Thailand Resumes Visa Free Travel
By Dawn Jorgensen
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has classified Thailand as one the safest destinations to travel to as of now. With just over 4,000 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, the country managed to flatten the curve in May and has brought the level of community transmission under strictly monitored control.
As a result of this, on 17 December 2020 Thailand announced they will ease travel restrictions with visa free travel for citizens from 56 countries in a bid to boost the country’s pandemic-hit tourism industry. All visitors will however be required to follow a set of prescribed protocols.
Following our blog post – Thailand Post Covid-19. We Will Travel Again – please find updated details below.
Visa Free Travel Resumed
Thailand has reopened it borders for visa free tourism for the following countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Principality of Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea can enter the Kingdom.
These Visa Free visits will be valid for 45 days, which has been changed from the original 30 days to accommodate the 15 days quarantine period.
According to Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand’s COVID-19 task force, travellers will need a PCR certificate to show they were free of COVID-19 72 hours before travel, as well as a reservation at a quarantine hotel. While in quarantine they will undergo three additional PCR COVID-19 tests – on day 1, day 9 and day 13. This is up from the two previously required in the belief that more testing could potentially lead to shorter quarantine times in the future.
Travellers from countries not included in this announcement are eligible for a 90-day special tourist visa and certificate of entry. Travellers will not be able to extend their visa free 45 day visit, and if you are hoping to stay for longer, you should also consider applying for the Long Stay Tours Visa, as below.
Long Stay Tourists: STV Visa (Special Tourist Visa)
Thailand announced a 90-day visa for long-stay tourists on September 15th, 2020. The visa is called the ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV) and will allow approved travellers to stay in Thailand for 90 days. It can be renewed twice, for 90 days each time. Once approved, travellers can apply for the certificate of entry (COE) based on the following requirements:
– Approved Visa
– Approved COE
– Proof of payment for 90 day accommodation booking
– Copy of recent bank statement ($700 per person and $1,500 per family). The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly), In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided.
– 14 day ‘state quarantine’ upon arrival
– All countries may apply
– Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $100,000 USD in coverage for the entire duration
– Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ)
How to Apply:
1. Travellers must apply for a visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in their home country
2. Travellers then can apply for the COE on the official Thai Government website.
Other Travellers Permitted To Enter Thailand
All travellers in the below categories will face a mandatory 14 day quarantine upon arrival in Thailand.
– Medical Tourists: Travellers seeking medical and wellness services.
– Non-Thai nationals who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national.
– Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid certificate of residence.
– Foreign workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar for food and construction industries.
– Foreigners participating in trade fairs in Thailand.
– Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid work permit and their spouse or children.
– Foreign film crews coming for filming in Thailand.
Travellers that fall into the above categories must also follow Thailand’s health protocols including:
– Travel health insurance that also covers Covid
– All travellers arriving in Thailand must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to flight
– A pre-screening health declaration card filled out before departure
– The wearing of masks is mandatory on in-bound flights and in the airport
– Thermal scans and temperature checks upon arrival
NOTE: All travellers will be required to wear masks and follow strict disinfection policies. There will be less crowds and stricter back of house procedures, while the Thai Chana Mobile phone app will used to track people going in and out of premises, in order to monitor their infections.
Staying Safe During Travel
If you travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
Stay at least 2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. I
Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are in shared spaces, including when using public transportation.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Do not travel if you are sick, have a fever of any COVID-19 symptoms.
** Please know that the above information is accurate at time of publication, but the situation is ever evolving and these serve as a guideline. Do consult with your airline and the Royal Thai Embassy prior to travelling.
Useful Information and Contact Details
Contact Details for Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria
Visa enquiries : visa@thaiembassy.co.za Tel 012 342 5470 Ext 110
Facebook : Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria www.facebook.com/thaiembassypretoria
Useful Contacts www.thailandsa.co.za and www.Thailandexpert.co.za
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-1/coronavirus-thailand
Reasons South Africans Love Thailand
· Safe and secure family friendly destination
· Natural Beauty, Tropical Islands, Warm Waters.
· Incredible array of attractions and activities no matter the interest
· Excellent value for money
· Hotels and services of a very high standard
· Incredible Food and Shopping
· Friendly people, Diversity, LGBT friendly
Visit https://thailandsa.co.za/ for all the reasons why Thailand needs exploring.
