How to Travel to Thailand 2023

How to Travel to Thailand 2023 is the frequent question online. Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has implemented measures to control and prevent the spread of the virus. Now, after two years of these restrictions, international travel is returning to normal on July 1st, 2022.

On this date, all foreign travelers will no longer need to provide proof of COVID insurance, Thailand Pass, or proof of vaccination. Additionally, all mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.

Unvaccinated individuals, including children traveling with unvaccinated parents, must still complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. However, travelers do not need to upload proof of this before arriving.

Travelers can now visit Thailand with ease, as airlines and Thai Immigration are conducting random checks to ensure travelers meet Covid prevention requirements, including vaccination or a Covid test. Learn how to travel to Thailand in 2023 efficiently in three steps.

How to Travel to Thailand 2023 Step 1 – Verify your eligibility

Beginning July 1, your vaccination status and type of visa used for your visit must be determined. Generally, a traveler may come to Thailand without a visa using the Visa Exemption program. Alternatively, vacationers may be eligible for a “Visa on arrival”. Those with other reasons for staying in Thailand should first secure a Thai visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Examine available visas for you in the next step.

How to Travel to Thailand 2023 Step 2 – Apply for Visa

Thai Visa Exemption

Nationalities who are eligible for the Visa Exemption Program can enter Thailand without the need of obtaining a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Most countries can stay for up to 30 days upon arriving in the country; some countries have shorter stays depending on their nation’s exemption list. It is best to consult the list and confirm the amount of time one can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a visa.

Thai Tourist Visa

Foreigners may be able to obtain a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. This visa is available for up to 60 days and can be extended for a further 30 days. The Special Tourist Visa (STV) is also available, which can provide a stay for up to 9 months with two 90-day extensions. For the STV, certain requirements must be met, but it can be a great option for a longer stay.

Thai Non-Immigration Visa

People from other countries may be eligible to apply for various non-immigrant visas, such as the B visa for business or employment, the O visa for visiting Thai spouses, family members, and the ED visa for students of recognized institutions in Thailand, as well as their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, the O retirement visa and the OA and OX visas are available for individuals wishing to retire and stay in Thailand for an extended period.

How to Travel to Thailand 2023 Step 3 – Book a Flight, Hotel, and COVID-19 Insurance

Before traveling to Thailand on or after July 1, it is essential to book a flight, hotel, and obtain COVID-19 insurance to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Flights to Thailand

At present, most major airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon, Finnair, and Thai Airways are permitted to operate flights to Thailand on either a daily or weekly basis. Vaccinated passengers must have their vaccination certificates with them, while those who are not vaccinated must present an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test taken up to 72 hours before their departure.

The Thailand Pass has been abolished as of July 1, though Airlines may conduct random checks to ensure passengers comply with Covid-19 regulations. If travelers do not meet the requirements, they will be denied boarding.

Prior to booking flights for travel to Thailand, travelers should evaluate the different types of visas granted to foreign nationals. It is important to note that plane tickets alone do not guarantee entry into Thailand; correct Covid documents must also be possessed. The requirement to book “sealed” flights in order to transit to a domestic one has been eliminated, thus no longer necessitating such a precaution.

Thai Hotels Updates

As of July 1, travelers no longer have to make a SHA+ hotel booking or take an RT-PCR test upon arrival in Thailand, making it possible to freely travel around the Kingdom. Unvaccinated travelers are exempt from the need to present proof of a hotel booking. Agoda.com is available to browse hotels in Thailand before arrival, making it easier to arrange transportation to your initial accommodations. Once in Thailand, travelers are liberated to move around without needing to worry about any tests or province restrictions.

Book your Insurance

Prior to the Covid pandemic, having travel insurance was a good practice. Now how to travel to Thailand 2023 ? With the threat of Covid, the travel insurance is essential. For visitors to Thailand, purchasing insurance is an important step to take before the journey. A quality insurance plan can help protect travelers from potential medical bills, delays, damaged possessions, and lost luggage. This will allow them to enjoy their holiday without worrying about unexpected expenses. It is recommended that all visitors to Thailand get travel insurance so they can be prepared for any potential incidents and have a worry-free holiday.

NOTES: Starting July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers will no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass prior to entering Thailand. However, the system remains in place, acting as a platform for visitors to notify Thai authorities and medical services, and to seek assistance if they test positive for Covid-19 during their stay.

Read also the guide for how to travel to Vietnam from India !