[Updated] Thailand Reopens: New Unified Rules

Thailand conjures up images of elephants, temples, beaches, and of course, delicious food. The Southeast Asian nation is a major regional hub and, prior to the onset of COVID-19, was a massively popular travel destination. Fortunately, with vaccination rates on the rise, Thailand has decided to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. In this article, we walk you through Thailand's new travel restrictions and what you have to do to get yourself booked for a vacation in this truly splendid travel destination.

Foreign travelers wanting to go to Thailand can take advantage of entry programs designed to allow travelers to visit for tourism and other purposes. Requirements differ for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Vaccinated travelers are not required to undergo any pre-departure testing and do not have to quarantine once they arrive. Unvaccinated travelers must undergo a 5-day quarantine unless they carry proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Keep reading for more details.

All fully vaccinated travelers are eligible to apply for quarantine free travel to Thailand. Authorities had previously restricted entry to travelers from certain countries and regions; however, there is no such restriction now. Everyone can apply for a Thailand Pass and go to Thailand!

Travelers 18 years of age and older must have a certificate showing they have completed a full vaccination regimen using a COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). Travelers must have received all doses at least 14 days prior to when they plan to arrive in Thailand. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the vaccination requirement as long as they're traveling with a parent or legal guardian. Children between 12 and 17 years of age must have had at least one vaccine dose if they're traveling unaccompanied. Those traveling with parents are exempt from this requirement.

No. Travelers are not required to show a negative COVID-19 test result when arriving in Thailand. However, unvaccinated travelers must undergo a 5-day quarantine unless they carry proof of a negative result for COVID-19 issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. A negative RT-PCR test result is required for unvaccinated travelers who want to avoid quarantine.

Yes. Foreign travelers are required to have proof a medical insurance valid for use in Thailand with a coverage amount of at least US$10,000. Your insurance policy must be able to cover all costs associated with the testing and treatment of COVID-19 should the need arise.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

No. From May 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are not required to make any special hotel arrangements when entering Thailand. Fully vaccinated travelers will be permitted to travel anywhere in Thailand after they clear initial immigration and customs checks.

Unvaccinated and Partially Vaccinated Travelers

Yes, if you do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers authorized to enter Thailand must have either 1) proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, or 2) confirmation of prepayment for five (5) nights at a government-approved hotel such as an SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) accommodation.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers who carry proof of a negative RT-PCR test will be permitted to travel anywhere in Thailand after they clear initial immigration and customs checks. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers without a negative RT-PCR test result must book a 5-night stay in their initial port of entry, even if that is not their final destination in Thailand. The only exception to this requirement is for travelers transferring to special "sealed flights" to Koh Samui or Phuket. Your Day 1 hotel booking must include transportation from your port of entry!

Fully Vaccinated Travelers and Travelers with an RT-PCR Test Result

Fully vaccinated travelers are permitted to travel anywhere in Thailand after they clear initial immigration and customs checks. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers who carry proof of a negative RT-PCR test result are also permitted to travel anywhere in Thailand after clearing immigration and customs checks.

Unvaccinated and Partially Vaccinated Travelers without an RT-PCR Test Result

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers without proof of a negative RT-PCR test result, your Day 1 hotel booking must include transportation from your port of entry! You must arrange dedicated transportation to your hotel in a prearranged vehicle on a sealed route. You are not allowed to take public transportation. Make sure to verify your arrival transportation with your hotel before completing your booking. Travelers in this category are required to undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5 following their arrival. A negative test result is required before travelers can move about freely in Thailand.

All travelers arriving by air from abroad are required to apply for a Thailand Pass online prior to departure. During the application process, travelers must upload their proof of vaccination and payment confirmation for their arrival hotel and RT-PCR test. After verifying your documents, the registration system will send you a QR code, which you will need during check-in at the airport and when you proceed through immigration and health control in Thailand.

When you arrive at your pre-booked hotel, you will need to install the MorChana (หมอชนะ) mobile application and use it during your stay in Thailand. The app serves as a digital contact-tracing tool and allows for notifications and pandemic-related alerts. The app was developed by Thailand's state-owned telecommunications firm CAT Telecom. It is available for download from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

COVID-19 travel restrictions can change with little or no warning. Always make sure to consult the latest information for your particular destination prior to finalizing travel arrangements. Take special care to note any restrictions on travelers arriving from Thailand as these may apply to you when you return.

Find the latest travel policy information on Trip.com

Thailand is an amazing destination. Lush green jungles stretch through its northern regions where elephants roam and monkeys are quick to steal a snack from inattentive tourists. Bangkok's temples glitter by day while its boulevards shine bright and spice up the nightlife. To the south, incredible white sand beaches stretch endlessly along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The country's diversity and rich bounty make for a truly splendid travel destination.

Bangkok is Thailand's capital as well as its largest and most important city. It's a city famous for its many incredible temples. Be sure to visit the Grand Palace early in the day, as the crowds can grow quite large by the afternoon hours. Respectful dress is required to enter, so plan accordingly. Bangkok is filled with many waterways branching off the Chao Phraya River. Water transportation is a good way to get around. Find a floating market to explore. When you've had your fill of temples, the Sukhumvit area is great for shopping and experiencing a bit of Bangkok's modern side. Additionally, the Siam and Ratchaprasong areas house some large shopping complexes. At night, take in the city's seductive nightlife. Khao San Road is a popular spot with tourists and expats. Finally, there are the famous red-light districts, which are worth a look even if that's not your cup of tea.

If you're time limited, you should still try to get outside of Bangkok. Pattaya and Hua Hin are not far away and are easily accessible as daytrips. Pattaya features several famous water parks, which are great for families and anyone looking to cool off a bit. Consider visiting Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden where you can visit the elephants and see some amazing gardens. Pattaya Beach is a good place to relax and to get a sense of Pattaya's nightlife scene, which springs up along the beach road after dark. Hau Hin lies across the Gulf of Thailand from Pattaya and is one of Thailand's royal resort towns. This is a good place to sample the luxury lifestyle found in towns a bit further south.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and the economic center of Northern Thailand. It's very different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Chiang Mai has earned the moniker of being Thailand's "northern rose." Be sure to visit the many ancient temples including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and the golden Wat Phra That. If you're venturing north, you really should experience Thailand's gorgeous natural landscapes. The Elephant Nature Park is a large conservatory and animal sanctuary where you can see the gentle giants up close. It's an extraordinary place filled with dedicated staff. Other beautiful parks located not far Chiang Mai include Si Lanna National Park and Doi Inthanon National Park. Both contain spectacular scenery and wildlife and both make great daytrips from Chiang Mai. Finally, you might consider venturing up to the famed Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. It makes for some great pictures and a great travel story.

Phuket is a resort destination in Southern Thailand known the world over for its luxurious hotels, intoxicated revelers, pristine white sand beaches, and aquamarine waters. Phuket is itself an island in the Andaman Sea and a tropical paradise. Find some time to relax on the beach, get a massage at one of the many spas, or do some snorkeling off one of the smaller islands. It's the perfect recipe for a dream vacation.

Like Phuket, Koh Samui is a popular resort island. Its lively atmosphere is not as overrun with tourists, however. Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park where you can hike up for an overlook across a beautiful bay beset with smaller islands. When you're not relaxing on the beach, take a quick trip to see the 12 meter tall golden Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai. Prior to COVID-19, backpackers and tourists would flock to Koh Samui for lively full moon parties. If you go, be sure to link up with a dive shop for some snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters around Koh Samui are world-class.

Before the pandemic ground international travel to a halt, Thailand had long drawn travelers from around the world. Its welcoming culture and beautiful natural scenery make it an unforgettable destination. Now that Thailand is again eager to welcome travelers from around the world, there's only really one question to ask yourself. What are you waiting for?