Thailand’s tourism industry is one of the most developed in Asia. The ‘Land of Smiles’ is famed for its hospitality, stunning beaches, historical sites, and eco-attractions, as well as its world-renowned food, well-developed infrastructure, and reasonably priced lodging.
Now, if you are a traveler who travels frequently or an official who travels a lot, you might have probably heard about the term T&G also known as Test & Go, in recent days. This term is new to us, Travel Agencies too. But since it’s our job to take care of you travelers, we, through intensive research, have formulated the following memoir about what Test & Go is, about the new regulations, what you as a passenger need to do, frequently asked questions, other useful links, etc.
What Is Test & Go?
Test & Go (T&G) or Exemption from Quarantine is one of the new schemes implemented to welcome travelers to Thailand. Only tourists from pilot regions and countries were allowed to participate in the program, which began on the 1st of November, 2021. The government, however, halted the initiative in December 2021.
The authorities agreed to restart the “Test and Go” initiative on the 1st of February, 2022. Tourists from all nations that go to Thailand by air and have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for the relaunched program. There have been updated measures effective from the 1st of March 2022.
What are the new regulations?
The latest measures for the Test & Go program, which will be effective from the 1st of March 2022, are as follows:
- The obligation for a second COVID-19 test by RT-PCR at the hotel on the fifth day of the Thailand visit has been lifted.
When applying for a Thailand Pass under the new Test & Go system, travelers will no longer be required to have a pre-paid compulsory hotel reservation or an RT-PCR test for the fifth day. The need to enter Thailand without staying in a hotel on Day 5 is the same as when the Test & Go program was initially implemented in November of last year. Travelers are free to go wherever they choose in Thailand after testing negative for COVID-19 on the first night.
- The second PCR test will be replaced by an antigen test (ATK).
Tourists can do the ATK themselves, and the results should be entered into the MorChana smartphone app.
- The insurance coverage amount has been reduced to 20,000 USD.
As mandated by the government, all foreign citizens must obtain COVID-19 insurance that covers the cost of medical care, including COVID-19 therapy, while in Thailand. They are entitled to medical treatment under Thai law if they are Thai nationals. The government agreed to change the health insurance coverage minimum from 50,000 USD to not less than 20,000 USD under the new law.
The regulations that are still the same
The Test & Go measures and conditions that haven’t been changed are as follows:
- A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination / Recovery.
-> Everyone above the age of 18 must be vaccinated entirely against COVID-19 using an authorized vaccine at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand.
-> Unaccompanied minors aged 12-17 must get at least one dose of an authorized vaccination before traveling to Thailand.
-> The rule does not apply to those traveling with their parents. This requirement is waived for children aged 6 to 11 who travel with their parents.
- Thailand Pass.
All passengers must complete online registration and get a Thailand Pass QR code to enter Thailand. It is suggested that you apply for the Thailand Pass at least seven working days ahead of time so that the relevant Thai authorities can review and accept your application. The Thailand Pass system requires proof of hotel reservations in an Alternative Quarantine Hotel or SHA++ Hotel and the cost of COVID-19 testing and airport pick-up. The QR Code must be shown to airlines and Thai Border Control Officials while checking in.
- COVID-19 test results before departure.
COVID-19-Free Health Certificates are still required, stating that the passenger is COVID-19-free after testing the RT-PCR technique up to 72 hours before departure. Except for children traveling with their parents under the age of six.
What you as a passenger need to do
- Your passport needs to have at least six months of validity.
- You need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and as proof, you will need a Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate.
- Within 72 hours of your departure to Thailand, you must present a negative Covid-19 test result from an RT-PCR test.
- You will need to obtain a Thailand Pass before departure.
- You will need to issue health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 20,000.
- Undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival in Thailand.
- Self-administered antigen test (lateral flow) on Day 5 of your stay
- Submit proof of payment for an approved hotel (e.g., SHA Extra Plus* ) for Day 1 of your stay.
- Install the MorChana app on arrival in Thailand.
Thailand Tour Packages from Travelley
Thailand’s tourism industry is regarded as one of the most dominant in the Asian continent. Each year around 40 million travelers visit Thailand. The food, the prices, the fantastic hotels, affordable hostels, gorgeous islands, and the ease of traveling about – all of these factors certainly contribute to Thailand’s popularity.
For more information regarding Thailand’s Tour Packages from Travelley, please visit the following link: https://travelley.net/package/thailand/
