Thailand is scrapping COVID-19 testing for vaccinated arrivals and eliminating the entire Test & Go program on May 1 as the country looks to kickstart the tourism. Rules have also been relaxed for unvaccinated travelers, although both groups are still obligated to meet certain entry requirements.
The Thailand Pass program remains in place with all visitors required to register prior to arriving. For vaccinated tourists, they must upload proof of vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage of no less than USD10,000 in order to be approved for entry. This group is recommended to take an antigen COVID-19 test, but this will not be mandated by the Thai government.
Unvaccinated visitors must have the same level of insurance. However, this group has two options in terms of testing. First, they can provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. Those who choose this method are allowed to move around freely upon arriving. Second, they may choose to quarantine for five days and undergo an RT-PCR test on their fifth day in the country.
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This replaces the Test & Go program which had required all travelers to take a RT-PCR test upon arrival and then spend one night in a certified hotel until receiving a negative result. The decision is seen as a key step for Thailand’s tourism sector.
“Test & Go will be scrapped and there will be a shift to antigen testing on May 1. This will be more convenient and faster for visitors. Tourism is also starting to recover,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told local media. “Many countries are easing travel restrictions significantly and our country depends considerably on tourism to support our economy.”
Those needing more information or wanting to submit their Thailand Pass documents can do so here.