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WHAT IS NEEDED TO VISIT THAILAND AS A TOURIST?

Thailand, one of the most visited countries in the world, has become one of the most loved countries for tourists for not only its natural and scenic beauty but also for being extremely affordable. For this reason, the number of tourists has increased since 2017 and in 2019, 40 million tourists visited Thailand. Owing to the COVID-19 limitations and necessity the strength decreased in 2020 and 2021.

Under the prevailing COVID pandemic, traveling all over the globe has become a little complicated and full of risk especially for leisurely tours. In 2021, if you intend to travel to Thailand then you must know what all is new in Visa Policy and other necessary documentation. By November 21, the Thailand tourism department intends to bring tourism to normalcy with minor restrictions and compulsions. 

Most of the citizens of the world do not require a visa when traveling to Thailand during COVID.

The details of those countries are listed in the Visa Exempted country which can be reached from open sources easily. Travelers from these countries may stay in Thailand for up to 45 days without a visa but for the remaining countries, the travelers would require a Thai Visa known as “Thailand Visa on Arrival”, which will allow them to stay up to 90 days in the country.

Tourists are not allowed to work in Thailand or conduct any business. Some basic requirements for entering Thailand are being narrated here for guidance and reference purposes for new travelers. Obviously, it’s not necessary to get advanced medical certification but you need to get your ship in order of course.

Travelers would need under mentioned documents when planning a trip to Thailand: –

• A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least one blank visa page and having no sign of alterations and damage. Provision of latest color photographs taken within last 3 months, having a white background, prescribed size of 2 x 2 inches, and a standard posture.  
• Visa Application Form must be filled in in all respects as per data of your passport and national records.
• Health insurance proving minimum medical coverage of USD 100,000 which may be utilized in case of an injury or sickness including COVID – 19. 
• You must also carry a COVID-19 test and negative report (where required) from a recognized organization which is to be submitted along with the application documents. 
• You must have details of proof of the travel arrangements which show that you will be able to support your travel. This includes an itinerary of your travel and the accommodation at the host country and also the recent bank statement from your bank with a minimum balance of USD 700.00 for a single entry visa and USD 7000.00 for a multiple-entry visa application. You are advised not to attach the credit card statement with documents in lieu as that will not be considered valid proof. In case of a family trip, the statement must be USD 1,500 per family.
• Apart from the tourist visa, all the travelers are required to apply for the Certificate of Entry from the Thailand Tourists Consulate or Embassy irrespective of their nationality, by filling an online form. You will be required to present all the travel information during the filling process of the Certificate of Entry. The embassy will scrutinize and approve or disapprove the application well in advance and the process may take 2 – 3 working days. In case your COE is approved, it can be obtained online and the applicant can easily download it for further usage. 
• Some restrictions of documents apply to travelers under the age of 20 years. It is a must for them to bring their original or copied birth certificates, a copy of the marriage certificate of parents or guardians, and a letter signed by parents or guardians showing the consent of traveling. 
• Tourists must also know the affected areas of Thailand, which might have been the most attractive spot before the spread of COVID-19 but at the moment a limited curfew is imposed daily in those areas. These include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Yala.  
• As in some countries of the world, you can travel in the transiting city during your connected flights, however, in Thailand, you are not allowed to transit for over 12 hours duration. In that case, as well, you will not be allowed to leave the transit area and the airport premises. Only in case of some life-threatening situation, you will be allowed to move out to the city but for medical treatment and referral only. 

Upon Arrival 

Health Declaration Form which is issued 72 hours in advance from the parent country is a must document to be provided upon your arrival at the airport in Thailand. You will be asked to provide details and documents of proof for being vaccinated as per internationally accepted laws. Since 1^st October 2021, the Thailand Ministry of Tourism has eased few restrictions imposed by the government in the past 2 years due to widespread COVID – 19. If at the time of arrival at any airport in Thailand you prove to be fully vaccinated, you will be required to undergo a 7 days compulsory quarantine in an Alternate State Quarantine Facility. In case you are not vaccinated completely, you will be asked to remain under compulsory quarantine for 10 days.  

Despite an improved COVID – 19 situations in the country, the government of Thailand has still put restrictions on the move of the tourists in some areas. There are some islands in Thailand including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao which have allowed quarantine free entry upon arrival to the vaccinated travelers since July 1, 2021. Another important aspect to be known by the travelers upon arrival includes abiding by the strict COVID-19 control measures as per the laws which would necessitate essential as well as enforced quarantine and medical treatment when instructed by Thai authorities. After arrival in Thailand, if you break any of the local laws, you would be admissible to the legal actions in vogue in the country.