Despite the administration of vaccines, there are still traces of Covid-19 in many countries of the world. As a result of this, traveling across countries is advised to be done with caution.
Thailand, a country with a high rate of tourists, is not an exception in this case. Therefore, before securing your transit visa to Thailand, you must take note of some policies at stake.
Thailand is battling its third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. At present, the number of new cases recorded per day is between 1500 and 2000. As a result, the Government had to put up measures to curtail the spread of this virus. Inter-province traveling has been banned with measures set up concerning international visitors.
What to Expect in Thailand
With the current situation in Thailand, the government has put measures in place. Every potential traveler is advised to be aware of these newly made policies before traveling to Thailand. The following are everything you need to know before securing your visa to Thailand.
Who Can Visit?
Residents of countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia are not expected to secure a visa before visiting Thailand. They are only required to obtain a Certificate of Entry at their arrival to Thailand on tourism. Likewise, they are not permitted to spend more than 45 days on a visit.
Meanwhile, people from other countries aside from these four countries are expected to apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) before visiting Thailand. The newly revised policy on STV allows holders to stay in Thailand for 90 days alone.
Nonetheless, it can be renewed twice depending on the decision of the visitor. A Certificate of Entry is equally important for visitors from these countries.
What are Other Requirements?
Aside from a Special Tourist Visa and Certificate of Entry, visitors have other obligations. All visitors as of April 1, are expected to quarantine for 10 days (11 nights) on arrival. Vaccinated tourists with proof of Covid-19 vaccine administration can be allowed to quarantine for 7 days (8 nights) on arrival. However, the occurrence of the third wave of Covid-19 has now made it mandatory for all visitors to quarantine for 14 days.
You are also expected to make available proof of insurance before you will be allowed in Thailand. The proof of insurance must contain an insurance cost with a value of nothing less than $100,000. It must as well contain Covid-19 treatment cost and a negative PCR test taken within 72hours of departure.
Visitors are expected to wear masks at all times in public places. Failure to wear a mask can result in fines and other penalties. Temperature checks are carried out before entering major places.
Entertainment places like clubs, bars, and dance halls have been instructed to lockdown throughout the country. Restaurants are only allowed to open with a take-out option only. In places like Phuket, restaurants have been forced to close down due to a lack of tourists.
Conclusion
Thailand is experiencing its third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. It has resulted in the Government placing restrictions on traveling and certain activities. It is important to be aware of these new policies before securing a transit visa to Thailand.