Thailand has confirmed that its popular Test & Go method for entry into the country is set to return – with a few changes in place. The wildly popular travel destination shut down the quarantine free entry method just before Christmas due to fears over the Omicron variant and a rise in the number of inbound travelers testing positive upon arrival. However, following a meeting of the country’s Covid-19 committee, it was confirmed that the scheme would be coming back – to the delight of travelers around the world.
The relaunch of the Test & Go entry method is the latest in a long list of reopening attempts the country has made, including the more restrictive mandatory quarantine and the Phuket Sandbox method. Here’s a look at what is set to change with the relaunch, plus a reminder of the requirements travelers need to fulfil to enter via Test & Go and what the Covid-19 situation is like in Thailand at present.
Test & Go Returns – Information For Travelers
Thailand’s Test & Go method for entering the country is set to return, with registration for the system set to start from February 1st. This was confirmed today following a meeting by the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in the wake of cases of Covid-19 slowing down in the country. However, it was also revealed that the relaunched version of Test & Go will be slightly different to the previous one, as Thailand looks to take a more cautious approach to reopening this time around.
The most significant change regards PCR testing once in the country, as travelers must now test on arrival and again once more five days later. Whereas the previous iteration of Test & Go saw travelers only needing to stay in a hotel for one night whilst waiting for the results of their PCR test on arrival to come through, the relaunch of Test & Go will see travelers having to repeat the process once more from February 1st.
Whilst they do not have to stay in hotel quarantine between the two tests, they must stay in a hotel overnight on the night of their day 1 and day 5 tests, until their results are available. In between the two PCR tests, travelers must also agree to have their whereabouts tracked, in order to trace potential contacts in the event of a positive test.
Travelers planning to enter via Test & Go will need to apply for a Thailand Pass in order to enter the country. Based on the previous Test & Go and current sandbox requirements, travelers will need to ensure they have:
- A vaccination certificate
- A pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result
- Confirmation of stay in hotel for day 1 with PCR test upon arrival
- An insurance policy with coverage of no less than $50,000
With the new testing requirement, it’s likely that evidence of a hotel and PCR test booking will be required too, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Thailand is currently reporting a seven day average of just 7,515 cases of Covid-19. The country is also set to relax laws concerning the sale of alcohol, with restaurants now allowed to serve alcohol until 11PM, as the situation around the country continues to ease.
Mask wearing is compulsory throughout the country in both outdoor and indoor public spaces, and travelers should be aware the country is planning to charge an entry fee from April.
