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Thailand Travel Restrictions – Latest Information

Updated as of Dec 2022.

Travelers the world over are keen to find out how they can travel to Thailand in 2022/23

In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to know about the current Thailand Travel Restrictions and what you need to do to prepare for your trip.

Can I Travel to Thailand Now?

Yes.  You can now travel to Thailand without having to -pre-apply or needing to have a pre-departure test.

There is no test on arrival, either.

If you develop Covid symptoms during your trip, you are advised to take a self-administered antigen test.

Vaccinated Travelers

Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to have a copy of their vaccination certificate on hand before boarding a flight to Thailand or available for show on arrival.

Children (those under 18) traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before departing.

Unvaccinated Travelers

Unvaccinated travelers no longer need to complete RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Pro-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional.

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?

Those from countries under the Visa Exemption List are not required to obtain a visa and will be given a 45-day exemption stamp upon arrival (this is 15 days more than the usual 30 days because of a temporary increase set to run until March 2023).

+ More on visa exemptions here. 

Please note that the 60-day Tourist Visa and other Non-Immigrant visas are also available at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Thailand COVID Insurance for Foreigners

There is no longer a mandatory COVID insurance requirement – with a specific amount – required to travel to Thailand

However, it goes without saying that all foreign nationals have a travel insurance policy. This is for your protection and ensure you do not have to personally pay for a high hospital bill in the event of illness or accident.

Travel insurance is inexpensive and great quality cover can be had for as little as $50-100.

+ See my travel insurance recommendations here

Booking a Hotel

In my experience the best hotel deals for Thailand are found on Agoda and Hotels .com.

Agoda is based in the region and as such has good relationships with many of the operators and therefore cheap deals.

That said, Hotels .com also has a presence in the Asia-Pacific region and is worth comparing against Agoda.

+ See here for Agoda

+ See here for Hotels.com

Air Travel within Thailand

Domestic flights to key destinations have fully resumed, though some operators may be flying limited planes on some routes until travel demand increases.

Some providers may ask you to wear a mask on the airplane.

In Summary

All foreign nationals are now permitted to enter Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. No restrictions apply.

That being said, do check with your airline carrier to see if they have rules you need to abide by such as pre-departure testing.

At this point you can proceed with your booking and obtaining your visa (if required) and travel insurance policy (optional).

———-

If you have further questions regarding Thailand's travel restrictions, please leave them in the comments section below.

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. David says

    10/1/22 Let it be known that SingaporeAir is still requiring a vaccine card and or a PCR Test before allowing to board for Thailand. Even though I find nothing on their website, I was refused boarding at JFK in New York. The manager claims Thailand requires such proof. After refusing this claim, he then said it was SingaporeAir policy, even though their is nothing I could find in my research. Fortunately, I was able to get a convenient $250 test with 45 min. results and still made my flight with 10 min. to spare! Talk about dumb ass luck. The worst part is…, no one asked for my $250 Proof Negative throughout the remainder of my trip or upon arrival to BNA. Just Beware, the beast is still very much alive !
    Reply

  4. Steve Lawrie says

    My wife and I are travelling to Phuket in early November and we think that we will be able to get a 30 Visa at our entry point. We think that we can extend this for a further 30 days which will take us early January 2023. We will be flying down to Penang for the New Year before returning to Phuket (where we believe that we will get a further 30 day visa) for a further 35 days before returning to the UK in early February - is this correct?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      At each entry you will get a 30-day entry stamp. You can extend your stay by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 Baht. Though bear in mind that you will do the extension perhaps 2 days prior to your entry stamp expiring so your total stay will be just short of 60 days. You said a "further 35 days..." in your last line. You mean 30 days, right?
      Reply

  5. Roy says

    I am a UK citizen arriving Bangkok from London on 29/11/2022 for a 58 day holiday. I will get a visa exempt 30 stamp when I arrive. Is it better for me to get a 60 day visa before I travel OR get a 30 day extension at the immigration office in Patong? I believe this costs 1900 Baht?
    Reply

    • Robert says

      The choice is entirely yours, if you want to save time get it in London but if you are happy to wait at a IMofice it is just as easy, I did this in June, got there at 8.30 and was finished in 15 minutes ( they still take tea money but now it’s only 100baht pass over 2000 get no change 555 ) .
      However when you arrive if we are to believe everything they say you should get 45 days on entry ?????
      Take your vaccine record from the NHS with you printed copies , I was not asked for it ever but you never know so be prepared.
      Good luck and enjoy.
      Reply

      • Roy says

        The online application form looks complicated. I am going to the IM office in Patong to get an extension. Please can you tell me when you were there what documents were needed other than a passport? Do I need to bring a passport photo with me? Many thanks.
        Reply

        • Robert says

          I simply went to the imo and said it wanted an extension and gave my passport which they took and photo copied and gave back to me with the extension document and stamp inside.
          They said 1900baht I passed over 2000and that was it, no change and I did not ask for it, they will remember you in the future because on entry I weid and I wore a clean pressed shirt and trousers, ( they really do like it if you show respect) evidenced by jumping me through the cue whilst the scruffy shorts and tea shirt brigade waited in line )

          The only docs I had were my Thailand pass (gone now) and my vacs proof but they did not ask for them, presumably because they knew I would not be in country without them and my flight out booking again not asked for.

          The real answer is > if you think you might need something take it with you in hard copy, you do not need to offer it unless they ask

          Every imo has it’s own interpretation of the rules so what is good for one may not be good for another, so whatever you do get there early and BE Respectful it does not cost you anything but it sure goes a hell of a long way and they will help not hinder you they will even open up and speak English to you because most of them can, they just never let you know unless you do to them as they do to you, You never see an imo in a scruffy shirt and shorts.
          If you can competently say in Thai Thank you for your help they will love it and the next time you will be remembered, if you can not speak Thai say it in English but make sure you say it.
          Please look at my earlier replies.
          Good luck.
          Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          It hasn't been officially announced yet. I think I read it will come in October, before high season. The problem with YouTube is that the Tubers want to be first (most relevant), so they create a video on something upcoming as if it is in existence. But if it doesn't happen, or there are changes made before its release, they can't update the video. So you end up with lots of misinformation.
          Reply

        • Robert says

          Thailand life is correct, it has only been mentioned as a possible on October 1st and will not happen until it is published in the Royal Gazette, that is why you will note that I placed several??? at the end of the sentence
          Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Test is required if you haven't had the vaccine. If you've had the vaccine just carry your certificate. No masks required, though some airports and airlines may require you to wear a mask depending on where you fly from.
      Reply

    • Robert says

      I have just returned from Thailand after 2 months and travelled domestic by Thaismile to Kk, twice, Ubon Rat,Twice, BKK three times and also Ubon to KK both ways by bus and only wore a mask.
      I was never asked to wear one or prove my vaccine record on buses, planes or hotels.
      On arrival in KK by bus I was asked to give my telephone number on a form in Thai and sign it.
      And that was it, no questions or demands.
      Reply

  7. Lana says

    In your article you mention "the Thailand pass portal". I'm confused as I thought what we called "the Thailand pass" was obsolete as of July 1, 2022. Is this another travel requirement? Can you please clarify?
    Really must thank you for the work you've done on this site.
    Lana
    Reply

  8. sidney leonard says

    Peter, I very much appreciate your website and often copy specific information for future reference. In this regard, I believe it would be very helpful if you would make it possible to search for specific Thai Bites newsletter which have specific information I would like to refer to later; I could then simply note the title of the topic (e.g., Foodpanda, The Lastest Travel Requirements, etc.) with the number of the Thai Bites and then when I want to access that specific Thai Bites I could simply type same into the search box to bring it up; this would save a lot of search time. Again, thank you for all that you do.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sidney, thank you for the suggestion. But I think a couple of easier ways for you would be as follows:1. Use the search box at the top of the website. You can search for any topic such as Retirement Visa, Foodpanda, or Travel Requirements and it will return relevant content results. 2. When you find an article that is relevant to you, you can copy and paste the URL into a text document on your computer. Or, and easier way is to bookmark that page in your browser.
      Reply

  9. sidney leonard says

    I assume from your statement that "There is no longer a mandatory COVID insurance requirement – with a specific amount – required to travel to Thailand" means that now no travel insurance is required under the current rules, right. Thank you.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You will need to carry your vaccination certificate, as they may ask to see it. You just need regular travel insurance, not the specific Covid cover that was required previously – though most good policies will cover Covid now anyway. And you need your passport, of course!
      Reply

  11. Lana Scott says

    Hello -
    I've been looking up options for providing POOT for entry to Thailand. Heard of "No Fly" somewhere but can't find it. Have checked "onward ticket and "skyscanner" who offer options:
    Refundable - expensive and iffy
    Disposable - buy a cheap tkt. to anywhere for a trip you
    don't necessarily intend to make and eat the
    cost.
    Rent a Ticket - service cheap. "fully legit". E-mailed & valid
    for at least 48 hrs, then cancelled. Can be
    extended.
    Disposable Bus. Tkt.
    As usual, I'm asking if anyone here knows about these agencies and options, has experience of them, knows of other sources, has opinions as to reliability and legitimacy. If I find out anything else I'm happy to share if anyone is interested. I'm seeking a way to avoid unnecessary expense for a rt ticket I may not use.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It probably will be scrapped by then. You don't need to worry about it for now. The change coming in from June 1st means you will receive confirmation within a few hours, so you've plenty of time!
      Reply

  14. Richard says

    I have looked everywhere for some link that connects to the Thailand Plus app mentioned above, including both the Google Play store and Apple’s App Store. No one has it.
    Is it still required now that the COE has been discontinued? And if not….where
    can you download it from?
    Reply

  16. S. Beets says

    I may have missed something here [wouldn’t be the first time!] but I thought that the COE had been discontinued as, effectively, it had been absorbed into the Thailand Pass. So – can you confirm that a separate COE is still a necessity for entry to Thailand?
    And what is the “reference ID obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General.” ?
    Reply

  17. David says

    Yes, that Day 5 RT-PCR test is a bit puzzling to say the least. I will likely just end up spending 5 days in BKK due to the requirement, instead of making my way to my Thai village outside of Udon within a couple of days of arriving in Thailand. Apparently there are no SHA+ hotels in Udon, supposedly available in Nong Khai or Khon Kaen but unsure of availability.
    Reply

      • Ludovit says

        I am fully vaccinated and I’m travelling from UK on the 3rd of February to Bankok from Bankok that day I’m travelling to Phuket I booked the private accommodation I don’t know if that’s okay or do I have to book preapproved hotel
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          The requirements for visiting Phuket are in the article above. Please see the link I sent in the last email about the Thailand Pass. For the Phuket sandbox you need to book an SHA hotel. After February 1 you can fly to Bangkok and then transfer from the airport to Phuket on a domestic flight.
          Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          You obviously have not applied for a Thailand pass because you would not get one based on your current bookings.

          Now it is likely too late to get a Thailand pass as you only have 4 working days.

          If you try to fly you are likely to be refused boarding and if you do fly but do not have all the requirements in place, you will be denied entry to Thailand before you even get to the Immigration officer, because a health officer will check your thailand pass and associated documents on disembarkation.
          Reply

          • Steve says

            Having read this amazing post summarised up why I'm so impatient. I believe I have pushed and pressed to hard on the first Thai lady I've been with since December 2020. I've, looked for her love and affection, offer to help her family in Thailand, try move in with her and the more I perservered the quicker she stepped back and have told me today. Hiw can I fix this quickly guys as my love is true for her
            Reply

  21. Denise Blake says

    Have hired a rental car from Phuket Airpirt on arrival for Phuket Sandbox I am travelling alone. Can I use the rental car as my first night hotel transfer to await covid results? Also I want to stay close to airport for my first night of SHA+ accommodation so I can return to airport next day to pick up rental vehicle, then spend the remaining 11 days of my holiday at a SHA+ hotel in Karon Beach. Is this permissible, or do the 7 days Sandbox stay have to be in the same hotel. Any info appreciated.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      As far as your first question goes: No, you have to take SHA+ transport to your hotel. The hotel can arrange that for you. Your stay can be split into multiple hotels but the Sandbox part of it has to be at the first hotel you stay at. You will be scanned daily and reported by that hotel. After your seven days you can move to another hotel. So, if your plan is to spend 10 of your 11 days in Karon your best bet is to spend all of your nights there. Car rentals are no problem and there are several in Karon and Kata as well as many others that will deliver the car to your hotel.

      I stayed in Karon for my Sandbox entry in October and even as dead as it was then it was easy to rent a car and scooter. If you want to use an international brand at the airport you can always take a taxi back to the airport or check if they'll deliver as well.
      Reply

    • Denise Blake says

      Thanks for your last advice. With Phuket Sandbox will the receipt and confirmation from Agoda be sufficient for SHA+ hotel booking for Thailand Pass Application. Or do I need a specific SHABA letter of confirmation from the hotel for first 7 days. Thanks for your advice.
      Reply

  22. Robert says

    Hello Peter, first thank you for the newsletter, it’s very informative and I look forward to it every month.
    Now for my problem, I am severely dyslexic and have considerable trouble understanding application forms largely because of the terminology used within them, the Thailand pass being a case in point.and it is stopping me from applying.
    I have no doubt that for most it is easy to understand but for me it is a complete minefield and I do not know where to start.
    Is there a simple format that I can follow when the test and go returns?
    I suppose what I really need is for someone to say download this from here, do this do that in a start to finish format whilst being mindful of big words.
    If you or another reader can help me it will be greatly appreciated.
    I am a fully vaccinated 2 AZ + Pfizer booster + flu jab, very fit 75 year old Brit desperate to get back to the GF I have not seen for 2 years
    Best wishes for the new year, and thanks for any help
    Robert
    Reply

  23. Wim says

    Hi peter
    I have already a thai pass, from the 13th of January.
    But British Airways cancelled my flight unfortunately, but I can fly and arrive at Bangkok on rhe same say (14 th)
    My question is, must I apply again for a new thaipass or the immigration officer let me enter the country.
    Because the thai pass asked me with with carrier I will arrive???
    Reply

  24. Pierre S says

    I am married to a thai lady despite being married before coming to Thailand I got a retirement visa Non OA Have since converted to marriage visa My question can I re- enter country after a visit back to my country of birth without the health insurance as I cannot get health insurance due to age and preconditions. I have yellow house book and pink thai ID card and have been living here for 3 yrs now and I meet or exceed financial requirements for stay. Appreciate any views/advice
    Reply

  26. Mike Baker says

    Is the 1 night stay on arrival from 1st November a quarantine or are you free to check in and then leave for an evenings entertainment?

    What guarantees are given that the test result will be available before check out time on the day after arrival (which is normally midday)? Do the government pay for a 2nd night if required?

    Where in all this information is the government policy of enforced confinement for 14 days for those deemed to test positive clearly advised to potential visitors?
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      1) My test for the Phuket Sandbox came back in about six hours. I arrived early morning so basically got swabbed, rode to the hotel, unpacked, had a room service lunch, and then was free to go. The testing and general organization has been outstanding on the Thai side. 2) Check with prospective hotels for details. The tests are supposed to be 24 hr max turnaround and I’ve seen nothing reported for more than eight. 3) You don’t go into quarantine, you go to the hospital. Check the TAT news site for all current rules and policies.
      Reply

  28. Charles Jones says

    I am still a bit confused on "in country" travel. I plan on staying in Buri Ram province (Phutthaisong) for 45 days with friends (Thai nationals) I'm looking at mid December for travel. Is that possible now as it is outside the "Sandbox"? If so, what are the requirements, or restrictions?

    I understand the COE and Insurance is required but I'm confused as to quarantine requirements. Is that still applicable?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The plan is to scrap quarantine for double vaxxed tourists in November. So you should be able to land and transfer to Buri Ram by then without quarantine. The Sandbox in Phuket currently requires a 7-day stay before you can travel elsewhere in Thailand. There may be local restrictions in Buriram such as a test on arrival, mask wearing in public, etc. You won't know until nearer the date. I'd ask your friends what it's currently like there to gage what to expect.
      Reply

      • JamesE says

        The issue with the "scrap quarantine" narrative is that nobody knows what that means... yet. Remember Phuket Sandbox is a "no quarantine" destination and earlier talk spoke of a Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, etc., etc. "Sandbox". So you could be faced with some kind of "sandbox" restrictions. The Gov't has been announcing plans mid- to late-month with final plan approval in the last days of the month, so look for November's rules being announced in the next couple of weeks. That announcement should also include how long the rules will apply. The Oct 1 changes to AQ and Sandbox were approved for a single month with a bigger announcement slated for November. Time, as always in Thailand, will tell.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Absolutely. I've had a few people email me already saying I should update my post because there is no quarantine. But actually that is still to be finalised for November 1st, and may not happen if the cabinet does a u-turn. As of today, a 7-day quarantine is still in place, with different rules for the sandbox areas.
          Reply

  29. Nikki says

    Hello,

    I'm planning on traveling to Thailand, Koh Samui in the beginning of November and want to stay longer than 60 days. I'm now looking into how to proceed with visa application and COE and I have a few questions regarding this. 
    I got some information regarding COE and Visa that I was not happy about because it sounds more complicated than I thought, however I doubt that this information is correct.  

    What kind of ( extra ) documents are required beside the ones already mentioned in this forum and on your page, for Visa and COE? I been told by somebody I know that I will also need to get the following :

    -  Proof that I have not been convicted of a crime.

    - Booking and proof of payment for accommodation not only at a ASQ or SHA hotel for the Sandbox period (7 days) but also for my entire stay. So lets say if i get 60 days, I need to book accommodation for not only 7 days  in ASQ or SHA, but for 60 days, so i need to decide now where I'm going to stay after the quarantine/sandbox for the rest of the time I'm planning to stay in Thailand. 

    - A certificate for my "house" doctor that I'm in good health and I have no infectious diseases of any kind, so not only COVID-19 PCR Test.
    These requirements seem unreasonable and ridiculous to me and I believe that the person who gave me this information must be wrong and have misunderstood. What are your thoughts on this ? I really appreciate your help  and thank you in advance ...very worried and confused :( 
    Nikki 
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      So, much of what you mention is correct but not all at the same time. What you need depends on what kind of visa you want to come in with.

      Your best bet would be to go through your local Thai Embassy's website and look at the length or stay permitted and what the requirements for each type are.

      Then detail your plans a bit more ("more than 60 days" will require some hoops to jump through but can be done) which will get you better answers to your questions.

      One thing to keep in mind right now is that the rules on entry and quarantine just changed 1 October. There was a one-week warning. There are vague statements made that the rules are going to change again on 1 November but, in Thai Tourism Time, that's too far in the future to predict if it is even going to happen.
      Reply

  30. Bryan K says

    I'm currently back in the US having left Thailand last Aug 3rd. My return fight to Thailand is set for Oct 15th. I am now fully vaccinated with a card, I am past 2 weeks since last vaccine shot, have my Covid Insurance, have my booking at a SHA Hotel in Pattaya (pick up at airport arrainged with them), have a valid visa with permit to return. I think I am good to go to apply for the COE.

    My question is how early can I open an application for the COE with the Thai Embassy here?

    I remember hearing something about the COE having a small window to be used before expiring. It's recomended that you give the process at least 15 days but that's a bit tight for my style. I would like to start the process as early as possible to allow for any delays with the Embassy and if I have the COE in hand early so much the better. Anybody know how how long the COE is valid after being issued? Or is there really even an experation? Thanks!
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      There's a separate COE website: https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/

      Your COE is valid for only the date/flight/hotel information you used when you applied. If there are any changes before departure you have to get a new COE. I have heard that last minute changes or flight cancellations have been allowed to enter if there was no way to update the COE in time. Of course, if there are any changes make sure you document them, hardcopy is always better in Thailand.

      You can apply for the COE any time you want. My S.O. got hers 8 weeks in advance, I'm going to start applying about 6 weeks in advance. But you only have 15 days from application to get all your documents uploaded. Sounds like you have everything in order so it should probably only take a day or two.
      Reply

      • Farrah says

        Dear All,
        Thank you, Peter, for setting up this blog-v.charitable of you.
        My husband & I have returned to Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox since 5 days.
        Will tell you what I know:
        To get an ‘Non OA’ visa, you need to deposit THB 800K in a Thai Bank @ get it notorised in Thailand & sent to you to be added to the Thai Visa application. A ‘Non O’ visa is to visit family-valid max 3mths & you’ll need to extend before or leave the country. A tourist visa-is just that-& needs a confirmed return ticket with no extension. A STV is valid for max of 90 days & a confirmed return tkt….no exceptions, no change to a retirement/work etc visa as it’ll be stated on your visa.

        Our friends who’ve been in Thailand before the Sandbox have been lucky that they were permitted to extend their tourist visa or to change it to other visas. However, we were warned by the LA Thai Consulate that it’ll no longer be possible. We took that as the current norm.

        We had to apply for retirement visas as ours had expired when we were denied entry to Thailand last year. The process was v.stressful as we did everything as per the info given. We both have full health insurance coverage in the U.S. but unable to use it in Thailand. Bought a Travel insurance that covers Covid & all health-related issues, which, initially was permitted but was changed & told to purchase only Thai Covid insurance-so we did. The online portal asked us to mail our signed ‘E-appointments & Passports’. We did. One week later, the rules changed again-had to purchase Thai Health insurance as our AIG travel insurance were not bought in Thailand, hence invalid for Visa approval!!!
        It was easy for people under 60yrs old & but was a hassle for ppl above 75yrs. I received mine in 2 days BUT my husband had to go for full blood tests, X-rays, EKG & his doctor’s signed document stating tt he’s in good health. There were 24pages of information. It took the Thai insurance company 3wks to decide if they would insure him. They refused to believe that a 75 year old is as healthy as claimed.
        The only way was to sign another disclaimer document that he will not make any medical claims on 16 different ailments that may occur when he’s in Thailand (not valid outside the country) , so, he signed as, if there are any future issues, we’ll return to the U.S. to take care of them.

        We had to postpone our trip 7times! Each time, the airline imposed a penalty!

        COE: Initially booked an ALQ, thinking that we would arrive in May, then June….& cancelled that hotel (yes-paid penalty) & booked SHA hotel, postponed 3 times & the hotel cancelled as they had overwhelming bookings.
        Confirming that COE is valid for 15 days. You can make changes online but once confirmed, will have to re-apply if there are changes to flights or hotel (SHABA approval). We had to do that when we changed a hotel package by adding a half-board which changed the SHABA!!!
        Very stressfull!

        Hope what I’ve written will help others understand the procedures.

        Good luck!
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Wow. What a hassle you have been through. Thailand already has some silly hoops to jump through but the COVID situation made that worse, as the authorities chased their tails wondering how to cope. I think things will get easier from here on in, as we return to normal visa practices, though the insurance remains problematic for those over 75.
          Reply

  32. jeff says

    i came to the sandbox 10 July under visa exempt from USA. i extended it one time but found being a USA citizen I can not get a non-immigrant type-O visa and can not extend again. it looks like i am going to have to do a visa border run. before you recommend Vietnam, but that is not possible currently. what is the best country for a visa border run under the current situation? thank you.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      There is no best country at the moment. Any country you go to will have to be a place where you will be allowed to return from. Current entry requirements in Thailand stipulate that you must be in that country for a minimum of 21 days. Many countries in the area that you might choose will also have some kind of quarantine after your arrival there as well. Finally, you will have to quarantine/Sandbox again on your return to Thailand. Check out https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/ and click the link for the current list of allowed countries.

      Also, your "being a USA citizen I can not get a non-immigrant type-O visa" statement doesn't really hold water. Did immigration tell you that? Which Non-O visa were you trying for? There are literally thousands of Americans in Thailand on locally issued - and recently so - Non-Os of different types.

      Have you tried getting an extension based on COVID? I know that program had been extended but I don't remember the new "end" date.
      Reply

      • jeff says

        NOTICE: The U.S. Embassy Bangkok and U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai no longer provide the income affidavit. We will not notarize previous versions of the income affidavit. For more information, please refer to our Fact Sheet (PDF 266KB)
        the response from
        American Citizen Services

        U.S. Embassy, Bangkok
        Reply

  33. Jenny says

    Hello James,
    My partner and I have flights to Bangkok flying 1st October and arriving 2nd oct from the UK:
    1. Will we still have to quarantine for 14 days even though we have both been double vaccinated and possibly may have had a third booster in September?
    We have been together 20years but are not marries, will we be able to stay in the same room or have to book separate ASQ’s if we have to quarantine?
    3. Once we arrive in Bangkok, can we travel around the coast of Thailand - we are going for 5 weeks?
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      This is all subject to change over the next six weeks but...

      1a) Yes. It's actually a 15-night quarantine and an additional 3 tests regardless of vaccination status. This can be avoided only if you enter via the Phuket Sandbox or Samui Plus programs (Which might be an option if you haven't booked anything yet and are interested in exploring the islands.)

      1b) Maybe. The rules say no, but hotels are advertising "Unmarried couples" accomodations. Sometimes that means you share a room at the married rate and sometimes it means you have adjacent rooms with a connecting door at 2x the single rate. You can search asq.in.th for hotels offering "Unmarried couples" rooms and then contact them to find out what they mean.

      3) Maybe. Right now surface transport by private vehicle is the only way into or out of Bangkok. There are talks of interprovincial flights out of U-Tapao beginning in the near future. There is also an interprovincial travel permit required (https://covid-19.in.th/en). Reports are that this is not ever checked because there aren't any checkpoints to check it at.

      Again, things are changing all the time so keep checking for new rules.
      Reply

      • Jenny says

        Thanks for the reply James.
        I heard today from my son, who is in Thailand, that there won’t be any tourism for a while and Bangkok as it is in an emergency state. Phuket is totally shut down due to high rises in cases and boarders are shut down at certain distances. He says the restrictions are becoming even stricter in Bangkok, everything is closed and on top of that there are riots in Bangkok.
        Is this the case? will I have to cancel or change my flights in October?
        Reply

        • JamesE says

          The "riots" have been ongoing for a number of months now. More like big anti-government demonstrations than actual riots. Many tourist attractions are closed right now, most retail and restaurants as well. Phuket is closed down for domestic travel with some exemptions, but open for Sandbox arrivals. But I have friends in Thailand that are still driving down to the beach for the weekend. So, your son's description is pretty accurate, maybe a bit on the pesimistic side. :)

          As to your question; that's up to you and what your tolerance for risk is. I traveled to Thailand in January in the middle of a lockdown which ended right before I got out of quarantine. It was wonderful. No crowds, easy to get around, amazing prices. But, right now, the lockdown looks to go on longer than back in January. Some Thai friends, who are in Phuket right now, are having a great time with things to do, restaurants open, and most of the attractions open.

          I've got flights booked in October as well. Short of everything being shut down and my flights being canceled I'm still planning on going. My opinion is that restrictions will start to lift in September but everyone will still be wearing masks, using the tracking apps on their phones, and generally being safe. Which is fine by me but everybody has different expectations and reactions if things don't go as expected.
          Reply

    • Thai Tiger says

      Thank you for the info. What about taking the 17 hour bus ride? or is this disallowed, too.

      As an American expat, I find it amusing that in the State of California which is the same size of Thailand, you can travel up and down the State freely.

      But, here in Thailand Government Control is out of control.
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        To be fair, most countries are out of control with this thing, it's just that Americans accept less nonsense from their authorities. And, as I understand it, individual states have some autonomy over their governance, so there are local laws that may override central government law. Is that correct?
        Reply

        • Thai Tiger says

          Yes, that is why there are 50 states each are independent from each other, but you still have an out of Control Federal Government.

          The FED still has to worry about 400 million guns, so hopefully they won't
          try to put serious Draconian laws into place.
          Reply

  35. FV says

    My husband & I have lived in Phuket the last dozen years - with a Retirement Visa. We are now in the U.S. Due Covid, we were denied entry into Thailand in March 2020 due the inability to get a Covid-19 test. April 2021, we started our process to enter Phuket, which was allowing a 7-day quarantine.
    Unfortunately, getting Police records, Full Medical records, Thai bank statements took awhile. Then, paid for Covid Health Insurance, Travel Insurance to cover our entire stay (6mths+, as we had other commitments in December), flights & ALQ hotel.

    When Phuket allowed vaccinated people to enter without a quarantine, we were happy to hear that. After receiving an E-appointment & message from the LA Thai Consulate to send our passports to get our Thai Visa….the next week, were told that we need to pay for a Thai Health Insurance as our Travel Insurance is not recognized. My husband is over 75yrs old & we were unable to find a Thai Insurance company who would insure him. Finally, 3wks ago, LUMA increased their age limit to 80yrs old (but can’t purchase online!), so, was introduced to a Broker in Phuket who submitted his Application form + all medical records (2021) & this was completed on 24th July. Till today, he has yet to hear from LUMA. We called the BKK office, who told us that they were very busy & that the normal approval time is 3wks! I guess, that means excluding Thai holidays & weekends.

    It is strange that the Thai Govt is encouraging people to return to Thailand but the paperwork is complicated. On the Thai Visa website, it states that the approval for applications would take 15days - it took more than a month, due them being slammed with applications….then, change of policy! It also states that the COE would take up to 3 days to approve.
    We’ve paid to postponed our flights five times & had to cancel 2 hotel bookings & our Travel Insurance dates.
    We were told by friends in Thailand that they returned with a Tourist visa & then renewed their Retirement visas once in the country. Enquirer at the LA Thai Consulate - was told that it’s not true & that with the Tourist Visa, we have to show the return flight out of the country (max stay 45days) before a Visa will be granted.

    We have a house in Phuket. Gave up everything to live there.

    Hope others are not having such a tough time.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      That's terrible that you're having such a tough time getting home. But, yes, you can get a retirement visa when you enter on a tourist visa. But it's not the O-A visa it sounds like you've been using, it's the Non-immigrant O (Retirement). You get that by converting your tourist visa at the immigration office.

      For the tourist visa you will have to show a return ticket but you could also enter on a Visa Exemption and then convert that to the O (Retirement). I have never been asked to show a return ticket by immigration when entering visa exempt, just don't bother to write down a flight number on your departure card. That way you don't have to deal with the consulate at all. It sounds like you're already set up for the finance requirements at the Thai end. You would also only need to purchase insurance for the 45-day stamp on the visa exempt entry.

      Good luck!
      Reply

      • FV says

        Hello James,
        The problem is, with a Tourist Visa, we were told that it’s strictly enforced (no extensions in Thailand, unlike what we hear from friends there) & airline return flights have to be submitted to the Consulate before a Visa can be issued. It is different from pre-Covid procedures. With that, we went ahead with applying for a Retirement Visa (they already know that we had R.Visas previously -can also see them in our passports) & do not want to jeopardize our applications by being dishonest about our purpose for going to Phuket.
        Reply

        • JamesE says

          That's strange that they're telling you that. The consulate/embassy websites all say you're allowed a 30-day extension on a tourist visa. They may be talking about the COVID 60-day extension. Many people have been using that to stay long-term.

          But, enter on a 60-day TV, convert that to a 90-Day O (Retirement) and then extend that is probably the best way to stay long-term in Thailand. If Max is following maybe he can comment if he has heard if anything has changed.
          Reply

  36. JamesE says

    Just a note on the COE. The system says 15-days processing time but this has generated a lot of confusion. You get a pre-approval on your COE first wich usually comes in a day or two. You then have 15 days to upload your documentation. Then, *they* have 15 days to process it. All of those days are business days. I've talked with a couple of people who had to reschedule or cancel their trips because of the 2-week processing time advertised.

    There's also another gotcha in that, if you're trying for the Sandbox or Samui+ programs, you have to check that box the very first time you go into the system - before pre-approval - otherwise you won't get any communication nor will your COE be approved. I've also heard of some confusion surrounding the submission of documents, that it's a 3-step process Select-Upload-Submit, but that it looks like a Select-Submit interface. Apparently, there's an unlabeled arrow button that needs to be clicked before you hit Submit.

    That being said my partner just got her COE and it went very smoothly. One day to pre-approval, upload everything, and one day to final approval.
    Reply

      • JamesE says

        My partner's experience would indicate that a week is enough. But this is her third COE so she's got it down. (And she's also clinically well-organized so she had everything ready.) However, if someone is new to the game I would give it as much time as possible. There was talk way back in June the the US embassy/consulate would only accept COE applications inside of 6 weeks from the date of travel because of anticipated rule changes, even if those changes never happened.

        The other concern is, that as you get closer to your departure date, unexpected-but-common happenings start happening. My partner is now on her second airline and third itinerary for her trip. She got her first COE on the second itinerary. But she still has a few weeks to go so it's completely possible (if not likely) that she'll have to get another.

        I'd suggest at least 3 to 4 weeks for the following reason: it's very easy to change an approved COE but, reportedly, very difficult to modify one still in the approval process. If someone waits until the last minute, submits their COE documents, and then their flight gets cancelled or changed; then you'd have to wait until your approved COE comes through and then go back in and upload the changed documents. And then wait for another approval.

        For me, being way less-than-well organized, I'm going to start the process six weeks out. I'll have all my flights and hotels booked, my insurance in order, and forms completed. If it all goes smoothly, then no problem. If I screw something up then I've got plenty of time to fix it.
        Reply

    • JamesE says

      You'll need all of the documentation TTL detailed in the post for re-entry. Plus, if you don't already have it you'll need a reentry permit on your current visa.

      What you'll need to leave depends entirely on where you're going. Some places require an RT-PCR test even for transit. Some destinations require a test of any kind (PCR or antigen). It just depends.
      Reply

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