Thailand reopens to tourists from 63 countries without the need for quarantine on 1 November
It’s been a long time since Thailand essentially closed its borders to travelers, and no one could have expected that the COVID-19 outbreak would endure so long and have such a terrible impact on the worldwide travel and tourism business. However, it looks that things are beginning to change, with the current travel limitations being highlighted on a variety of media sites.
Thailand is currently open to tourists, but the time-consuming and onerous required documentation requirements, combined with a mandatory 7, 10, or 15-night quarantine upon arrival, are deterring the vast majority of visitors, and as a result of the Thailand travel restrictions, normally thriving sandbox such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui is effectively empty.
According to the new information, the first step towards reopening the nation will be to reduce the quarantine time for those who can show they are virus-vaccinated. However, even a 7-day quarantine may be too lengthy for many people, discouraging them from going. This approach is unlikely to result in an increase in foreign tourism, given other places are also opening up for quarantine-free travel.Also, a considerable number of persons cannot take the vaccination for medical or personal reasons, thus they must still quarantine for 15 nights/16 days.
The Thai government has also planned for a concept known as “area quarantine,” where passengers would be let in and simply have to undergo a shortened quarantine time, after which they will be permitted leave as long as they stay within the prescribed area.
In areas like Samui, it’s clear how this would work since the area is just the island. However, it’s probable that this is an experimental attempt at the moment, and it might be postponed if the country has an outbreak.
Despite having relatively low infection rates compared to most western countries, the Thai government maintains a highly cautious posture in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and quarantining at an ASQ hotel in Thailand remains a required for all passengers for the moment.
The Thai government's plan for reopening is as follows:
-Stage 1: Vaccinated travelers will be able to enter the country for a 7-day quarantine period beginning April 1st and ending June 30th. They will also be permitted to leave their room at specified times to access approved hotel areas, if appropriate. Tourists who have not been vaccinated must be quarantined for 10 days.
-Stage 2: Vaccinated travelers will be permitted to visit Phuket without a quarantine period from July 1st to September 30th, as part of the “Phuket Sandbox” program. Visitors must stay in Phuket for at least 14 days before they may go to other parts of Thailand.
-Stage 3: From October 1st through December 31st, five more destinations will enable vaccinated tourists to enter without a quarantine need under the 7-day sandbox program, which requires them to stay inside the prescribed area for 7 days.This will include Krabi, Phangnga, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.
-Stage 4: It is expected that from January 1st, 2022, vaccinated tourists would be allowed to enter the country and roam about freely without being quarantined. However, any problems in any of the previous stages, which are extremely probable, might lead the date to be pushed back substantially.
You’ll notice that the Thai government wants all arriving tourists to get vaccinated, but there’s no indication of when unvaccinated tourists will be permitted to enter the country without facing a 7, 10, or 15-night quarantine. It is also worth mentioning that the Thai government’s vaccination roll-out is moving slowly owing to a variety of factors. In a nutshell, this suggests that another wave of illness is extremely likely to spread, putting the reopening plan in jeopardy.
Some Thai islands are available to visitors from all around the world. Travelers must be fully vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test.
On November 1, the country removed quarantine restrictions for travelers from 63 countries.
All non-Thai visitors must get COVID-19 health insurance.
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Thailand Reopening – Latest Updates
Tourists struggle with Thailand's new travel app
The Thai government set up a platform for tourists to submit their COVID-19 tests, vaccine certificates, hotel bookings, and proof of insurance in order to secure the safety of both travellers and residents.
Instead of being a simple answer to the problem of handling a high number of passengers, the new rules are causing confusion among those who are attempting to follow them.
Overwhelming error messages and difficulty downloading PDFs have been complained by hundreds of customers.
Thailand’s foreign ministry is aware of the “technical challenges experienced” and has declared that changes are being made.
Entry requirements: As of today, in order to get entry into the country, tourists must:
- Show proof of vaccination (only WHO-approved vaccines are valid).
- Purchase health insurance that will cover COVID-19 treatment up to a maximum of USD $100,000.
- Display proof of a negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours before departure.
- Arrive from one of the CCSA-approved countries where they should have spent more than 21 days.
It is important to note that various requirements apply based on the tourists’ destination. Consult the local government for details on the specific restrictions.
FAQs for Thailand Travel and Quarantine Restrictions:
Is Thailand open for American tourists?
Thailand is available to all Americans with business visas. Visitors can check the Royal Thai Embassy’s website or contact the Thai embassy in Washington D.C. for further information on entry procedures for US residents.
When will I be able to travel to Thailand without having to quarantine at all?
If you’re willing to get the vaccine, you’ll be allowed to visit Phuket on July 1st, 2021, as planned, but only if the country’s infection rate does not rise.
I can’t have the jab (or don’t want it), and don’t want to quarantine, when is the earliest that I can come to Thailand?
Uncertain at the moment, but definitely not this year. Most likely in 2022, however, this might be delayed if there are any new outbreaks of infection.
What happened to the golf quarantine scheme?
The 2-week quarantine is technically still in effect, but it is a very expensive option for the majority of the people.
I have ve heard that the food at ASQ is terrible, is this true?
The quality of cuisine at a hotel might vary widely, so it is important to do your own research before booking a room. You should verify with the restaurant before ordering food using an app like Grab to see whether it is possible. Among the ASQ hotels in Bangkok, we’ve heard great things about the following:
- The Landmark Bangkok;
- Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
I’ve heard that during quarantine, alcohol is not permitted. Is this true?
Sadly, the answer is yes. As of right now, there are no ASQ hotels that permit the drinking of alcohol.
Can my Thai partner and I quarantine in the same room?
You may only share an ASQ hotel room with your husband/wife and children; marriage certificates or proof of domestic partnership are required.
Can I order take-out food to my room, such as pizza?
Generally speaking, no, although some hotels are allegedly allowing it, so check ahead of time if this is something you would want to do.
Where can I quarantine if I don’t want to stay in Bangkok?
The first ASQ hotels were exclusively accessible in Bangkok. Alternative Local State Quarantine (ALSQ) is now accessible in Phuket, Koh Samui and Chon Buri/Pattaya/Jomtien as well as in Buriram, Chiang Mai and Mukdahan.
Will quarantine be necessary when I arrive in Bangkok or can I quarantine in another city?
Generally speaking, not at all. The location of your ASQ room is determined by where you enter the country. No obstacle should stand in the way of having a cab sent to pick you up at the Bangkok airport and take you to your hotel in Pattaya, for example. This is something you’ll want to address in advance with the staff of your ASQ hotel.
What happens if I test positive during quarantine?
As a result, you’ll be transported to the hospital immediately, and you’ll be accountable for the resulting medical fees. Asymptomatic people are often not covered by covid insurance policies, so be sure to double-check this before you acquire a coverage. Some Thai hospitals charge exorbitant fees for medical care.
If I visit Phuket on 1st July, will I be free to move around the country?
You will be needed to stay in Phuket for at least 14 days at the beginning of the process. After that, if you haven’t tested positive, you’ll be able to travel across Thailand without restriction. The social distancing measures will still need to be followed to.
I got tested in my home country and it came back as positive. When will I be allowed to travel to Thailand?
After a positive test, you will have to wait six months before you can enter. You may potentially enter Thailand with a negative test certificate and a COE application since immigration officers do not have access to your medical data.
How do I get to my ASQ hotel from the airport?
All ASQ packages include hotel pick-up; you will be greeted at a predetermined location by an ASQ hotel employee.
Can I order personal items such as a toothbrush, shampoo, medicine, or a sim card when in quarantine?
Communication with hotel employees is possible through Line or WhatsApp, and they will do their best to fulfill your requests, as long as they are reasonable.
Will I be able to post items or documents when in quarantine?
No, you’ll have to wait till your quarantine is through.
Will I be allowed to walk around the hotel, and to use the gym or swimming pool?
For the first several days, no, but if all of your tests come back negative, you’ll be permitted out at a certain time for a specified amount of time. Ask your ASQ hotel if they have any information on the conference.
What happens when I finish quarantine?
Traveling the country will be permitted for you. The Mor Chana app will still require you to download it, check in everytime you leave your house, wear a face mask, and observe social distancing standards. COVID 19 testing is required by several provinces in order for you to cross their borders.
Can my friend visit me at my ASQ hotel when I am in quarantine?
Visitors are not permitted to engage with a person who is quarantined.
I am in a wheelchair (or otherwise disabled), can I book an ASQ hotel?
It is possible, but you must advise the hotel in advance of any particular demands or needs.
Will I be able to open the windows or utilize the balcony during my quarantine?
You should be able to accomplish this if your room has windows that open or a balcony. However, you should check ahead of time to see if the balcony door will be locked during certain hotels.
I am a smoker, will I be allowed to smoke in the room?
There are two ways to go about this. Choose between a smoking room, or a room with a balcony that may be used by all guests. When making your booking, be sure to mention to the hotel that you want to smoke there.
I take a lot of medication, what will happen if I run out during quarantine?
It’s a good idea to carry enough medicine to last you the whole quarantine. Most Western medications or their equivalents are readily accessible in Thailand, and the hotel personnel will be able to get them for you if you need them.
What happens if my room is too small or dirty?
Ask the hotel for an upgrade, which you would most likely have to pay for, to have a new room. Check out the photos and size of the hotel rooms before booking a hotel at one of Bangkok’s ASQ hotels.
What happens if I don’t like the hotel and don’t want to stay there?
You have no choice but to remain at the motel you booked. In certain cases, you may be able to switch hotels with your current ASQ hotel and the new ASQ hotel. Your payment would not be returned even if you were able to move to a different hotel.
I need a fast internet connection during my quarantine period for work/Netflix/gaming. How can I make sure that I choose a hotel with a good internet connection?
Check out your options before arriving in Bangkok, since there are still many hotels that don’t have good Wi-Fi. If you don’t have fast internet in your hotel room, you may purchase a cheap sim card and use it to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot in your room.
Will my room be cleaned during quarantine? And how do I do my laundry?
Yes, during quarantine, your room will be cleaned. The hotel will do your laundry, however be aware that most hotels charge a fee for this service. As part of their ASQ package, look for a hotel that provides free or discounted laundry services.
