Thailand has become the latest destination around the world to remove all of its Covid-19-related entry requirements and return to normal tourism. The Land of Smiles – one of the most popular destinations in the world for travelers prior to the pandemic – has struggled throughout most of the past three years from a tourism point of view due to strict and unrealistic entry requirements, but will be hoping to welcome a significant number of tourists back once these changes to their entry requirements go into effect.
With visiting Thailand now set to be more attractive than ever thanks to longer visas on arrival being offered at present and beaches far less crowded than they once were, the country has well and truly been put back on the map for millions of travelers around the world. Here’s a look at what changes are set to take place, when they’ll be active and why travelers keep coming back to this Southeast Asian gem.
Thailand’s Normal Entry Requirements – Information For Travelers
Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was one of the most popular places to visit on the planet. Bangkok, the country’s sprawling capital, was crowned the world’s most visited city, attracting all kinds of travelers from a diverse range of countries. Yet whilst Covid-19 may have put a serious dent in the number of travelers flocking to the country, the decision to remove all of the country’s Covid-19 related entry requirements could see travelers returning in their millions over the next few years.
Following a meeting with the National Communicable Diseases Committee (NCDC) on Wednesday, Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed yesterday that the country would be removing the Covid-19 related restrictions on international arrivals that had been put into place over the past few years, making entry into the country just as easy as it was before the pandemic threw the travel-sphere the curveball of a lifetime.
At present, travelers arriving in Thailand must show either proof of a full course of vaccination against Covid-19 or a negative test result to be able to enter the country – red tape that has made the idea of visiting the country unpalatable for many travelers. However, from October 1st, the country will be completely removing these requirements, closing the chapter on what has been an extremely difficult period for the country’s ailing travel and tourism industry.
The move comes as part of Thailand’s commitment to treating Covid-19 as if it was the flu from the start of next month. Thailand was one of the first countries in the region to publicize such an approach, which represented a complete 180-degree change of approach from the usually-wary country, and could see them reap the benefits of more travelers as a result. Beaches are slowly beginning to fill up once more, and popular resort towns are getting into full swing again.
Visitors to Thailand will also be relieved to hear that the country will also be abandoning its approach to isolation, with those who contract the virus with mild symptoms no longer asked to self-isolate. Travelers will also no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a test result when visiting crowded public venues – further proof that the country is heading back towards normality at last. All changes are subject to approval by the country’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
Part of Thailand’s charm has always been how it caters to all travelers. Whether more comfortable by the beach or in the city, in a temple or at the mall, or on a budget or living boujee, Thailand has no shortage of options for all kinds of arrivals. With so many starved for travel over the past few years, Thailand is undoubtedly set to welcome some new faces to its shores – as well as plenty of us experienced travelers who already can’t get enough of it. Those arriving after October 1st can also benefit from 15 more days on their visa upon arrival for free, allowing travelers to benefit from a couple of extra weeks in paradise.
