Coronavirus (Covid-19): Thailand travel advice • Fan Club Thailand

The concerns over coronavirus (Covid-19) continue to affect anybody with travel plans, whether it be to Thailand or any other part of the world. Because the situation is fluid, we advise you to keep in touch with the latest advice from the UK or Irish governments in addition to the advice issued by the Thai authorities and the Royal Thai Embassy in London. We have also put together some other information and links that you may find helpful.

Information updated: 1 March, 2021

Can I travel to Thailand?

It’s possible to fly to Thailand, but there are some restrictions. At the moment, it is still mandatory for travellers arriving in Thailand to undergo quarantine for 14 days. Thai passport holders can apply for a state quarantine facility. Non-Thais are obliged to use designated quarantine facilities (at travellers’ own expense). These are hotels which all meet the strict criteria of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. The hotels are referred to as ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine).

More information about availability at ASQ hotels can be found on this official website:
https://asq.locanation.com/

After completing quarantine in Thailand, you are free to travel around the country (subject to any local restrictions which apply to everyone). As part of Thailand’s Covid-19 prevention measures, you may still have to agree to Covid-19 track and testing procedures.

If you are planning to fly to Thailand you must make sure you have all the correct documents before you travel. This includes a Certificate of Entry. For full details, please contact the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in the country where you are intending to travel from:

Before you travel to Thailand

Please note that if you wish to travel to Thailand you are required to:

Arrange the appropriate valid visa (Passport holders from UK & Ireland are also eligible for Visa Exemption. See details further below).
Apply for a Certificate of Entry (CoE) (Travel agents can also apply for a CoE on behalf of their customers whether in a group or an individual).
Adhere to Thailand’s entry requirements which include:
- Fit to Fly certification (proof of negative Covid-19 test) within 72 hours of departure
- Travel & health insurance (including Covid-19 cover)
- Flight booking
- 14-day quarantine booking in an official ASQ or ALSQ accommodation
- Booking confirmation of post quarantine accommodation

Visa options

Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Permitted to stay in Thailand for: 90-270 days
In September 2020, the Thai government agreed to implement a Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme to allow for a limited return of long-stay tourists. On 8 December 2020, the scheme was adapted to allow for more people to travel to Thailand including those from the UK and Ireland. The STV allows for a stay of 90 days which can be extended twice at 90 days each when in Thailand.

Tourist Visa (TR)

Permitted to stay in Thailand for: 60 days
At the beginning of December 2020, a new Tourist (TR) Visa was agreed. Tourists from the UK and Ireland who wish to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days can apply for this new visa.

Visa Exemption

Allowed to stay in Thailand for: ~~30 days~~ 45 days
In mid-December 2020, the Thai authorities agreed to allow travellers to enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme. This usually allows passport holders from certain countries, including the UK and Ireland, to stay for 30 days. However, the Thai government has subsequently agreed to extend this to 45 days to allow an extra 15 days to cover the mandatory quarantine period.

When can I travel to Thailand without the need for quarantine?

The short answer is, we don’t yet know. Our website editor, Roy Cavanagh, is currently in Thailand and provides some more context and his personal thoughts here:
Covid-19: When can I travel to Thailand?
Covid-19: Quarantine rules for Thailand

Thailand to consider scrapping quarantine for vaccinated tourists
At the end of February 2021, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the government are considering a number of proposals to revive the Thai economy. Amongst these proposals was an idea to scrap the need for quarantine for foreign tourists who had proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Although nothing has yet been agreed, it’s an encouraging sign for tourists who have been vaccinated and would like to book a Thailand holiday. The announcement came as Thailand prepared to roll out its own vaccination program.

This information is subject to change so we recommend revisiting this page regularly for updates and following us on social media @fanclubthailand.

UK or Irish passport holders currently in Thailand

British Embassy in Bangkok
Irish Embassy in Bangkok
Covid-19 updates from Ministry of Public Health
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health
Latest updates from TAT newsroom

Advice from Royal Thai Embassy, London

Updates: Royal Thai Embassy, London

Update: 5 January, 2021:
In line with the announcement from the UK government and the new Covid-19 restrictions, the Royal Thai Embassy will move to an online and mail service. Any documents or legal services that require a visit to the embassy in person will be temporarily suspended from 6 January, 2021. For other services, the embassy is still providing services as usual.
More details here

Advice from Royal Thai Consulate, Dublin

News: Royal Thai Consulate, Dublin

United Kingdom government advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response
Health – Thailand travel advice

Irish government advice

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Travel advice
Thailand travel advice

Coronavirus (Covid-19) health advice

If you are returning to the UK or Ireland from Thailand, check the latest advice on Covid-19 here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

If you are in Thailand now or are planning any travel, please refer to the latest updates from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health here:
https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php

Advice from airlines

Some airlines have cancelled or rescheduled services. If you have any upcoming travel planned, we advise keeping in contact with your airline or travel agent for their advice.

Thai Airways Covid-19 information page

Passengers flying with Thai Airways may check flight schedules and make changes to itineraries themselves on the thaiairways.com website. For ticket adjustments or more information, Royal Orchid Plus members can contact THAI Sales Offices or visit thaiairways.com/rop.

Qatar Airways will resume their semi-commercial flight from Doha to Phuket from 18 December 2020. Some other airlines, including Emirates, will also have flights to Phuket soon. Travellers arriving in Phuket will still be required to undergo the 2 week quarantine period at an approved ASQ/ALQ hotel and meet all of the other requirements (listed above) before travelling to Thailand.

Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)

To aid the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector and restore confidence following the worldwide crisis of Coronavirus (Covid-19), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new safety initiative. In association with public and private sector partners, the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification has been introduced. To be granted a certificate under the SHA scheme, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and other facilities need to meet the strict Covid-19 control guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Health.

Tourism Thailand (UK & Ireland)

The Tourism Thailand (UK & Ireland) office continues to operate in line with the latest advice from the UK government and the authorities in Thailand. For any enquiries please email:
info@tourismthailand.co.uk

This is a difficult time in Thailand and across the world, but we will all come through it. Thank you all for your support and understanding.

Tourism Thailand (UK & Ireland)