Jump to: More Details | Notice to Air Missions | Effective Dates
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced new measures for international tourists, including those from the People’s Republic of China (“China”).1 From 10 January 2023 onwards, passengers do NOT need to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19, or proof of recovery, before boarding flights to Thailand.
Contrary to recent press reports on restrictions for travelers from China, the Thai authorities have further evolved their policies in recent days in terms of COVID-19 and travelers into Thailand. We describe the new policies in this GMS Flash Alert.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Incoming passengers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. This should ease travelers’ anxiety and reduce preparation time and documentation requirements. However, under the new rules, travelers from countries that have COVID-19 restrictions in place, such as China and India, still need to be in possession of a relevant and valid health insurance policy.
As part of the full re-opening, Thailand has also been offering a longer period of stay for visitors. Effective from 1 October 20222 until 31 March 2023, the period of stay is extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories under the Visa Exemption scheme, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (“VOA”). This should make planning for trips more flexible and reduce stress regarding limitations on time spent in Thailand.
More Details
On 10 January 2023, the Department of Disease Control (“DDC”), Ministry of Public Health (“MoPH”), issued “Public
Health Measures for Foreign Travelers Entering Thailand” as per the following:
1. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is NO longer required.
2. Travelers from the listed countries requiring negative RT-PCR test results before departure from Thailand should have health insurance which has at least US$10,000 coverage for COVID-19 treatment for a period including the full duration of the stay in Thailand plus seven additional days.
o Those with business arrangements, including flight crews and students, may present an official letter from their host, or another form of insurance, which fulfils the same requirements.
o Quarantine officers will randomly check travelers from listed countries for proof of insurance and if a traveler does not have proof of insurance, he or she will have to purchase health insurance before being allowed through Immigration.
3. Holders of Thai passports and transit/transfer passengers are exempted from health insurance checks.
4. The airlines must adhere to related regulations and comply with guidance as appropriate, e.g., asking passengers to wear a mask at all times except during meals or emergency situations.
5. Any passenger with symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival shall be advised to get a COVID-19 test in the arrival hall.
Notice to Air Missions
Also on 10 January 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (“CAAT”) issued a Notice to Air Missions (“NOTAM”) to airlines flying into Thailand.3 The NOTAM aligns with the Public Health Measures for Foreign Travelers Entering Thailand issued on the same day by the DDC, and outlines advice on health insurance and other health-related recommendations.
The NOTAM is advisory in nature and is not compulsory for airlines. Airlines may use their discretion with regard to their passengers coming into Thailand.
Effective Dates
The DDC’s Public Health Measures for Foreign Travelers Entering Thailand, and the CAAT’s Notice to Air Missions, are effective from 10 January 2023 until further notice. According to the MoPH, once a country lifts its requirement for a RT-PCR before entry, the health insurance requirement will automatically be lifted.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The new measures aim to facilitate entry, support an optimal visitor experience, and encourage recovery in the Thai economy, as well as maintain an environment of public health safety for both tourists and nationals.
It is recommended that travelers to Thailand continue to check travel rules for updates, as changes may occur.
If there are any questions about health insurance requirements and vaccination and testing requirements before making air travel arrangements, individuals traveling to Thailand and employers sending employees to Thailand, may wish to consult with their global mobility professional, travel agent, and/or immigration counsel, or a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in Thailand (see the Contact Us section below).
FOOTNOTES
1 Public Health Measures for Foreign Travelers Entering Thailand at: https://ddc.moph.go.th/idcp/pagecontent.php?page=1198&dept=idcp . Also, for additional information, see the Bureau of Information, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health at: https://pr.moph.go.th/?url=pr/detail/2/04/184448/ .
Also see, “Thailand maintains ‘fully-reopen’ entry rules” published in TAT Newsroom (online) at: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/01/thailand-maintains-fully-reopen-entry-rules/ . Please note that by clicking on this link you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
2 See the webpage "COVID-19 Situation in Thailand" on the website for the Royal Thai Embassy in the United States at: https://thaiembdc.org/covid-19inthailand/ .
Also see “Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand” issued by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 30 September,2022” at MFA.
See J. Read, "Thailand Lifts All Covid Border Restrictions And Makes Long Stays Easier" in Forbes (online) (October 21, 2022) at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johannaread/2022/10/01/thailand-lifts-all-covid-border-restrictions-and-makes-long-stays-easier/?sh=64fc86ee7492 . Please note that by clicking on this link you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
3 For the announcement (in Thai) see: https://www.caat.or.th/th/archives/70604 .
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Thailand.
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