Thailand reintroduces travel restrictions for all international arrivals

Thailand reintroduces travel restrictions for all international arrivals

While many countries move away from COVID based travel restrictions, Thailand has taken a step in the opposite direction by reintroducing protocols that were scrapped in October last year.

As of January 9, 2023 all travellers entering the country will have to show proof of full vaccination or provide a doctor’s letter/certificate that shows recovery in the last 180 days. Travellers whose home nation have rules around re-entry following a positive COVID test will also need a travel health insurance policy for $10,000 USD of COVID care should they test positive.

Prior to the pandemic, around 800 000 Australians travelled to Thailand each year and there are about 200 partnerships between Australian and Thai universities. With hopes that the new year would be a line in the sand for growth in tourism there are now a number of new guidelines in place:

UPDATED Guidelines on the New Thailand Travel Restrictions starting January 9, 2023 

  1. Airline passengers 18 years old or older must provide proof of full vaccination or proof of COVID recovery not more than 6 months (180 days). Passengers who have not been vaccinated must have a letter from a doctor providing a reason.
  2. Passengers from countries that have requirements which may prevent passengers from going back due to COVID shall be required to have health insurance covering at least USD $10,000 of treatment of COVID for the itineraries in Thailand plus 7 days.
  3. Holder of official and diplomatic passports, United Nations Laissez-passer are exempted from health insurance requirements.
  4. Holders of Thai passport and transit/transfer passengers are exempted from vaccination check and health insurance requirements.
  5. The airlines must check the documents as required. If a passenger fails to produce documents proving these requirements are met, the passenger is subjected to being tested at the port of arrival.
  6. The airlines must adhere to related regulations and comply with the guidance as appropriate, such as asking passengers to wear masks at all times except during meals or emergency situations.
  7. Any passenger having symptoms of COVID during travel shall be recommended to have a test at the time of arrival.

The Thai Government originally dropped its COVID restrictions in October last year, meaning that international arrivals no longer had to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]