Thailand reinstates COVID-19 travel entry requirements starting 9 Jan 2023

Foreigners entering the country will now have to provide proof of complete vaccination or a letter from a doctor confirming recovery from COVID-19 within the last 180 days.

Update: In the PM of 9 January, Thailand's Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the requirement for proof of complete vaccination has been revoked for incoming visitors. According to the minister, this is to "reduce the burden" on travellers and airport staff. Read HRO's latest story on this here. 

Effective 9 January 2023, Thailand has reintroduced its entry requirements for travellers to the country.

As such, all foreign travellers aged 18 years and above will now have to comply with the following: 

• Travellers are required to provide proof of complete vaccination OR a letter from a doctor affirming recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months (180 days).
• Travellers who are unvaccinated are required to provide a letter from a doctor specifying why they are not vaccinated.
• Travellers returning to countries/territories that have entry requirements are required to have health insurance covering at least US$10,000 for treatment of COVID-19, for the period of their stay in Thailand along with an extended seven days of coverage.

Exemptions from certain requirements will be made as follows:

• Health insurance requirements: Holders of official and diplomatic passports, United Nations Laissez-passer, Thai passport holders, and transit/transfer passengers
• Vaccination checks: Thai passport holders and transit/transfer passengers 
• All requirements: Children below 18 years of age

The above currently applies up till 31 January 2023, according to the Thai Embassy in Thailand. The Embassy stated that travellers who fail to produce documents that meet these requirements may be subjected to being tested at the point of arrival. At the same time, airlines must adhere to the related regulations and comply with the guidance where appropriate, such as ensuring passengers are wearing masks at all times, except during meals or emergency situations.

Additionally, there is no need to obtain a Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry, or download any mobile application for entry.

Passengers with symptoms of COVID-19 during travel are encouraged to take a test at the time of arrival.

Overall, travellers must prepare the following documentation prior to departing for Thailand:

• Proof of complete vaccination (you may find the full list of vaccines approved by the Thai Ministry of Health here) or a letter from the doctor - i.e. recovery from COVID-19, or medical reason for not receiving a vaccine.
• Health insurance that covers medical expenses while in Thailand is recommended. However, health insurance is mandatory for passengers traveling to another country where PCR or ATK is required upon entry.

Travellers are encouraged to take an ATK test prior to departure and during their stay, if they feel unwell. Travellers are also urged to book their hotel stays at SHA+ hotels in Thailand.

While in Thailand, travellers are encouraged to follow safety measures, such as wearing masks in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and practising social distancing. If feeling unwell, travellers should visit a hospital.

Catch up on our recent travel updates:

• Macao to relax several inbound and transit rules starting 8 January 2023 [Story here]
• Hong Kong progressively resumes normal travel with the Mainland [Story here]
• China reopens borders and lifts travel restrictions effective 8 January 2023 [Story here]
• Malaysia's tightened border measures for all international arrivals: Temperature checks compulsory as of Jan 2023 [Story here]

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