After nearly nineteen months of virtually being locked off from the world due to the COVID pandemic, Thailand has reopened. Effective 1 November 2021, people can enter the “Land of Smiles’ without the requirement for quarantine. Whether you are returning to buy & live in Thailand, coming for business, visiting family and friends, or coming for that much needed holiday – Thailand is open and ready to welcome you.
While other countries in Asia are still reopening their borders –Thailand is leading the way. It will undoubtedly take time for the Thai kingdom to regain or return to its astounding annual visitor numbers – some 39 million pre-pandemic. Indeed, experts predict a time frame or one to two years before international travel returns to normal, whatever that new normal may look like.
So, for those who can travel, now is an ideal time to come to Thailand. All the popular tourist destinations are clamouring for your business with great deals on hotels, tours and the like. The beaches, islands, attractions, temples, national forests or mountain trails are crowd-free, so social distancing is easy. For long term stays, appealing rental deals and options await. Investors or buyers will find great pricing on new development purchases highly enticing. Check out our Lazudi experts market insight at the end of this article.
The reopening has happened. What follows here are the entry requirements according to the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Thai government remains cautious, and conditions may vary over time. Do check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country before booking that ticket.
Entry requirements to travel to Thailand
Many visitors will be able to enter Thailand without quarantine. Your vaccination status and country of departure will place you in one of three categories. Additionally, you will have to secure the new Thailand Pass before departure. More on the Thailand Pass in a moment. Here is an overview of the three entry schemes.
1. The ‘Test and Go’ category is for fully vaccinated people who have resided in one or a combination of these 63 approved countries for at least the previous 21 consecutive days. You will need to stay one full day at a SHA+ or AQ accredited hotel on arrival in Thailand. Assuming a negative test after your 24 hours SHA+ hotel stay, you can travel freely within the country.
2. For fully vaccinated visitors, who are not eligible under the approved country list, you can enter via the ‘The Blue Zone’ into one of 17 ‘Sandbox Destinations’ like Phuket, and your travel is restricted for the first seven days. If you do not wish to use one of the sandboxes, you can quarantine for seven days at an approved facility.
3. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people fall into ‘Alternative Quarantine’ and must quarantine for up to 14 days.
This Ministry of Foreign Affairs table further details each category.
What Else to Know
Visa applications have moved online. To travel to Thailand now, you must check if you need to obtain a Visa. From 26 September 2021, applicants no longer need to submit their passport and supporting documents in person at their local Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate. Simply visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thai E-Visa Official Website, complete the entry page and proceed as directed to apply for an E-Visa.
Applicants receive a confirmation e-mail once the E-Visa application is approved. Print the confirmation e-mail for presentation to airline and Thai Immigration officials when travelling to Thailand.
Insurance is a requirement for all visiting foreigners under the Thailand Pass. Returning expats living and working in Thailand under a valid visa must provide proof of insurance coverage in Thailand with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD or a valid social security card or certifying letter from your employer.
According to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if you are not in the above categories, i.e. you are arriving for holidays, “You can use a standard/general insurance or health insurance with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD.” Some websites indicate that Thai Immigration only accepts Thai government-approved insurance policies. It is wise to check with the Thai Embassy in your country on this.
Whichever insurance you choose, read the fine print carefully. The policy must clearly state it covers COVID-19. Ideally, the policy should cover you for all treatment costs – hospitals, medication. Consider coverage for life insurance and out of pocket expenses – like lost flights, travel bookings, tours, etc. Also, check the policy coverage if you test positive to COVID-19 but are asymptomatic.
Further Information
The Thailand Pass site has an FAQ page which is a good resource if you have further questions. For instance, what vaccines does Thailand recognize? Or what are the requirements if you are travelling with children? What documents are required when applying for the Thailand Pass, and much more. Do take the time to review this as you start the application process.
Thailand is Open – Now is the Time
Now is an ideal time to travel to Thailand. There are many good deals in hotels and resorts for holidaymakers and leisure seekers, and you won’t be fighting for space, no matter where you travel. And it’s the dry season, with blue skies and excellent weather, meaning it’s perfect for that tropical holiday in your favorite Thai location. You will even find the Thai capital much easier to make your way around.
Perhaps you would like to live in Bangkok or fancy a seaside vacation home in Phuket, Pattaya or Hua Hin; there is an excellent choice of condos and villas for rent. Many with very competitive prices. If you want to buy a property in Thailand, this is a great time, too; looking at new developments, the best offers will be on the ready to move in options, offering both fully furnished or partially options, which are just waiting for you to do the deal and move in.
A Final Word From Lazudi
We have seen pricing on new homes begin to stabilise in the second half of 2021, with the deepest price drops seen in 2020. On the private sales market, prices on a whole have remained stable. The travel restrictions up to now have meant prices haven’t climbed at the pace seen in previous years. Additionally, infrastructure projects, community malls, new offices, and other commercial projects did not slow over the past few years. We see a small window of opportunity over the next few months to find a property at a fair price in a great location. Great potential for investors who could see healthy capital gains before prices climb once higher numbers of travellers start to enter.
We look forward to seeing you here soon!
