Thailand’s latest entry and exit policies The latest news on Thailand’s entry and exit

Thailand is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world every year. The current epidemic situation in the world is still very serious, and Thailand's tourism industry has been hit unprecedentedly. Let me share with you the specific and latest regulations of Thailand’s immigration policy.

At present, Thailand has begun to cautiously further open up the tourism industry. Here are Thailand’s latest COVID-19 entry requirements and everything you need to know.

Thailand launches new mandatory tracking app for all tourists.

Thailand has launched a new mandatory app for tourists called ThailandPlus, which will track users’ activities and provide real-time COVID-19 advice. The app was developed to help the Thai government contact trace and notify tourists if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

The new app is mandatory for all tourists, and travelers must download and install ThailandPlus before arriving in Thailand. Across Thailand, QR codes are required in places including accommodation, restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist attractions.

The process will enable the Thai government to notify passengers if they have been in close contact with any confirmed COVID-19 patients and advise them on what actions they need to take to protect themselves and others.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a press release: "All information collected is used only for public health services and tourists are not monitored to infringe their privacy rights."

How visitors use the ThailandPlus app

All visitors must download the app from Google Play or Apple Store. Once the app is downloaded, GPS tracking must always be enabled and the app must remain open at all times.

Travellers then need to upload a recent photo that is no more than one month old and accept the privacy policy. Additionally, users must enter their Certificate of Entry (COE) number and reference ID obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy, ??if applicable.

Once the setup steps are completed, visitors will be redirected to the app’s QR code page and ThailandPlus will begin tracking and notifying visitors of potential exposure.

How to enter Thailand as a tourist

Thailand has now reopened the tourism industry by granting visa-free treatment to 63 countries (excluding China). These countries do not require a visa before traveling to Thailand. However, a 14-day quarantine and a total of 4 PCR tests are required.

Tourists from countries not on the signature-free list can apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV).

All travelers who have obtained an entry visa must then download the ThailandPlus app and register. Upon arrival in Thailand, they must present a QR code and have it scanned by Thai authorities.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that it will allow vaccinated tourists to shorten their quarantine time or even waive inspections completely. (The quarantine period may be reduced from 14 days to 3 days or abandoned entirely.)

Currently, although the start date of the program has not been determined, we estimate that it will most likely be implemented in the third quarter.

Thailand Tourism Authority announces reduction of quarantine restrictions

The 6,000-room quarantine area allocated by the Thai government will also be better next month. According to Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, with the launch of the "hotel area quarantine" plan, quarantined tourists will be free to move around the hotel. This is a big change compared to visitors having to be quarantined in their rooms for 14 days.

Thailand’s Travel Visa

Currently, Thailand’s strict entry requirements, including 4 COVID-19 tests and a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine, still turn away most travelers.

Although, Thailand has launched two long-term tourism plans.

Tourist visa: 60-day TR visa

Long-term tourists: STV visa - 90-day special tourist visa