After a lengthy period of restrictions to combat Covid-19, Thailand has now returned to pre-Covid conditions. This means business as usual for tourists looking to travel to Thailand. Covid measures, mask-wearing, visas… Let's take stock of the situation in post-Covid Thailand.

What Measures Were Put in Place During Covid?

Since March 2020, like all countries worldwide, Thailand has faced the Covid-19 epidemic, forcing the country to impose strict measures for all travelers wishing to enter.

After implementing, on July 1st, 2021, a phased reopening plan for international tourism (with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs), the country ultimately decided a year later, on July 1st, 2022, to abolish the Thailand Pass registration system.

Since that summer, travelers were required to simply present a vaccination certificate or a negative test result to enter the country.

Are There Still Covid-19 Measures for Traveling to Thailand?

For the past few days, a new turning point has emerged for Thai tourism as all measures have been lifted. Indeed, given the evolution of the health situation, the Thai government ended the state of emergency as of October 1st, 2022.

Covid-19 is no longer considered a "dangerous infectious disease" but has been classified as an "infectious disease under surveillance" by the National Committee on Communicable Diseases.

Moreover, travelers entering Thailand by air or land are no longer required to present a vaccination certificate or the result of a negative PCR or antigen test to enter the country. In other words, there are no longer any measures or procedures for traveling to Thailand, whether the traveler is vaccinated or not.

Do You Still Have to Wear a Mask in Thailand?

Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory in Thailand. However, it remains recommended in the most crowded places. Note that each province in the kingdom has its own measures. It is therefore advisable to follow the instructions of local authorities as you travel throughout the country.

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand Without a Visa?

As Thailand prepares to welcome tourists in large numbers due to the cancellation of restrictions, another announcement from the Ministry of Tourism should attract even more travelers. Indeed, the authorities have announced an extension of stay periods for travelers visiting the country between October 1st, 2022, and March 31st, 2023.

To put it simply, all travelers from countries eligible for visa exemption (such as France, Belgium, or Switzerland) can travel freely to Thailand without a visa or formalities for a duration of 45 days instead of the previous 30 days.

In total, the visa exemption allows you to stay without a visa for a maximum period of 75 days (45 days + a 30-day extension while in the country). In this case, the first 45 days are free and the 30-day extension to be done on-site costs 1,900 baht, or just over 51 euros.

As you can see, the end of Covid-19 restriction measures and the extension of tourist stay periods promise to be favorable for the return of peak season in Thailand. These are all reasons showing that Thailand has returned to pre-pandemic entry conditions. Enough to reassure all travelers who wish to visit Thailand in the coming months…

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about forging links (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers ethically, awaken their awareness of animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, at the edge of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…