After months of strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements, and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. Vaccinated travelers are allowed to travel to Thailand without quarantine under the Phuket Sandbox and the Samui Plus Sandbox programs.
Thailand entry details and exceptions: Effective from January 9 to January 31, 2023 – Travelers (aged 18 years and above) arriving in Thailand must have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID in the last 6 months, or you may also provide a vaccine-exemption letter from a doctor stating you cannot receive a COVID vaccine due to medical reasons.
The basics: Thailand has recorded more than 32,000 deaths and over 4.67 million cases of COVID-19 as of September 26, 2022. On average, around 700 COVID-19 cases are reported per day. On July 1, 2022, the country began easing some of its travel restrictions.
As it stands right now, travel to Thailand is still limited, though it is much more open than before. That said, for the amount of time it takes to travel from the U.S., my recommendation is to wait until more of the country opens up for safe and responsible travel.
Don’t travel to the four most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border: Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. These areas experience frequent violence and bombings. If you’re there, consider leaving. Sexual assault, assault, robbery, and drink spiking can happen to tourists. Never leave your drink unattended.
COVID-19 Information: The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is no longer in effect. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Is it safe to travel to Thailand right now? International travel to Thailand is considered safe now. The Thai authorities have reopened bars, nightclubs, karaoke venues, and other establishments on January 16, 2022.
Is Bangkok open for travel? Presently, Bangkok is open for travelers. COVID-19 regulations are the same as in the rest of the country.
If you decide to travel to Thailand, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Thailand. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
For the latest Thailand travel advisory, visit Thailand Travel Advisory. Stay updated on Thailand travel restrictions at ThaiEmbassy.com, KAYAK, CNN, TravelAgeWest, and Smartraveller.
