It was a very edgy Christmas. I was up in northwestern Ontario at my partner's family's house as we watched the world scramble amid rising cases of the Omicron variant. More and more areas across eastern Canada went into lockdown, and flights across North America were being canceled by the day.
We were truly concerned that we would not be able to get back to New York — a thought that was doubly upsetting because we were scheduled to fly from New York to Thailand three days later. At that time, we were convinced that we would not be permitted to enter Thailand at all. Navigating travel restrictions during the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but sussing out the correct information with an impending long-haul journey as rules were changing by the hour was maddening.
Happily, I write this to you from the beaches of Ao Nang in Krabi, so we did indeed make it. But the how of it all has still left so many travelers spinning, and it is changing all the time. Here's what you need to know about traveling to Thailand right now.
Can Tourists Enter Thailand?
Yes. In November, Thailand launched a program called Test & Go, which allowed for a quarantine exemption for those who test negative for COVID-19 upon entry into Thailand. While that program has been suspended as of Dec. 22 “until further notice” due to Omicron, it was how my partner and I were able to enter the country. Those travelers who had already been approved for the Test & Go program could still enter Thailand under that method until Jan. 10. No new applications are being approved for this program at this time.
For travelers who want to go to Thailand right now, they’ll find that the entry process is not as liberal as the Test & Go program, but not as restrictive as the previous Phuket Sandbox program, which only allowed for travel on the island of Phuket — and very limited travel, at that.
As of Jan. 11, the government of Thailand has reopened the application process for the Phuket Sandbox, as well as similar sandbox programs in the provinces of Phang-Nga (including Phuket), Krabi and Surat Thani (specifically Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao).
How Do Travelers Apply to Visit Thailand?
Fully vaccinated citizens of every country are eligible to apply to the updated Sandbox program. The first step is to fill out an application for a Thai Travel Pass.
The application will ask travelers to upload proof of their vaccination, proof of travel insurance (with a minimum coverage of $50,000 in medical expenses) and proof of a paid hotel reservation at an approved resort, which includes the cost of two RT-PCR tests, as well as a transfer from the airport to the resort or hotel. Approved hotels are classified as SHA Extra Plus hotels. They are easily searchable online, or can be searched via the Thai Travel Pass site.
After being approved for a Thai Travel Pass, travelers will be sent a QR code, which must be shown when arriving in Thailand. If travelers are rejected for the travel pass, there is no need to panic. The rejection will give clear instructions for what went wrong and how to reapply. Decision time takes anywhere from three to seven business days.
Even though the Thai Pass asks for proof of vaccination, travelers should have an additional copy for check-in at the airport before departing. A negative RT-PCR test is also required, taken no earlier than 72 hours before boarding.
Where Can Travelers Fly in Thailand?
Entry points include Phuket International Airport to visit Krabi, Phang-Nga and Phuket, or Bangkok's International Airport to visit Koh Samui. Those flying into Bangkok must transit on a sealed flight for Koh Samui. Unless you are already in Thailand under the Test & Go program, travelers have to stay in the destination they book.
What Happens When Visitors Arrive in Thailand?
First, travelers will have to present all documents at the health-screening stations. They must also complete the TM6 Immigration Form, which is handed out on the plane. The Health Control officer will check all documents. Immigration and customs will follow.
After clearing these areas, travelers can exit the airport, where they will see the sea of hotel transfer signs. The airport will not let passengers leave unless they have a pre-booked transfer through the SHA Extra Plus reservation.
Are Travelers Stuck at Their Resort in Thailand?
No. Travelers have some mobility and freedom when entering Thailand under the Sandbox Programs. These work to create tourism bubbles. But the rules are slightly different wherever you visit. All travelers, however, will have to have a confirmed payment for at least a seven-day stay at SHA Extra Plus hotels, or a combo of SHA Extra Plus hotels.
Visitors to Krabi, Phang-Nga or Phuket can change accommodation twice within the first seven days within the province. Travelers to Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan or Koh Tao can change hotels three times within the first seven days, but they must stay the first night on Koh Samui and must receive a negative result for their first RT-PCR test before changing accommodation or islands.
Is Traveling to Thailand Worth it Right Now?
It does require a lot of extra legwork to visit Thailand right now, especially from the U.S. If this is a first-time visit to Thailand, it may be worth recommending that your clients wait until the Test & Go program is reactivated. As it stands right now, travel to Thailand is still limited, though it is much more open than before. That said, for the amount of time it takes to travel from the U.S., my recommendation is to wait until more of the country opens up for safe and responsible travel.
