TAT: Relaxation of entry conditions for Thailand as of December 16
As of December 16, the entry conditions for Thailand will change. In the TEST & GO scheme, for example, the PCR test is replaced by a rapid test.
The current waiting time of 1 night in a hotel and a confirmed payment (for 1 night in SHA+ hotel, 1 RT-PCR test and pre-arranged airport transfer) are no longer required. Upon arrival, testing is changed to a rapid test (ATK method).
Children and young adults
- Travelers under the age of 6 traveling with their parents with a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours of departure are not required to have a negative RT-PCR test result prior to arrival and can undergo a saliva test upon entry into Thailand.
- Travelers aged 6-11 traveling with their parents must have a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours of departure.
- Travelers aged 12-17 traveling with their parents do not need to be vaccinated but must have a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours of travel.
Restoration proof
Travelers previously infected within 3 months of travel must have a medical certificate of recovery or be vaccinated with at least one dose of an approved indefinite vaccine before travelling.
Unchanged Terms
What hasn't changed:
- Traveling from the approved countries/territories (currently 63) where travelers stayed for 21 days or more. Returning Thai and foreign residents who have previously traveled from Thailand are exempt from this obligation.
- An insurance policy with coverage of at least US$50.000. Thai and foreign residents who have national health insurance are exempt from this requirement.
- Anyone 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-14 with an approved vaccine at least 19 days before travel to Thailand and have a negative RT-PCR test result 72 hours before the travel date.
By land
In addition to arrival by air, travelers are allowed to enter the country (at the Nong Khai border checkpoint, from December 24, 2021) and by sea, subject to meeting vaccination and testing requirements.
Source and more information: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/11/thailand-eases-entry-rules-from-16-december-2021/
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and a lover of good music.
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Can I now conclude from the above that the ATK test now takes place at the airport upon arrival?
At first there was talk of having to go to a hotel for that test, but I no longer see that requirement. Or is it just the usual unclear communication again?
Yeah, that was unclear to me too. So just wait.
Yes, also very unclear for us. We have booked Amari sha+ at Don muang, so that we can fly the next day. In the event that the ATK test can be taken immediately upon arrival, this will save us the whole hassle of traveling to Amari and continuing our journey the next day.
In the case of ATK test on arrival, we could continue flying immediately.
Clarity would be in place here by the Thai authority.
Hopefully the ATK test can indeed be done at the airport so that we can make our flight to Chiangmai the same day.
I don't think we will get anything back from our paid PCR appointment 6700 THB for 2 people?
It is a pity that we could have given better to the orphans in Chiangmai orphanage.
There is:
The current 1-night waiting period in a hotel and a confirmed payment (for 1-night stay at SHA++ hotel, 1 RT-PCR test, and pre-arranged airport transfer) “will no longer be required”.
Again: “Pre-arranged airport transfer will no longer be required” … then it is clear that the tests will take place at the airport.
Otherwise, everyone could just go to their hotel via taxi, bus and/or skytrain to undergo a rapid test there... too crazy to run wild.
Admittedly, they should have described it differently and better (clearer), but yes.
Does this mean that we can land in Bangkok, do ATK once the results are in, fly to Phuket if negative?
I am also very curious about the influence on my Thailand pass application. Have now of course specified a hotel with test & go. Wait and see.
This later report from the TAT contradicts the government spokesman, who said
“Deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nopakun Natapanu, who gives the CCSA briefing in English, said travelers will need to take the antigen test at a hotel and will need to book approved transportation from the airport.”
So wait for further information at which airports such an ATK test can be conducted.
Also not clear if this ATK test has to be booked in advance.
In any case, I will cancel my Test & go package. I am not worried about the invalidity of the previously issued Thailand pass.
I had already booked a hotel and paid for the overnight stay and was working on the documents for the PCR test and submitted them yesterday
Have now contacted the hotel to see what their opinion is about it and what the cost of ATK test and any transport to hotel is…
I'll post the result here if known
Because of that omicron variant, these relaxations may not even continue…
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2223539/antigen-testing-for-visitors-in-doubt-as-omicron-variant-spreads
Yesterday I already reported that the replacement of the PCR test by an ATK was on the line.
Probably the editors thought I made it up and my report was not posted.
Make another attempt today with source reference, would that help?
Source : https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2223539/antigen-testing-for-visitors-in-doubt-as-omicron-variant-spreads
Goodbye,
Geert.
Yes, citing the source certainly helps. The experience is that sometimes everyone just shouts something (from hearsay from the hairdresser, from a second cousin of the neighbor).
and then BP as a source…. maybe just the hairdresser then 😉
. I have now read the press release and it really contains a contradiction: what has not changed point 3 everyone from 18 years and older must be vaccinated at least 14 days before departure to Thailand, but further in the article it says under Happy Quarantine Nationwide: unvaccinated must be quarantined for 10 days.
Conclusion: there has never been any question that everyone aged 18 and older must have been vaccinated 14 days before departure!
Very nice to be so clearly informed
For adults, the rule is that you
Must have a negative RT-PCR 72 hours prior to departure. So a proof of repair is not enough.
We had Covid 10 days ago and could therefore still test positive on December 14 (departure date). Then our trip to Thailand will not take place.