CNN Staff
If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Thailand has recorded more than 18,000 deaths and over 1.8 million cases of Covid-19 as of October 22. The country is currently easing out of its worst wave since the start of the pandemic, with Covid-19 cases now declining.
On November 1, Thailand will allow vaccinated international travelers who have resided in one of 46 countries and territories for at least 21 days to enter without quarantine. Approved countries and territories include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, the US and Hong Kong.
The full list can be found on the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Further details below.
For now, vaccinated travelers flying into Bangkok must quarantine for seven days in an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility. Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated are required to quarantine in an approved hotel for 10 days.
On July 1 the island of Phuket reopened to vaccinated foreign visitors without quarantine requirements in the “Phuket Sandbox” scheme. On July 15, the country launched a similar program on the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, dubbed “Samui Plus.”
What’s on offer
Picture-perfect islands. Golden beaches with swaying palms. Ornate temples and lush forests. Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eyes tropical break.
Who can go
Holders of US, Canada, UK and Australia passports are among those not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 45 days on each visit.
Tourists from countries not on the visa exemption list can apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows for 90-day stays, and can be renewed twice. You…