Thailand, the land of smiles, has always been a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that millions of tourists flock to the country every year.
However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have closed their borders to tourists in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. This begs the question – is Thailand open to tourism?
The Short Answer
Yes, Thailand is currently open to tourism. However, there are several restrictions and guidelines in place that travelers must follow in order to enter the country and ensure everyone’s safety.
Restrictions for Entering Thailand
- Travelers must obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) from their local Thai embassy or consulate.
- Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
- Travelers must have valid health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment for at least USD $100,000.
- Upon arrival in Thailand, travelers will undergo health screening measures such as temperature checks and medical questionnaires.
Tourism Reopening Plan
Thailand has implemented a four-phase plan for reopening its tourism industry. The first phase began on April 1st, 2021 and allowed vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries to enter without having to quarantine upon arrival. The second phase began on July 1st and expanded this privilege to all vaccinated international travelers.
The Third Phase (Planned)
The third phase of Thailand’s reopening plan is set to begin on October 1st, 2021. This phase aims to allow fully vaccinated tourists from medium-risk countries (such as the United States and Canada) to enter without having to quarantine upon arrival. However, travelers will still be required to follow the aforementioned restrictions and guidelines.
The Fourth Phase (Planned)
The fourth and final phase of Thailand’s reopening plan is set to begin on January 1st, 2022. This phase aims to allow fully vaccinated tourists from all countries to enter without having to quarantine upon arrival.
Conclusion
Thailand is open to tourism, but with restrictions in place. As the country continues to vaccinate its population and monitor the situation, it plans to gradually ease these restrictions and fully reopen its tourism industry by the beginning of next year. If you’re planning on traveling to Thailand, make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and requirements in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.