Thailand Travel Guide as of January 1, 2022

New updates regarding travel restrictions took effect on November 22,2021 midnight. The Test and Go along with the sandbox program (except for Phuket Sandbox) were temporaily suspended as a precaution against the Omicron variant.

OMICRON - WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529 was first reported to the World Health Organization on November 24,2021 from South Africa. The first specimen wqas collected on November 9,2021. On November 26,2021, it was announced by WHO as a variant of concern and named Omicron. This variant is known to have multiple mutations which are concerning and are currently being studied.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

Many countries have issued travel restrictions especially from South African countries. As of December 16, 2021, the variant has already spread to 54 countries. Most cases are now recorded from United Kindom, followed by South Africa. Countries are now updating their current travel restrictions minimize the spread of the variant.

THAILAND UPDATE

As of 00:00 of November 22, 202, Thailand has updated the travel restrictions.

1. Applicants who have received their QR code may enter Thaialnd under the program they have registered and been approved of.

2. Applicants who have registered but have not received theri respective QR codes must wait for the approval of their Thailand Pass. Once approved, they may enter the country under the scheme they have been registered.

3. New applicants may only apply for the Phuket Sandbox. The Test and Go and other sandbox scheme will be replaced by Alternative Quarantine requirements.

4. Travellers who arrived under the Test and Go and Sandbox program must undergo a 2nd COVID-19 test (NOT ATK Self Test) at government-designated facilities with no additional cost.

International travellers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are not allowed to enter Thailand. Other countries from South Africa are required to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine at certified quarantine hotels from Bangkok, Phuket or Samui before being able to travel around Thailand.

Source: Thailand Embassy, WHO