The coronavirus task force announced on 20 January 2022, that the “Test & Go” quarantine waiver for vaccinated arrivals to Thailand will be resumed from 1 February 2022 onwards in response to the slowing rate of Covid-19 infections.
Good news for travelers who want to visit Thailand
The Thai government started the scheme in November 2021, which only ran for seven weeks before it was suspended a month ago. Mainly due to the rapid spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant and concern about available vaccines’ effectiveness.
The spoke person of the task force Taweesin Wisanuyothin, said that for resumption of this new Test & Go policy, all visitors are required to take the Covid test upon arrival and once more five days later. Visitors must also agree to have the task force track their whereabouts while staying in Thailand.
The task force also announced the “Sandbox” program; a similar Covid-19 quarantine waiver for vaccinated arrivals. The program required visitors to stay for 7 days in one location, which is currently available in Phuket and Samui will also be expanded to popular beaches destinations including Koh Chang and Pattaya.
Bars and nightclubs will remain closed. However, restaurants are still allowed to serve alcoholic drinks till 11 p.m. extended from 9 p.m.
Why are these schemes back on the table?
The main reason that the task force decided to resume these programs is to revive the tourism business in Thailand which has been heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as from weak global travel demand and strict quarantine requirements from the Thai government.
Thailand was one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia in 2019 with the highest record of nearly 40 million visitors, compared to only approximately 300,000 visitors in 2021.
How do I apply for Test & Go scheme?
Travelers can register for the Test&Go scheme under Thailand Pass System at https://tp.consular.go.th/
What are the requirements?
- Proof of SHA+ hotel booking for Day 1 and Day 5
- Proof of confirmed payment of SHA+ accommodation and for the two RT-PCE tests
- Vaccine passport or certification of vaccination
- Health insurance for healthcare and Covid-19 treatment expenses, with no less than USD50,000 coverage per applicant for the whole duration while staying in Thailand.
- Proof of Negative RT-PCR test tested not over 72 hours before flight’s departure time is required upon flight check-in
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Reference: Reuters
