IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of 9 January 2023, Thailand is fully reopened to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. Only visitors traveling to countries that require an RT-PCR are required to have health insurance
With majority of the globe opening its borders to international tourists, Thailand has come up with a series of programs to allow tourists to enjoy the wonders of Thailand. Through the Sandbox Program, they meticulously created a thorough list of prerequisites for inbound guests early on, and later applied this plan and other entry schemes over the entire country. One entry scheme is the Test & Go for travelers entering cities not covered by the Sandbox Program.
Let’s get into the details about this entry scheme below:
How do I qualify for TEST & GO?
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You are eligible for the TEST & GO program to Thailand if you are:
- A Thai citizen
- *A fully vaccinated traveler traveling by air, land, and sea coming from ANY country or territory
* Travelers aged 12-17 traveling to Thailand unaccompanied MUST get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine. Those traveling with parents are exempt from this requirement. Travelers aged 6-11 traveling with their parents are exempted from this requirement.
** Travelers with a history of COVID-19 who have recovered by medical treatment, and travelers who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine post- infection MUST bring along a certificate of COVID-19 recover
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What other requirements are needed for TEST & GO?
Starting March 1, 2022, the Thailand government will be implementing a few modifications to the requirements for the TEST & GO program for tourists. We’ve created a helpful checklist of travel requirements that you’ll need to present to Thai authorities before they can grant you entry:
- Certificate of vaccination or proof of full vaccination. This should be administered no less than 14 days and not more than 12 months before departure.
- Thailand Pass QR Code. Starting Nov 1, the Certificate of Entry (COE) has been replaced with the Thailand Pass QR Code. You can create a profile and register on the COE/Thailand Pass portal of the Thai government/embassy.
- Medical Certificate of Negative RT-PCR test result pre-arrival. This should be taken within 72 hours before your departure to Thailand. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Starting 1 Apr 2022, visitors will no longer be required to present a pre-flight negative RT-PCR Test but they will still have to go through the required tests of the entry program they're using to enter the country)
- Covid-19 Health Insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 20,000
- Payment confirmation for *1 RT-PCR test (on 1 May 2022, this will be replaced with an Antigen Test Kit and will be conducted by a professional). This is for the test to be taken on Day 1 (your arrival day). You must also bring your own ATK (Rapid Antigen Test) to take on Day 5. Klook offers bookings for an RT-PCR test and Rapid Antigen (the latter only for domestic travels)
- The MorChana App installed on your phone. This is for you and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to monitor anytime you are near or have been exposed to a Covid positive individual. You must upload your ATK results via the MorChana app
* Travelers staying less than 5 nights or have scheduled their international departure date on their 5th day do not need to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test. However they must leave the country immediately.
Q: Since I have to get tested on Day 5 using my ATK (Rapid Antigen Test), can I still go out after I get my negative RT-PCR result on Day 1?
A: Yes, you can! If your arrival test results come out negative, you're free to go anywhere in Thailand. Just make sure to upload your Day 5 ATK results via the MorChana app (this is required)
If you test positive, you will be referred to get medical treatment and any expenses will be covered by you or your insurance. Depending on your condition, you will be advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation.
While receiving treatment, you are not allowed outside for 10 days unless absolutely necessary. And if you do intend to go out, you have to notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.
You will receive a certificate of recovery once you're cleared.
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-luggage-3943882/
Eager to travel again? Double-check first!
Despite Thailand's openness of borders to foreign travelers, entry restrictions and requirements may vary depending on your place of origin. As a result, it is essential to contact your country's Thai embassy or consulate for further information on entry requirements before making any plans.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post is accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations, and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook's prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective destination directly before your travels.
