The Alternative Quarantine or Alternative State Quarantine (AQ/ASQ) is a process of quarantine at government-accredited hotels in Bangkok at the traveler’s own expense.
The best way to come to Thailand at this time would be through the Test and Go scheme; but, if you are not from an eligible country, you are still permitted to enter Thailand under various schemes that require mandatory quarantine for passengers.
There is another option, the Blue Zone Sandbox scheme, which just requires you to stay for 7 days in a SHA+ hotel, but these are only available to fully vaccinated tourists.
Unvaccinated passengers have just one option: enter Thailand under the Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) system and endure quarantine.
Please keep in mind that each scheme has distinct information, so please read the information about the Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) scheme below.
Nationwide Happy Quarantine
Thailand is accessible to foreign tourists, even those who are not vaccinated, however unlike the other two schemes, Test and Go and Blue Zone, this scheme will need you to endure a lengthier required quarantine upon arrival in Thailand before being able to visit other Thailand destinations.
- Unvaccinated tourists will be required to do the following:
- 10-day quarantine if they are air and sea arrivals.
- 14-day quarantine if they are land arrivals.
- Unvaccinated passengers will be required to stay in Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotels for 10 or 14 days, and the following events are predicted to occur during their stay:
- For air and sea arrivals:
- Day 0-1: 1st RT-PCR Test.
- Day 8-9: 2nd RT-PCR Test.
- For land arrivals:
- Day 0-1: 1st RT-PCR Test.
- Day 12-13: 2nd RT-PCR Test.
- For air and sea arrivals:
Likewise, you will be permitted to visit other Thailand places only after your 10-day or 14-day stay. And if you are a tourist staying for less than 10 or 14 days, you must fly to another country after your preferred few stays in Thailand.
Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) Entry Requirements
Traveling to Thailand under Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine), like with the other two schemes, still necessitates admission procedures. The following are the prerequisites that a traveler should have to provide to authorities before departure and upon arrival:
1- Thailand Pass QR Code
Apply for a Thailand Pass QR Code here. To acquire the QR Code, you will need to fill out the appropriate information, submit the necessary documents, and wait for the approval.
Thailand Pass is a replacement for the Certificate of Entry (CoE); for further information, see here.
2- Vaccination Certificate
Proof that you have been completely immunized will be required.
The vaccination you get must be one of those recommended by the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organization (WHO) and delivered at least 14 days before your scheduled travel date.
Children under the age of 18 are exempt from vaccination requirements as long as their parents or guardians are.
3- Medical Certificate for COVID-19 Result
The RT-PCR Covid-19 test result must be negative. The test must be performed no more than 72 hours before your planned departure date.
If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, you will additionally want a Certificate of Recovery. It will act as proof that you have been COVID-19-free for at least 3 months.
The critical details that must be included in the Fit to Fly certificate are as follows:
– Letterhead/ Logo showing the name of the clinic/ urgent care
– Name of the Doctor/Physician/Nurse/Healthcare provider
– Medical license number.
Sample of the Fit to fly certificate
Samples of a Fit to fly form. The applicant may download the Fit to fly form at here
Sample of the document that is not considered as a Fit to fly certificate
4- Payment Confirmation for SHA+ Hotel Reservation
To get entrance into Thailand, you must book a SHA+ hotel for 7 days. Your SHA+ hotel booking must contain the following items:
- RT-PCR COVID-19 Test.
- Pre-arranged airport transfer.
- Accommodation for at least 10-14 nights.
Alternative Quarantine Hotels for Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) Tourists:
You may book an Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel at Agoda for the best pricing and discounts if you want to look for other hotels that best suit your needs.
Please keep in mind that this page only discusses going to Thailand under Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine); for additional information on alternative schemes, please visit:
- Test and Go (Quarantine-Free travel to Thailand)
- Blue Zone Sandbox Program
Travel safely and correctly by following safety precautions while traveling, not only in Thailand but anywhere in the world.
During Your Stay
Wait for the test result within the hotel room. *While the waiting period should be within 24 hours, it may vary between 24-48 hours, depending on the laboratory’s operating time.
If testing negative for COVID-19, you will receive an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) for COVID-19 self-testing on Day 6-7.
Get an alert for the self ATK testing on Day 6-7, and to record the result in the MorChana application.
Practice the D-M-H-T-T-A precautions: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.
When You Are Leaving
Free to go anywhere in Thailand or leave Thailand to other countries. However, travellers are advised to follow the guidelines and measures announced by the respective province/country of their destination.