How to Enter Thailand during Covid: Everything you need (March 2022)

Singaporeans are now able to enter Thailand each way without any quarantine, how good is that? We have made a list of the things that you need to know about this process. 

Travel is opening and Thailand is one of the great spots to go and visit. With its beaches, cool vibes and plenty to do, you know that you are going to have a fun time here. With it relying so heavily on tourism, it’s good to get back and support the industry.

I am travelling to Thailand and here is my journey of what I am currently going through to enter. I have a flight from Singapore, so my process may be slightly different to yours, but the entry requirements will be the same. 

Note: This is an ever-evolving beast, so the regulations are in constant movement. This is what you have to do as of March 2022

The ThaiPass (https://tp.consular.go.th/) is the key to entering Thailand. You will need to get all the documents ready before you apply for the pass. It is not hard, just need to make sure you have everything they ask.

Note: For the Thaipass, you must submit the documents in jpeg, png files only

What Documents do I Need to travel to Thailand? A Summary

• Book a Flight to Thailand. Thailand has no regulations and all flights can enter Thailand. Find the flight that suits you best. 

• A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before traveling. If you are looking for convenience, make sure to try Speedoc for the test. NOTE: As of April 1, no PCR test will be required to enter Thailand.

• A Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated) with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before traveling.

• Book Phuket PCR Test on arrival. Entering Phuket you can do this at the airport. Other places, your hotel will assist you to do this. Make sure you have the receipt of this to enter in the app.

• A Confirmed Payment for SHA+ Hotel / AQ Accommodation. This is compulsory and need to have the booking for the ThaiPass. Make sure that the hotel sends you a confirmation, that is the document they will need. You will also need to make sure that you have a Direct Hotel transfer included as part of the booking. At this stage, this is essential it is relatively cheap)

• Morchana App. This you can download and will be required for when you enter Thailand. 

• Travel Insurance Policy. This is required to get in and needs to cover COVID-19 of up to USD 20000 Dollars. This is relatively cheap and can also find it here at World Nomads

My Experience entering Thailand through Phuket

I flew into Phuket and was really not sure what to expect. But I was very surprised, to say the least. You walk off the plane (all masked) You immediately are cordoned into an area and sat down. This is a small holding area where you prepare your documents. They will ask you for your Passport and Thai Pass.

After you have been approved, which took all of 1 minute of sitting down, you are moved to customs. Just after customs, there is an exchange centre you can use. The next step is you pick up your luggage and head towards the exit. This is where the Covid testing is. After another check of the documents, there are 20 health care workers waiting to do your tests, so you will never have to wait. After a very quick, and not too intrusive swab, you walk to the exit. I was in the middle of the plane and it took me less than 20 minutes from hopping off the plane to exiting the airport. 

Due to the Thailand Rules, you will need to have an airport transfer arranged. So the driver will be there waiting for you. Once at the hotel, they will ask you to activate your Morchana App. You are then only allowed to stay in the room and not go out. By 7 am the next morning, my test had been approved, the Morchana App had turned green (meaning a negative test), and I was free to see and do anything that I like. 

NOTE: CURRENCY EXCHANGE 

The exchange rate at the airport is the best one that I have seen so far. So make sure you convert over your cash there. I got in at 8pm on a today night and there were still many options. All you need is your passport and you can convert as much as you want.

How long does it take to get ThaiPass approval?

I received a confirmation within 48 hours but have heard stories of it taking 5 business days too. If you get rejected, they will ask for the right documents and should expect the same time turn around.

Coming back to Singapore from Thailand – SUMMARY  

• Provide evidence of your 7-day travel history
• Fully Vaccinated with proof
• A negative pre-departure ART/PCR test taken within 48 hours of flight to Singapore (this can now be done online)
• Fill out the SG Arrival Card – link here
• Must have booking on a VTL Flight – Scoot, Singapore Airlines have flights
• Take supervised ART within 24 hours of landing – will need to isolate until results comes back – at your own cost