
For longer stays, or if you're travelling for reasons other than tourism, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or consulate of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy Canberra or Royal Thai Consulate-General Sydney . See the official website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the latest details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Visas overstays
If you overstay your visa, you'll need to pay a fine before you can leave. You can also be:
- banned from re-entering Thailand
Thai authorities can blacklist you, which means you can never return to Thailand.
Penalties for not paying the fine include long prison sentences. Conditions at Immigration Detention Centres are harsh.
- Thai Immigration Bureau
Border measures
International passengers can transit Suvarnabhumi Airport , Bangkok.
You may be subject to biometric screening at points of entry. Clarify entry requirements with your airline, International Air Transport Association (IATA) or your nearest Thai Embassy.
Travellers are responsible for all COVID-19 treatment expenses if their medical insurance does not provide adequate coverage for COVID-19 illness.
Departure from Thailand
Travellers should refer to the relevant airline or travel provider for information about departing Thailand.
- Royal Thai Embassy , Canberra
- Thai government's Facebook page
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
Don't give your passport to third parties - like a jet ski or motorcycle rental businesses - as a guarantee. Companies may hold on to the passport and ask for payment for damages.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
- LGBTI travellers
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
You can convert Australian dollars for THB in tourist areas, major cities and towns.
ATMs are available in cities and regional centres.
Most hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops accept international credit cards.
Card skimming occurs. See Safety
Local travel
Driver's permit.
To drive a car or motorcycle in Thailand, you'll need a valid Australian driver's licence for the type of vehicle you're using.
To drive a motorbike, you'll need a valid motorcycle licence. Some rental companies will tell you otherwise.
You are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Don't drive any vehicles not covered by your Australian licence.
The Department of Land Transport issues Thai driver’s licences. Contact them to confirm:
- your eligibility
- what documents you need to apply
The legal driving age in Thailand is 18.
Road travel
You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Thailand than in Australia.
Thailand has one of the highest traffic-related fatality rates in the world. Motorcyclists are most at risk.
Road accidents are common, including in resort areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
Driving in Thailand is dangerous due to:
- reckless passing
- ignoring traffic laws
Be extra careful during holidays, such as Songkran (Thai New Year). Alcohol use and congestion are worse during these times.
Don't drink and drive.
If you're walking, use overhead walkways. Look in both directions before crossing streets, even at marked crossways.
- Driving or riding
Motorcycles
Under Thai law, motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet. However, hire companies or motorcycle taxis rarely provide helmets. You may need to shop around to hire a helmet.
Australians are regularly injured or die in motorbike accidents in Thailand. Alcohol is often involved.
If you're in an accident, police may detain or arrest you until compensation is agreed. This can often cost 1000s of dollars.
Many vehicle hire companies don't have insurance.
If you have a motorcycle accident, you could be responsible for any damages, loss or costs associated with injury to others. The embassy can't help you negotiate on compensation demands.
Lawyers who can represent you are available from:
- Australian Embassy and Consulates-General in Thailand
- the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra
If you plan to hire a motorbike, make sure:
- your insurance policy covers it
- you have a valid motorcycle licence
- the hiring company has comprehensive and third-party insurance
- you know the excess you would need to pay if you have an accident
- you always wear a helmet
Don't drink and drive, or drink and ride.
Never give your passport as a deposit or guarantee.
Taxis, tuktuks and motorcycle taxis
Official, metered taxis are generally safe and convenient. Be alert to possible scams and safety risks.
Be aware of apparently friendly taxi or tuktuk drivers who offer you cheap tours. They will take you to shops where they receive a commission. You may be overcharged or sold worthless goods or gems.
Before you get in an unmetered taxi, tuktuk or motorcycle taxi, agree on the fare and the route.
Make sure your bags are secure when you're travelling in a tuktuk or motorcycle taxi.
Never put yourself in danger by confronting a taxi, tuktuk or motorcycle taxi driver. Call the Tourist Police on 1155 if you need help.
Be careful when opening taxi doors. Look out for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Ferry and speedboat travel can be dangerous. Serious incidents involving tourists have occurred and people have died.
If you plan on travelling by boat or ferry:
- check safety standards are in place
- check there is enough safety equipment for everyone
- wear your life jacket at all times
- avoid travelling after dark
- don't get on overcrowded boats
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Thailand's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
Call 1724 for an ambulance in Bangkok.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australian Embassy, Bangkok
181 Wireless Road Lumphini, Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand. 10330 Phone: (+66 2) 344 6300 Fax: (+66 2) 344 6593 Website: thailand.embassy.gov.au Email: [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Thailand Twitter: @AusAmbBKK
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
Australian Consulate-General, Phuket
6th Floor CCM Complex 77/77 Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road (Bypass Road) Muang Phuket, Thailand, 83000 Phone: (+66 76) 317 700 Fax: (+66 76) 317 743 Website: phuket.consulate.gov.au E-mail: [email protected]
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
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Travelling from Canada to Thailand
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Can I travel to Thailand from Canada?
Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.
Can I travel to Thailand if I am vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Thailand without restrictions.
Can I travel to Thailand without being vaccinated?
Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Thailand without restrictions.
Do I need a COVID test to enter Thailand?
Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Thailand.
Can I travel to Thailand without quarantine?
Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.
Do I need to wear a mask in Thailand?
Mask usage in Thailand is recommended in public spaces.
Are the restaurants and bars open in Thailand?
Restaurants in Thailand are open. Bars in Thailand are .
More From Forbes
Thailand removes most covid travel restrictions.
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Say “sawadee (hello) Thailand!” — as of July 1, 2022, you’ll just need either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test to travel to the Land of Smiles. Wearing a mask outdoors is also no longer required.
Thailand, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Buddha statues in a row in Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, mother and daughter ... [+] in front of a buddha statue
Removal of the Thailand Pass registration and health insurance requirements
Announced June 17, 2022 and effective July 1, Thailand is removing almost all of its Covid border measures .
That includes the previous requirement for foreign visitors to have $10,000 US in travel health insurance and the registration for the Thailand Pass. The Thailand Pass required uploading of vaccine and test certifications as well as proof of insurance in order to get a QR code.
Thailand has been monitoring its Covid situation closely and changing its travel requirements accordingly. For example, as of May 1, 2022, Thailand removed the pre-arrival and on-arrival PCR testing requirements for vaccinated travelers .
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Best Travel Insurance Companies
Best covid-19 travel insurance plans, covid requirements to visit thailand as of july 1, 2022.
As of July 1, 2022, international visitors to Thailand can either show proof of being fully vaccinated or certification of a negative Covid test. That Covid test needs to be taken within 72 hours of travel and can be either an RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test that is certified by a health professional. Certification can be either digital or on paper.
Most airlines will ask for this certification when you check in for your flight. Upon arrival in Thailand (both in airports and at land borders), there will be random checks. A Covid test will be required at the point of entry if the traveler is unable to provide the necessary certification.
Sampling dragon fruit at an outdoor market, Bangkok, Thailand
Lifting of mask rules and of restricted business hours
Because of the drop in Covid cases, Thailand’s Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has classified all 77 provinces as “green” and reduced the national Covid alert from level three to level two . This comes after Thailand’s Covid cases counts dropped from close to 30,000 daily cases in April to about 2,000, despite the reopening of entertainment venues.
On June 17, 2022, Thailand also announced removal of the requirement to wear masks in outdoor public places as of July 1. Masks — particularly the most effective N95-and KN95-type respirators — are still recommended, especially in crowded places.
Thailand will also increase the opening hours of karaoke venues, bars and pubs beyond the current rule to close at midnight.
Thai elephant
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Brazil’s ex-president jair bolsonaro indicted for allegedly lying about covid vax status in gov database.
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Brazil’s Federal Police have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of criminal association and falsifying his own COVID-19 vaccination data, marking the first indictment for the embattled far-right leader with others potentially in store.
The Supreme Court released the police’s indictment on Tuesday that alleges Bolsonaro and 16 others inserted false information into the public health database to make it appear as though the then-president, his 12-year-old daughter and several others in his circle had received the COVID-19 vaccine.
During the pandemic, Bolsonaro was one of the few world leaders railing against the vaccine, openly flouting health restrictions and encouraging society to follow his example.
His administration ignored several emails from pharmaceutical company Pfizer offering to sell Brazil tens of millions of shots in 2020 and openly criticized a move by Sao Paulo state’s then-Gov. João Doria to buy vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac when no jabs were otherwise available.
Brazil’s prosecutor-general’s office will have the final say on whether to use the police indictment to file charges against Bolsonaro at the Supreme Court. It stems from one of several investigations targeting Bolsonaro, who governed between 2019 and 2022.
Bolsonaro’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The former president denied any wrongdoing during questioning in May 2023.
Police accuse Bolsonaro and his aides of tampering with the health ministry’s database shortly before he traveled to the U.S. in December 2022, two months after he lost his reelection bid to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro needed a certificate of vaccination to enter the U.S., where he remained for the final days of his term and the first months of Lula’s term.
If convicted for falsifying health data, the 68-year-old politician could spend up to 12 years behind bars, and as little as two years, according to legal analyst Zilan Costa. The maximum jail time for a charge of criminal association is four years, he said.
Bolsonaro retains staunch allegiance among his base, as shown by an outpouring of support last month with an estimated 185,000 people clogging Sao Paulo’s main boulevard to decry what they — and the former president — characterize as political persecution.
Brazil’s top electoral court has already ruled Bolsonaro ineligible until 2030, on the grounds that he abused his power during the 2022 campaign and cast unfounded doubts on the country’s electronic voting system.
Other investigations include one seeking to determine whether Bolsonaro tried to sneak two sets of expensive diamond jewelry into Brazil and prevent them from being incorporated into the presidency’s public collection.
Another relates to his alleged involvement in the Jan. 8, 2023 uprising in capital Brasilia, soon after Lula took power, that resembled the Capitol riot in Washington two years prior.
He has denied wrongdoing in both cases.
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- International
- Foreign affairs
Foreign Secretary pushes for closer cooperation with Thailand
David Cameron heads to Thailand, one of the biggest economies in South East Asia, for his first visit as Foreign Secretary to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Foreign Secretary takes a seat in a Gripen aircraft during his visit to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.
- the Foreign Secretary travels to Thailand on his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region
- he will visit fighter jets built with British components and promote defence exports worth over £300 million
- he will agree a new Strategic Partnership with Prime Minister Srettha and the Foreign Minister, deepening economic and security ties and paving the way to closer cooperation between the UK and Thailand
The Foreign Secretary will travel to Thailand today (Wednesday 20 March) to drive forward the UK’s partnership with the one of the biggest economies in South East Asia.
He will look to bolster even closer cooperation through a range of joint priorities including defence, regional security and stability, science and technology, the economy and trade.
The UK and Thailand’s trading relationship is worth around £6 billion annually, and the Foreign Secretary will use his visit to explore ways to strengthen these ties to boost both the UK and Thai economies.
Thailand is an important UK security partner, particularly on advancing peace and reconciliation in Myanmar and protecting international law and regional cooperation. With over half of world trade passing through the Indo-Pacific region, it is also vital to work with Thailand on maritime security to ensure reliable access to the goods the UK wants and needs.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:
South East Asia is a commercial powerhouse and Thailand is one of the biggest economies of the lot. Working with countries in this region means jobs and growth back here in the UK. Thailand is a founding member of ASEAN and an influential player across the Indo-Pacific region. We will continue to work with them to address shared global challenges that affect us all – including the impacts of climate change, rapid technological development, and threats to global health.
The Foreign Secretary will see first-hand the deepening UK-Thailand defence partnership on a visit to a military airbase, where he will showcase UK support for the Gripen aircraft campaign.
The Gripen is a collaboration between the UK, Sweden and the US, with companies across the UK supplying up to 40% of the components for the aircraft. The success of the campaign would not only strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force but would also see an injection of £350 million into the UK economy, creating and supporting jobs from Bournemouth to Manchester.
Three years ago, the UK delivered almost half a million COVID vaccines to Thailand. Since then, UK and Thai researchers have boosted efforts to deliver fair and timely access to affordable and high-quality vaccines through the recently announced UK-South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub.
The Foreign Secretary will meet researchers from this partnership and other inventors, working on challenges from AI to engineering biology, on a visit to a university. There, he will highlight the ambition of the International Science Partnership Fund worth £337 million globally to enable scientific collaboration between UK and Thai researchers and innovators to solve shared global challenges and foster prosperity. Key projects include tackling some of the world’s deadliest diseases, building food security networks and developing clean energy systems.
He will also announce the launch of a UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Thailand Country Fund worth up to £6 million to boost green growth. This will support sustainable transport, green finance and carbon pricing in Thailand.
David Cameron will sign the UK-Thailand Strategic Partnership Roadmap to strengthen the relationship on defence, climate and energy, trade and investment, agriculture, digital and tech, health and education ahead of next year’s 170-year anniversary of UK-Thai diplomatic relations.
Following his visit to Thailand, the Foreign Secretary will head to Australia for the annual Australia-UK Minister Consultations (AUKMIN).
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After months of strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. Vaccinated travelers are allowed to travel to Thailand without quarantine under the Phuket Sandbox and the Samui Plus Sandbox programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the world. International travel ground to a halt and countries were forced to implement strict processes and entry requirements to halt the spread of the virus. Thailand introduced quarantine measures and Thailand Pass. Thailand Pass required visitors to register details like vaccination status, flight, and hotel bookings, and confirmation
COVID-19 Information. The CDC's Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is no longer in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
During this COVID-19 crisis in Thailand, some foreign nationals may find themselves overstaying in Thailand, do so by mistake, by miscalculating the length of their stay, forgetting their visa expiration date, or by unforeseen cancellation of their flights due to travel restrictions. As a traveler, you should strongly avoid overstaying in ...
Thailand entry details and exceptions. Effective January 9 to January 31, 2023 - Travelers (aged 18 years old and above) arriving in Thailand must have proof of vaccination; or proof of recovery from COVID in the last 6 months; or you may also provide a vaccine-exemption letter from a doctor stating you cannot receive a COVID vaccine due to ...
Thailand is resuming its Test-and-Go tourism plan from February, which means that fully vaccinated visitors can bypass seven-day quarantine and travel to any part of Thailand, provided they take a negative COVID-19 test on the first and fifth day of their visit.. Fully vaccinated tourists from 63 countries, including United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Germany, China ...
The requirement that all international travellers show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand will take effect from Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand ...
Travel bans, restrictions and requirements vary greatly, they can change quickly and are determined by national governments, not by the World Health Organization. If you are visiting Thailand, please visit the WHO Thailand website for the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Thailand.
These restrictions will make domestic travel between provinces increasingly difficult. U.S. citizens should consult relevant Thai government resources and media outlets to fully understand the requirements for domestic travel. Local restrictions related to COVID-19 are changing quickly, so it is important to plan ahead.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
The basics. Thailand has recorded more than 32,000 deaths and over 4.67 million cases of Covid-19 as of September 26, 2022. Ad Feedback. On average, around 700 Covid-19 cases are reported per day ...
Due to COVID-19, the situation in Thailand is in flux — here are the latest entry requirements and inside scoop from a U.S. traveler in Thailand ... Navigating travel restrictions during the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but sussing out the correct information with an impending long-haul journey as rules were changing by the ...
Thailand is in the midst of a surge in coronavirus cases that started in April and has accounted for more than 80% of the country's 204,595 total confirmed cases and 90% of its 1,525 deaths.
Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Oct. 1 — What to Know Where Americans Can Travel in Asia — A Country-by-country Guide Thailand Is Making It Easier for Vaccinated Tourists to ...
1. Passport and Thai Visa. From October 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023, travelers will be allowed to stay for 30 days or 45 days without prior approval of a Thai visa. During this period, the length of stay per visit will be 45 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may enter Thailand under a tourist Visa Exemption ...
0:00. 2:36. BANGKOK — Visitors vaccinated for COVID-19 will no longer need a test before traveling to Thailand starting April 1, health officials said Friday. Visitors will still need to take a ...
Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Thailand. If you decide to travel to Thailand ...
In addition to dropping pandemic-era restrictions, Thailand will also extend the time visa-exempt travelers can stay in the country from 30 days to 45 days. ... Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel ...
Travellers are responsible for all COVID-19 treatment expenses if their medical insurance does not provide adequate coverage for COVID-19 illness. Departure from Thailand. Travellers should refer to the relevant airline or travel provider for information about departing Thailand. More information: Royal Thai Embassy, Canberra; IATA
Restaurants in Thailand are open. Bars in Thailand are . Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Thailand such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements.
Visa requirements. British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa (visa exemption). If you intend to stay longer (for work, study or other reasons ...
January 13, 2023 3:47 pm. Getty. Earlier this week, Thailand announced that starting Monday, Jan. 9, it would be reimplementing some of its pandemic-related travel restrictions on inbound international visitors — a full three months after the country ended its nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree and, with it, all remaining COVID travel rules.
Announced June 17, 2022 and effective July 1, Thailand is removing almost all of its Covid border measures. That includes the previous requirement for foreign visitors to have $10,000 US in travel ...
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the Foreign Secretary travels to Thailand on his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region. he will visit fighter jets built with British components and promote defence exports worth over £300 million