Thailand drops Tourist Pass, outdoor masks from July

Some of the last remaining hurdles for international travellers will become a thing of the past.

By Chris Ashton, June 20 2022
Thailand drops Tourist Pass, outdoor masks from July

Visitors to Thailand will no longer be required to complete a ‘Thailand Pass’ or purchase travel insurance prior to arrival from July 1, as the government eases restrictions and prepares to return its tourism standards to the pre-pandemic era.

This decision replaces current entry rules, which require travellers to lodge their vaccination certificate, hotel bookings and flight itinerary, as well as prove a minimum of $10,000 travel insurance.

Travellers will still need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test prior to boarding their flight. Random spot checks will also be made at the airport on arrival to ensure compliance. 

The latest easing brings Thailand into line with neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, which dropped pre-arrival testing rules last month.

Further afield, New Zealand will also do away with its long-held pre-arrival testing from June 21, although two self-administered tests will still be needed after landing.

In another welcome change, face masks will no longer be compulsory in outdoor areas of Thailand, unless crowded or poorly ventilated. Indoor mask requirements remain unchanged.

Thailand has long been a holiday favourite for Australian travellers, with popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and the bustling capital of Bangkok – home to an exquisite array of luxury hotels – just a few of its many draw cards.

Despite reopening to vaccinated overseas travellers in November, Thailand’s tourism industry has been slow to recover. It’s hoped the latest developments will help set the nation on track to restoring its pre-pandemic shine, which included 40 million visitors in 2019.

07 May 2020

Total posts 151

It always amazes me that these countries in panic can somehow apply containment measures instantly, but always drag out the relaxation periods. It's almost like these governments have a reluctance to give you back your rights.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Yes and what's most frustrating is that Thailand's Public Health Ministry originally proposed to scrap ALL restrictions effective July 1 and here we are on August 1, with no word on when this might happen. Granted, a virtual self-test (possibly saliva only) you do in front of a doctor who then issues a certificate will satisfy entry requirements, but it's one small hurdle one doesn't want to have to comply with, if possible. BTW the article suggests only outdoor masks have been scrapped. In fact, most indoor mask mandates have too, even if many Thais continue to wear their masks, it's not actually required anymore unless a particular business operator demands it (such as public transport operators including domestic flights). Malls, shops etc. = not required anymore since June 23. 


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