COVID-19 Travel Updates

Our team is keeping up to date with the ongoing changes in travel policies for inbound travel to Thailand. 

Thailand has begun the slow process of reopening its borders. There are currently heavy restrictions on the types of persons allowed into the country, most of which include Thai nationals, work permit holders, family members of Thai persons and permanent residents.

What is life like in Thailand right now?

Domestic travel has resumed, and passengers should expect health screening measures in place at airports when boarding trains and buses. All businesses must follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Face masks are compulsory on public transport and on flights. Masks are to be worn in public but all persons in Thailand.

Can I travel to Thailand?

No. Only individuals who fall within certain criteria are able to travel to Thailand at this time.

Thailand is currently in the early stages of implementing its Special Tourist Visa (STV).

The Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV) is a special visa introduced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for long-stay tourists who would like to travel to Thailand. It is one of the economic measures by the Thai government to restore the local tourism industry that has been affected heavily by COVID-19. 

Thailand Special Tourist Visa Qualifications

Foreigners applying for a Special Tourist Visa must be:

• Foreigner from a low-risk country according to the Public Health Ministry regulations.
• Accept compliance of preventive measures as prescribed by the government, including submitting to alternative state quarantine (ASQ) in accredited hospitals/hotels for not less than 14 days upon arrival.
• Provide evidence of a place to stay or accommodation during the long stay visit.
• Show proof of payment for hotel accommodation or admittance to hospitals chosen as alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities.

At this stage, the definition of ‘low risk’ country remains open for interpretation and will change over time. It is highly recommended for those who are wishing to apply for the STV they must enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or a consulate in their home country before making any bookings or paying money for agents or other services.

Requirements for Thailand STV

Foreigners applying for the STV will need to provide the following:

1. Proof of accommodation after the 14-day quarantine, which could be any of the following:
   1. Proof of payment for hotel or accommodation to be used after discharge from quarantine.
   2. Copy of a condominium title deed owned by the visitor or a family member.
   3. Evidence of renting accommodation – condominium or house.
   4. Evidence of payment for the purchase or lease of a condominium-type residence that foreigners can legally buy or lease.
2. Proof of medical and travel insurance policy
   1. Medical and Travel Insurance with a minimum 100,000 USD coverage for COVID-19 medical treatment and a minimum coverage of 400,000 THB for other medical and accident expenses. The insurance must cover for at least 90 days which is the initial validity of the visa. 

Foreigners with the evidence needed above will be eligible to apply for an STV from Thai embassies or consulates in selected countries.

At this time, most individuals are not permitted to travel to Vietnam. 

The resumption of international commercial flights has been postponed until further notice. Authorities are still finalizing COVID-19 testing and quarantine procedures for arrivals.

At last update, only the following individuals are allowed to enter Vietnam:

• Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers.

Can I travel to Vietnam? 

No. At this time, only certain individuals are able to travel to Vietnam. 

What is life currently like in Vietnam?

It is currently compulsory to wear a mask in all public places in Vietnam. Domestic travel has resumed in Vietnam at a limited capacity. Restaurants and bars have now reopened.

Can I travel to Cambodia? 

No, in most cases. Cambodian Embassies are only accepting applications for diplomatic, official and sponsored business-linked visas, and are not issuing tourist or other visas to enter Cambodia.

• Travelers who are eligible to enter (and have obtained a visa in advance) must provide a negative COVID-19 test result that is no older than 72 hours.
• Purchase medical insurance with minimum coverage of US $50,000.
• Travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, and must wait in accommodation until test results are returned.
• Anyone who tests positive will be quarantined for 14 days at designated facilities.
• Travelers who test negative must self-isolate at their own accommodation for 14 days.
• Foreign travelers are required to deposit US $2,000 for COVID-19 service charges at the airport upon entry. Once deductions for services have been made, the remainder of the deposit will be returned.

What is life currently like in Cambodia? 

Domestic travel has resumed in Cambodia. Most businesses have reopened.

Can I travel to Myanmar? 

No. Myanmar and its international airports remain closed until at least 31 October 2020.

• Travel Information from the US State Department
• Global Health Advisory from the US State Department
• UK Government Update

Thailand

• Tourism Authority of Thailand
• US Embassy & Consulate in Thailand
• US Department of State Travel Advisory, Thailand

Vietnam

• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
• US Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam
• US Department of State Travel Advisory, Vietnam

Cambodia

• US Embassy & Consulate in Cambodia
• US Department of State Travel Advisory, Cambodia

Laos

• US Embassy & Consulate in Laos
• US Department of State Travel Advisory, Laos

• World Health Organisation’s Novel Coronavirus advice for the public.
• World Health Organisation’s updated information on the novel coronavirus.
• John Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering dashboard map.