Thailand To End Pre-Departure Testing Requirement For International Travelers From April 01

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday, 18th March 2022, approved the lifting of the pre-departure Covid-19 testing requirement for international travellers arriving into the Southeast Asian country beginning 1 April 2022.

The announcement comes as the country develops a four-phase strategy to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic to endemic disease.

It is worth mentioning that earlier this month the tourism stakeholders of Thailand have proposed eliminating the requirement for Thailand Pass registration as well as the RT-PCR test 72 hours prior to their travel.

Thailand To Relaxed Travel Rules From 01 April

As per the new approved travel requirements, international travellers will be able to enter the kingdom without having to present proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival.

Eligible Travellers

International arrivals under any of the current three entry schemes – TEST & GO, Sandbox, and Alternative Quarantine (AQ) – will be allowed to enter Thailand without the need to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel.

Points of Entry

Air, land, and water points of entry.

Number of approved airports increased from 7 to 8 – Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai (new).
Land border checkpoints increased from 3 to 4 – Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun (new)
Water points of entry increased from ports and piers in 2 to 3 provinces – Phuket, Chon Buri, and Surat Thani (new).
Types of vessels also increased from yachts to also cover ships of Thai government agencies, while Thai crew members on cargo ships will also be allowed to enter Thailand.

Testing Requirement

Two tests remain in place for the TEST & GO and Sandbox travellers: RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 0) and an antigen self-test on Day 5.

Sandbox Staying Period

Reduced to 5 days from currently 7 days. After completing five days within the Sandbox destinations, travellers will be allowed to travel domestically within Thailand.