Thailand Reopening Its Borders to Select Categories of Travellers
Last updated on 24 July, 2020
After three months since the country entered a nationwide lockdown, Thailand has started to partially open its borders despite extending its state of emergency till 31 July 2020.
Let’s take a look at which select categories of residents and international travellers have been permitted entry into Thailand and what are the country’s future plans for tourists!
Which categories of travellers are allowed into Thailand?
As of 1 July 2020, all Thai nationals are permitted to return to Thailand. Thailand has also permitted the entry of selected categories of international travellers in the country. Here are the following categories:
Family members of Thai nationals
Non-Thai nationals who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national can apply for a Certificate of Entry to enter Thailand. Applicants will need to present a copy of their visa. If the visa has expired, one will need to apply for a new one.
Foreigners who have a certificate of residence
Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid certificate of residence, or permission to take up residence in the country can also apply for a Certificate of Entry to enter Thailand.
Work permits holders & business travellers
Individuals who are allowed to work or hold a valid work permit (including their spouse and children), as well as business travellers will be permitted into Thailand.
Diplomats & officials of international organizations
Individuals who are diplomats or officials of international organizations, including their spouse, parents and/or children, can apply for the Certificate of Entry at their nearest Thai embassy.
Non-Thai nationals who are under special arrangements such as guests of the government, investors and highly skilled workers are permitted to enter into Thailand.
Foreign students
Foreign students are now able to enter back into Thailand, including the parents or guardians of the students. Students would still be required to present evidence of their enrolment from the school/universities as well as an approval letter from the concerned authority under the Ministry of Education.
Medical tourism applicants
International travellers who are seeking medical procedures like infertility treatment, nose and eye cosmetic surgery will be permitted into the country. The applicant can travel with up to three accompanying persons. However, those who are seeking COVID-19 treatment will not be allowed.
For more information, click here.
Health checks requirements to adhere to
Travellers who are permitted to enter Thailand are required to take a COVID-19 test, conducted by the RT-PCR technique within 72 hours before their scheduled flight, at their own cost. In addition to a negative COVID-19 test results, travellers are required to have a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate.
Upon arrival in Thailand, these travellers will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine at government-designated hotel facilities. However, business travellers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, mainland China & Hong Kong could be exempted from the 14-day quarantine period under the fast track entry. This will only be applicable if they have certificates showing that they tested negative from COVID-19 and were tested upon arrival, at their own cost.
What are Thailand’s future plans for tourists?
Thailand is unlikely to reopen its borders to international leisure visitors this year, predicted a deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The government is taking a very cautious approach to reopening borders and does not expect Thailand to welcome leisure visitors until 2021.
I do not know about you, but some fun in the sun and well-needed vitamin SEA sounds like a good idea for a post-COVID vacation with your family, friends or someone special to help restore the mind and soul.
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Disclaimer: Changes in local policies are continuously unwrapping, and we will keep updating the list with more details. In the meantime, we recommend you to check the official websites of the local authorities for the most up-to-date travel information. As much as we would love to encourage you to plan your next trips, in the current situation, we urge you to be conscious about the consequences and consider the risks involved.