Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on travel to Thailand, these are uncertain times for travelers eager to plan their next trip to Thailand—and frustrating for foreigners stranded abroad and waiting to return home to their families in Pattaya and elsewhere in Thailand.
So, here are some handy Thailand travel tips and resources to help you find out everything you need to know about traveling to or getting back to Thailand, including:
- What travel restrictions are in place in Thailand
- Who can travel to Thailand
- What’s needed to travel to Thailand
- How to get a certificate of entry to Thailand
- Thailand Covid-19 and long stay health insurance
- Thailand alternative state quarantine hotels
- When will Thailand be open for normal travel again
More Pattaya, Thailand travel and safety articles:
The COVID-19 Coronavirus Situation in Thailand
You can find the total number of cases and the daily occurrences of COVID-19 in Thailand on the Thailand Ministry of Public Health website.
Pattaya COVID-19 Coronavirus Situation
Aside from the devastating effect on local businesses due to previous lockdowns, restrictions, and the ban on flights to Thailand—things have largely returned to normal in Pattaya. Measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus—such as social distancing and wearing face masks are still in place, but at many places—somewhat loosely.
Who is Allowed to Enter Thailand
Foreigners with a Thai spouse and dependents, work/business visa, elite visa, and several other qualifying categories are allowed to enter Thailand. Special tourist visas are available for tourists from qualifying countries.
Getting up to date Thailand travel and visa information
To determine if you qualify to travel to Thailand and what the current requirements are for your nationality and country of origin, the best advice is to contact the Thai consulate or embassy in your country of origin/departure.
You can find Thai consulates and embassies in your country of origin/departure on Thaiembassy.org
There are also some convenient resources (below) which you can use to check the current status and what are the requirements to enter Thailand today.
International Air Transport Association Travel Centre
On the passport, visa, and health page you can enter information such as your destination, departure country, your nationality, arrival date and duration of stay.
The results page provides the following:
- Whether or not you have sufficient documentation
- Current travel Thailand travel restrictions
- Requirements to enter Thailand, such as COE and health insurance
- If a visa is required to enter Thailand
- Amount of funds required to enter Thailand
You can also use the link to customs information at the bottom of the results page or the ‘country information’ tab to view information such as alcohol and tobacco import allowances.
Thaiembassy.com
On Thaiembassy.com, you can find up to date information on the following topics:
- Who qualifies for a Thailand Certificate of Entry (COE)
- How to apply for a Certificate of Entry
- Who qualifies for Thailand Special Tourist Visa
- What is alternative state quarantine in Thailand
- List of countries eligible for visa on arrival
- List of countries entitled to visa exemption
- About different types of Thailand visa
Farangs Stranded Abroad Due to Lockdown in Thailand
Farangs Stranded Abroad Due to Lockdown in Thailand is a Facebook group for people who need help and advice on applying for a COE.
Thailand Covid-19 Travel and Health Insurance
There is no best place to buy government and immigration approved Thailand covid-19 coronavirus health or travel insurance (link to MrPrakan.com). I found a negligible price difference on identical policies offered by any number of brokers. The only difference from one broker to the next is the providers they deal with, so shop around until one provides you an appropriate policy.
Thailand Alternative State Quarantine Hotels With Prices
The list of alternative state quarantine hotels in Thailand on Thaiest.com includes prices and appears to be frequently updated. You can confirm the list is updated by comparing to the official list of Thailand alternative state quarantine hotels on http://www.hsscovid.com/.
When will Thailand be open to tourists again?
Let’s hope—for the sake of all the destinations like Pattaya, which rely heavily on tourism that it’s sooner rather than later. Updates are likely to be announced in the local press and on the TATNews website.
Visa Amnesty For Stranded Tourists in Thailand
The Thailand visa amnesty for tourists stuck in Thailand due to the coronavirus pandemic ended on October 31, 2020. If you did not extend your visa before the amnesty finished, you might have to pay an overstay fine when leaving the country.