Visitors entering the country will now be required to show confirmation of vaccination coverage or a letter from a doctor confirming recovery from COVID-19 within the past 180 days.
Thailand restored its entrance rules for visitors to the country effective yesterday, 9 January 2023.
All overseas visitors will be required to provide proof of vaccination with at least two doses. Those who continue to travel to countries that need documentation of a negative covid-19 test must also provide proof of adequate travel insurance (in case they test positive while in Thailand and need to extend their stay).
Thailand removed the requirement for proof of vaccination, antigen test results, and health insurance in October of last year. However, officials anticipate that as more people resume travelling from China, the prospect of people catching Covid will increase.
“New measures are required since Thailand is a popular tourist destination for visitors from various countries, including China,” said Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Minister of Public Health.
“The principle is that there will be no prejudice against any particular country since Covid-19 spreads in all countries and the strains are similar”.
“So, Covid-19 should not be used to discriminate against any country,” he stated.
“Authorities in tourist provinces should prepare their hospitals and hotels, and personnel of tourism and transportation services should get at least four doses of Covid-19 vaccine,” Mr Anutin added.
Unvaccinated travellers will be required to provide medical documentation explaining their lack of vaccinations. The rules are in effect until 31 January.
Visitors from countries that need COVID-19 testing for arrivals from Thailand must also have health insurance throughout their stay.
Under the new laws, airlines must examine travellers’ eligibility to enter Thailand. Those suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will be recommended to be tested upon arrival.
The reintroduction of entry criteria to combat the spread of COVID-19 coincided with China reopening its borders to the rest of the world and eliminating quarantine for arrivals beginning on 8 January.
