Thailands new vaccinated and unvaccinated tourist entry rules from Nov 1st, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Edwin Gramba in News Articles

According to a recent article in “Asean Now” formally known as “Thai Visa” the Thai authorities have announced that they plan to reopen their borders to international foreign tourists for the first time in what has effectively been almost 2 Years from November 1st, 2021 onwards.

*Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this article.

Given the recency of this announcement and the fact that this reopening date is literally only a few days away, clarity on the entry process and requirements by the Thai authorities was essential in order to avoid any misunderstandings and/or confusion.

In summary, from November 1st, 2021 onwards any foreign international tourists arriving into Thailand will automatically be grouped into 3 Categories which are as follows:

1. Fully vaccinated tourists arriving from a “low-risk” country (please scroll down to the bottom of this article for a comprehensive list).

Basically anyone who is Fully Vaccinated and arrives from one of 46 “low-risk” countries must stay at least 1 night in a Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA+) certified hotel or alternative quarantine approved hotel whilst they await the outcome of a RT-PCR test result. In the case of a Negative RT-PCR test result, they’ll then free to travel to any destination within Thailand without any further restrictions. The Thai authorities have chosen to call this their Test & Go process as detailed below.

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2. Fully vaccinated tourists arriving from a “non-low-risk” country (basically any country NOT mentioned within the approved 46 low-risk countries).

Basically anyone who is Fully Vaccinated and arrives from a country that is NOT one of the 46 “low-risk” countries must stay at least 7 nights in a Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA+) certified hotel within a designated Blue Zone “sandbox” area (please scroll down to the list of 17 Blue Zone areas at the bottom of this article) whilst they await the outcome of their RT-PCR test result.

In the case of a Negative RT-PCR test result on Day 6 or Day 7 of their 7 Night stay, they’ll then be free to travel anywhere within Thailand without any further restrictions. The Thai authorities have chosen to call this their Living in the Blue Zone process as detailed below.

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3. Partially or Unvaccinated tourists

Basically any Partially or Unvaccinated foreign international tourist arriving from overseas, regardless of the country of origin must stay at least 10 nights in a quarantine approved hotel whilst they await the outcome of their RT-PCR test result.

In the case of a Negative RT-PCR test result on Day 9 or Day 10 of their 10 Night stay, they’ll then be free to travel anywhere within Thailand without any further restrictions.

Irrespective of category EVERY foreign international tourist wishing to enter Thailand from November 1st, 2021 onwards MUST follow the required process and submit the required documentation prior to their arrival in Thailand:

  • A valid Vaccine Certificate (if fully vaccinated) with an approved vaccine such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca or Moderna etc., at least 14 Days prior to their departure and subsequent arrival in Thailand.
  •  Anyone whose previously been infected with Covid within the last 3 Months must have a valid Vaccine Certificate (if partially vaccinated i.e. received at least 1 dose) of an approved vaccine at least 14 Days prior to their departure and subsequent arrival in Thailand.
  • Foreign international tourists who are 12 Years old or less are exempted from any vaccination requirements when accompanied by their parents or guardians. In the case of unaccompanied minors please consult the relevant Thai government authorities for further guidelines. 
  • A valid Medical Certificate issued by an authorized medical technician with a confirmed Negative RT-PCR laboratory test result within 72 Hours of your departure from your country of origin to Thailand.
  • A confirmed payment for 1/7/10 Nights (category dependent) stay in an approved SHA+, AQ, OQ, or AHQ facility and RT-PCR test.
  • A valid Health Insurance Policy with a minimum of $50,000USD in COVID-19 coverage.
  • Foreign international tourists must then register for a Thailand Pass at least 7 Days prior to departure.
  • Foreign International tourists must then upload the required documents (along with the valid visa/re-entry permit, if required), and allow 3-5 Working Days i.e. Monday – Friday for the approval process.
  • If approved foreign international tourists will then receive their Thailand Pass QR code.

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Please note that entry into Thailand is permitted only via these 6 airports which are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang-Mai, Phuket, Koh-Samui and U-Tapao International Airports. Whereas Buriram Airport is reserved strictly for charter flights.

Additional info:

  • On arrival every foreign international tourist must download the Mor Chana mobile application onto their mobile phones.
  • Foreign expats or Thai nationals returning back to Thailand cannot quarantine themselves within their private homes and must stay in an approved SHA+ or quarantine hotel.
  • Travel from one of the 6 airports to the SHA+ or quarantine hotel must take place via a ‘sealed route’ using an approved SHA+ or quarantine vehicle organized by the hotel.

List of 46 low risk countries and territories

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List of 17 ‘Blue Zone’ destinations

  1. Bangkok
  2. Krabi
  3. Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey
  4. Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng)
  5. Trat (Ko Chang)
  6. Buri Ram (Mueang)
  7. Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
  8. Phang-Nga
  9. Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
  10. Phuket
  11. Ranong (Ko Phayam)
  12. Rayong (Ko Samet)
  13. Loei (Chiang Khan)
  14. Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
  15. Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao)
  16. Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo)
  17. Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom)

Disclaimer: Please note that this is NOT a definitive STEP BY STEP guide and that we STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you seek further clarification from the Thai authorities prior to booking any airplane tickets or purchasing Covid-19 insurance etc.

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