Travel to Thailand in 2021

TRAVEL TO THAILAND 2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Is it possible to travel to Thailand in 2021? Yes, it is! Traveling to Thailand in 2021 is possible, and although there are a number of restrictions to be met and steps to take into account, it is easier than it seems. In this post, we tell you all about it! In a few words, in order to travel to Thailand, you will need to apply for the corresponding visa, and spend 15 days of quarantine in one of the Hotels authorized by the Thai government. Once the quarantine is over, you will be able to travel freely within the country. Let’s see the details!

VISA for Thailand

The first step to plan your trip to Thailand in 2021 is to choose your visa type. There are different kinds of visas you can travel with:

• Visa Exemption
• Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)
• Long-term Visas

Visa Exemption Citizens of Visa Exemption Program countries can enter Thailand without applying for a visa.  In this case, the COE or Certificate of Entry can be applied for directly. Upon arrival in Thailand, you may stay for 45 days, including 15 days in quarantine in an accredited ASQ hotel. You can see the list of countries eligible for visa exemption by clicking here. Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV) Another option is to apply for a tourist visa. There is the 60-day normal tourist visa which can be extended for an additional 30 days and the 90-day special tourist visa which can be extended twice at the local immigration office. Long term Visas There are some options for those looking for a long-term stay:

• Non-Immigrant: for business or work.
• Thailand Elite Visa: a tourist visa that allows residence in Thailand.

As they are long-term visas, they do not apply for tourist travel.

Hotel for Thailand Covid restrictions

ASQ Hotel During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has required any Thai or foreigner traveling to Thailand to undergo mandatory quarantine at any accredited Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility. The cost can vary depending on the hotel, with the price ranging from THB 23,000 to THB 200,000 for the 14 nights period. Typically, the ASQ package includes 3 meals per day, free WiFi, transfer from the airport to the hotel. The package also includes two COVID-19 tests that are performed during the quarantine period. All ASQ bookings are subject to specific hotel conditions, so be sure to read them carefully before booking. We also recommend contacting hotels directly and asking everything you want to know before making your booking. Some small details such as the possibility of using the balcony or opening the windows of the room can make a big difference when spending 2 weeks in quarantine. Here you can see a list of Quarantine Enabled Hotels.

Flight to Thailand

Currently, the number of flights to Thailand is quite small, but it is still possible to fly from various countries. Airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Turkish, and Lufthansa (among others) operate weekly flights. Be sure to contact the airline for travel requirements, as they may vary from one company to another.

Travel insurance for Thailand

You will need to take out COVID-19 insurance that meets the requirements of the Thai authorities:

• Coverage of up to THB 3.5 million (equivalent to a minimum of USD 100,000) for medical expenses due to injury or illness, including COVID-19.
• The COVID-19 travel insurance policy must cover the duration of your stay in Thailand. It can be for 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, or even 12 months.

The proof of insurance will be required at the time of visa application and Certificate of Entry (COE) application, as well as upon entry Thailand.

Thailand entry requirements

In addition to the visa, you must apply for the COE or entry certificate at the local Thai embassy or consulate at least 5 to 15 working days before the planned date of travel. To apply for the COE, visit the COE official site and register by filling in the personal information requested. The local Embassy will review and pre-approve your application if you meet all the requirements. Once you have received pre-approval you will be asked for a copy of your airline ticket and confirmation of your ASQ hotel reservation. When the COE has been approved, you will be able to check its status online and download your COE.

COVID TEST AND DOCUMENTS

Once you have received your COE, you need to prepare the following documents for your trip to Thailand. You will need to submit these documents to your airline prior to departure:

• Certificate of Entry (COE)
• Valid visa in your passport
• Declaration form
• Medical certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. (The COVID test must be by RT-PCR method, taken and performed within 72 hours prior to departure)
• Copy of travel insurance certificate
• Confirmed ASQ hotel booking
• Copy of confirmed flight reservation
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable)
• T8 Health Form

You must download the “Thailand Plus” application on your phone.

COUNTRIES WITH VISA EXEMPTION

If you are a national of one of the following countries, you don’t need to apply for a Visa, but anyway, you need to apply for the COE and get your authorization to travel to Thailand. A total of 64 Countries allowed to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Rule:

1. Andorra
2. Argentina (90 days)
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Bahrain
6. Belgium
7. Brazil (30 days and 90 days)
8. Brunei
9. Cambodia (14 days only)
10. Canada
11. Chile (90 days)
12. Czech Republic
13. Denmark
14. Estonia
15. Finland
16. France
17. Germany
18. Greece
19. Hong Kong
20. Hungary
21. Iceland
22. Indonesia
23. Ireland
24. Israel
25. Italy
26. Japan
27. Korea (30 days and 90 days)
28. Kuwait
29. Laos
30. Latvia
31. Liechtenstein
32. Lithuania
33. Luxembourg
34. Macau
35. Malaysia
36. Maldives
37. Mauritius
38. Myanmar (14 days only)
39. Monaco
40. Mongolia
41. Netherlands
42. New Zealand
43. Norway
44. Oman
45. Peru (30 days and 90 days)
46. Philippines
47. Poland
48. Portugal
49. Qatar
50. Russia
51. San Marino
52. Singapore
53. Slovak Republic
54. Slovenia
55. South Africa
56. Spain
57. Sweden
58. Switzerland
59. Turkey
60. Ukraine
61. United Arab Emirates
62. United Kingdom
63. United States
64. Vietnam

We hope this information has been helpful and that you will be able to travel to Thailand in 2021. The beaches are awaiting you empty and all for you! Chat on WhatsApp Don’t hesitate to contact us to ask about anything you need help with, we will be happy to help you organize your trip. Remember to travel with conscience, avoiding or reducing the use of disposable plastics. We invite you to read our post Plastic-free travel: 6 easy tips.