After a long period of restrictions to combat Covid-19, Thailand has now returned to a pre-Covid situation. This means a return to normal for travelers who want to visit Thailand. Covid measures, mask requirements, visas… Let's review the current situation in Thailand after Covid.

What Measures Were Put in Place During Covid?

Since March 2020, and like all countries worldwide, Thailand faced the Covid-19 epidemic, forcing the nation to impose strict measures for all travelers wishing to enter.

After implementing a phased reopening plan for international tourism on July 1st, 2021 (with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs), the country decided a year later, on July 1st, 2022, to eliminate the Thailand Pass registration system.

Since that summer, travelers only needed to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test result to enter the country.

Are There Still Covid-19 Measures for Traveling to Thailand?

In recent days, a new turning point has arrived for Thai tourism, as all measures have been abolished. Indeed, given the evolution of the health situation, the Thai government ended its state of emergency on October 1st, 2022.

Covid-19 is no longer considered a "dangerous infectious disease" but has been reclassified as an "infectious disease under surveillance" by the National Communicable Diseases Committee.

Moreover, travelers entering Thailand by air and land are no longer required to present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test result to enter the country. In other words, there are no longer any measures or procedures for traveling to Thailand, whether the traveler is vaccinated or not.

Do You Still Need to Wear a Mask in Thailand?

Masks are no longer mandatory in Thailand. However, they remain recommended in the most crowded places. Note that each province in the kingdom has its own measures. It's advisable to follow local authority instructions when traveling throughout the country.

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand Without a Visa?

As Thailand prepares to welcome tourists in large numbers due to the cancellation of restrictions, another announcement from the Tourism Ministry should attract even more visitors. Indeed, the public authorities announced an extension of stay periods for travelers entering the country between October 1st, 2022, and March 31st, 2023.

To put it simply, all travelers from countries eligible for visa exemption (such as France, Belgium, or Switzerland) can visit Thailand free of charge, without a visa or any formalities, for a period of 45 days instead of the previous 30 days.

In total, the visa exemption allows you to stay without a visa for a maximum duration of 75 days (45 days + 30-day extension on arrival). In this case, the first 45 days are free, and the 30-day extension available on arrival costs 1,900 baht, or a little over 51 euros.

As you can see, the end of Covid-19 restriction measures and the extension of tourist stay periods are promising for the return of high season in Thailand. These are all reasons showing that Thailand has returned to pre-pandemic entry conditions. Plenty of reasons to reassure all travelers who wish to visit Thailand in the coming months…

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but weaving links (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples, and all sorts of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advising travelers with ethics, awakening their awareness of animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often arise far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…