Brits heading on Thailand holidays will soon no longer be required to take pre-travel Covid tests, as the country is easing its Covid travel rules for travellers.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will no longer need to take PCR tests to enter Thailand, under new rules coming into force on May 1. However it's not joining the list of countries scrapping Covid rules entirely just quite yet, with other entry requirements still in place.
The Foreign Office has subsequently updates its Thailand travel advice to reflect the change, although flags that there are still entry rules, which differ depending on your vaccination status.
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If you're vaccinated, you'll still need to register for a Thailand Pass, which allows you to visit under the Test and Go or Sandbox schemes. (Essentially, these allow you to travel to certain parts of Thailand and explore without restrictions if you're vaccinated, or to take a PCR test for exploring other regions).
The rules apply to anyone aged 18 or over, and you'll need to be able to show proof of your full vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days before travel.
Other requirements include having insurance in place that's at least equivalent to US $10,000 (approx £7,000).
According to TAT, visitors who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will need to register through the Thailand Pass and have proof of a 5-day hotel booking, as well as meeting insurance requirements.
Upon arrival in Thailand, you'll be required to quarantine for those five days, and take a PCR test on Day 5.
A statement from TAT notes: "Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom."
While Thailand is a firm favourite for winter sun holidays, the country's monsoon season tends to run between July and October - something to take note of if you are planning a trip.
Of course the relaxing of rules means there's plenty of holiday planning to be had if you are hoping to finally tick Thailand's best places off the bucket list, from those beautiful beaches to the incredible islands.
Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio fans may also want to take note that the iconic bay from The Beach has reopened for the first time since 2018...
- Travel rules can change quickly due to the nature of the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office advice before booking or going on a trip abroad.
