Thailand Post Covid: What Is the Situation in Thailand?
Thailand post Covid: end of health restrictions, masks no longer mandatory, and relaxed entry conditions for tourists.
After a long period of restrictions to combat Covid-19, Thailand has now returned to a pre-Covid situation. It's a return to normal for tourists wanting to travel to Thailand. Covid measures, mask-wearing, visas… Let's review the situation in post-Covid Thailand.
What measures were put in place during Covid?
Since March 2020, like every country in the world, Thailand faced the Covid-19 epidemic, forcing the country to impose strict measures for all travelers wishing to enter.
After implementing a progressive reopening plan for international tourism on July 1st, 2021 (with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs), the country ultimately decided a year later, on July 1st, 2022, to eliminate the Thailand Pass registration system.
Since that summer, travelers only needed to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test result to enter the country.
Are there still Covid-19 measures for traveling to Thailand?
In recent days, Thai tourism has taken a new turn 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.
Furthermore, 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 more measures or procedures for traveling to Thailand, whether the traveler is vaccinated or not.
Do you still need to wear a mask in Thailand?
Wearing a mask 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 advisable to follow the instructions of local authorities during your travels 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 new initiative from the Ministry of Tourism should attract even more travelers. Indeed, authorities announced an extension of stay periods for travelers entering 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 Thai territory without a visa or any 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 duration of 75 days (45 days + 30-day extension on site). 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 are promising for the return of high season in Thailand. These are all reasons showing that Thailand has returned to pre-pandemic entry conditions. Good news for all travelers planning to visit Thailand in the coming months…
Frequently asked questions
No, since October 2022, no vaccination certificate is required to enter Thailand. Vaccination remains recommended for your personal protection.
The 30-day extension costs 1,900 baht (approximately 51 euros) and is processed directly on site at an immigration office.
Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory but remains recommended in crowded places. Check local rules as some provinces may have their own requirements.
No specific Covid insurance is required, but travel insurance remains highly recommended to cover medical expenses and repatriation.
