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. We have also put together some other links that you may find helpful during this difficult time.
Can I travel to Thailand?
At the moment (October 2020), there are restrictions on flights to Thailand and border crossings. Tourists looking to enjoy a short holiday in Thailand are not yet allowed to enter the country. But on 15 September 2020, the Thai government agreed to implement a Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme to allow for the return of long-stay tourists (with conditions attached). More details in the link below:
When can I fly to Thailand?
People who are currently allowed to fly to Thailand include Thai nationals and non-Thais who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national. Non-Thais who work in Thailand may also be allowed to travel. Please see the update below for more details.
In all cases, people arriving in Thailand are currently required to enter an approved quarantine facility for two weeks. You will also need to prepare documents before you travel. For full details, please contact the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in the country where you are intending to travel from:
Travel from the United Kingdom
Travel from Ireland
Update: 20th October, 2020
According to the Thai Public Health Ministry regulations, only international arrivals from a low-risk country will be considered for a Special Tourist Visa (STV). The UK is not currently regarded as a low-risk country.
There are a few, limited options, for certain groups of people to apply for entry to Thailand. This includes:
- Diplomats and officials of international organisations
- Work permit holders
- Non-Thai people who are going to work in Thailand
- Non-Thai people who are travelling on a business trip in Thailand
- Family members of Thai nationals (spouse/children)
- Medical treatment in Thailand
- Students in formal education at school or university levels
- Holders of a Certificate of Residence
- Long-stay visa holders (Non-Immigrant O-A/O-X, over the age of 50)
- Elite Card members
- Non-Thai people who own property in Thailand
We have highlighted points 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11 as possible alternative options to an STV for those very keen to travel to Thailand. The above options are each subject to their own set of eligibility checks. For more details on each of the above please visit the Royal Thai Embassy website:
Royal Thai Embassy London: Requirements for Certificate of Entry
Please note that if you apply for any of the above means of entry to Thailand you are still required to:
- Arrange the appropriate valid visa
- Apply for a Certificate of Entry (CoE)
- 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 for the duration of your stay in Thailand
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
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
Thai Airways Covid-19 information page
Passengers may check flight schedules and make changes to itineraries themselves on thaiairways.com website. For ticket adjustments or more information, Royal Orchid Plus members can contact THAI Sales Offices or visit thaiairways.com/rop.
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.
Read more about the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) scheme
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)
