Has Thailand Opened for Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country’s beautiful beaches, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine attract millions of visitors every year.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand closed its borders to international tourists in March 2020. Since then, many people have been wondering whether Thailand has opened for tourism yet.

Current Situation

As of August 2021, Thailand has partially reopened for tourism. The government has implemented a phased reopening plan that allows vaccinated travelers from certain countries to enter the country without having to quarantine for 14 days.

However, there are still some restrictions in place. Only travelers from countries deemed low or medium risk by the Thai government are allowed to enter at this time. In addition, all travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their departure.

Phased Reopening Plan

Thailand’s phased reopening plan has four stages:

Stage 1: This stage began on April 1, 2021 and allowed vaccinated travelers from certain countries to enter Thailand without having to quarantine for 14 days. However, this was only applicable if they were visiting Phuket under the “Phuket Sandbox” program.

Stage 2: This stage began on July 1, 2021 and expanded the “Phuket Sandbox” program to other destinations in Thailand such as Koh Samui and Pattaya.

Stage 3: This stage began on July 15, 2021 and allowed vaccinated travelers from designated low and medium-risk countries to enter Thailand without having to quarantine for 14 days.

Stage 4: This stage is expected to begin on October 1, 2021 and will allow vaccinated travelers from all countries to enter Thailand without having to quarantine for 14 days.

Requirements

Travelers who wish to enter Thailand must meet certain requirements. These include:

  • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Thai government.
  • A Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Travel insurance with a coverage amount of at least $100,000 USD for COVID-19-related medical treatment and a minimum coverage period of 90 days.

Conclusion

In summary, Thailand has partially reopened for tourism as of August 2021. Vaccinated travelers from certain countries are allowed to enter without having to quarantine for 14 days, but there are still restrictions in place.

Travelers must meet certain requirements such as providing proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result. It is important to stay updated on the latest regulations and guidelines before planning a trip to Thailand.