Step 1. Apply for the Thai Visa
Study the category of an eligible person to enter Thailand during COVID-19.
Here are the most common types of visa you may obtain:
- Visa Exemption (for visiting Thailand for tourism purpose not longer than 30 days)
- Tourist Visa (for visiting Thailand not longer than 60 days)
- Special Tourist Visa (STV)
- Non-Immigrant Visa (for visiting Thailand based on the different purpose of stay and the visa is valid for 90 days and it can be extended in Thailand up to 1 year
- Thai Elite Visa
Right now, the easiest way to enter Thailand is to obtain a 30-day visa exemption or a 60-day tourist visa. You only need to purchase a 60-day COVID 19 insurance which is cheaper and after arriving in Thailand and completing the quarantine, you may change your visa into non-immigrant visas such as marriage visa, retirement visa, Thai Elite visa, or other non-immigrant visas.
Step 2. Book your Flight, COVID 19 Insurance and ASQ Hotel
2.1 Book your Flight to Thailand
At present, certain airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, and other major airlines are permitted to operate semi-commercial flights to Thailand. Before booking flights to Thailand, you should ensure that you have studied the different categories of visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel.
It is faster to obtain a tourist visa or visa exemption from the Thai embassy so, if you are planning to extend your stay in Thailand or you have plans on changing your visa category, you may book a return flight that you can easily cancel once you are already in Thailand.
2.2 Book your ASQ Hotel
You must book an accredited ASQ hotel for the mandatory state quarantine. Normally, the ASQ hotel package includes 3 meals per day, complimentary WiFi, a private car transfer from the airport to the ASQ hotel, a 24/7 on-call nurse, and a health checkup twice a day. The package also includes two COVID-19 testing kits that take place on the days of your quarantine. All ASQ bookings are subject to specific terms and conditions of the hotel. Make sure to read them carefully before making a booking.
2.3 Purchase your COVID 19 Insurance
You need to secure COVID-19 Insurance that meets the requirements of the Thai authorities such as:
- Coverage of up to THB 1.75 million (equivalent to at least USD $50,000) for medical expenses due to injury or sickness including COVID-19
- The insurance policy must cover the length of your stay in Thailand. It can be 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, or even 12 months.
Step 3. Apply for the Thailand Pass
You must obtain a QR code or Thailand Pass ID at least 7 days prior to the intended date of travel.
- To apply for the Thailand Pass, please register at Thailand Pass web portal, provide your personal details, and upload supporting documents such as a copy of your passport, a copy of the valid visa, COVID-19 travel insurance, and hotel booking confirmation.
- If successful, you will get a pre-approve application confirmation. You will receive an email with your Thailand Pass ID or QR Entry Code.
Step 4. Obtain COVID-19 Test
After receiving your COE or certificate of entry, you must obtain the medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected and issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
Keep in mind, in all stages, vaccinated foreign tourists will have to undergo a COVID-19 screening and RT-PCR test on arrival, and some airlines do not accept home kit tests so please check specific requirements with the airlines you are traveling with.
Step 5. Prepare require documents prior to departure
- Thailand Pass
- Valid visa in your passport
- Declaration Form
- Printed Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, within 72 hours before departure.
- COVID 19 travel insurance certificate
- Copy of confirmed Hotel booking
- T8 Health Form
- Download and install the MorChana app at the hotel
Note
Thai travelers:
- Thailand Pass
- Copy of confirmed Hotel booking
- You don’t need a COVID-19 Insurance
Foreign travelers:
- COVID-19 (RT-PCR) Test
- Thailand Pass
- COVID-19 Insurance
Alternative Way of Entering Thailand During COVID
Another way of entering Thailand is through the Phuket Sandbox Program. This program is for those who are planning to enter Thailand via Phuket. The “Phuket Sandbox” program allows vaccinated tourists to travel and enter Thailand without quarantine. Tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and tested negative can fly into Phuket and move around freely. You can find more details about Phuket Sandbox here.