As the all-important high-season approaches and Thailand’s case numbers continue to drop the country pushed ahead with its ambitious plan to reopen to fully-vaccinated travellers from 63 countries, including China, Singapore, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom, on November 1, with more countries expected to be added to the list from December 1. 

Under the new ‘Test and Go‘ scheme, fully vaccinated British residents arriving by air can enter the Land of Smiles without having to quarantine.

But, it’s not quite as simple as just booking a flight. Under the new regulations, visitors will need to first apply online for a Thailand Pass, uploading copies of their passport, vaccination certificate, flight confirmation, a Covid-19 health insurance policy (with coverage of no less than US$50,000/£36,515) and a confirmed booking for a SHA+ hotel (guests need to spend the first night in an approved hotel while they wait for the result of a PCR test, which will be administered at the hotel). 

Once the Thailand Pass has been approved (it’s recommended that visitors apply at least seven working days prior to travel), travellers will then have to upload a negative PCR test taken no later than 72 hours before departure. The pass will then generate a code to be shown at immigration. Here, visitors will also be asked to download the MorChanna track and trace app. 

Under the Blue Zone scheme, families with children under 18 have to stay a minimum of seven nights in a SHA hotel in one of the 17 approved destinations such as Phuket, Khao Lak, Samui or Krabi and then are free to travel around the rest of Thailand subject to a negative test result on day 6 or 7.

The Thailand Pass is free, but the arrival PCR test and a further compulsory day six antigen test will cost THB2,000/£44 per person.

For any vaccinated travellers coming from ‘low-risk’ destinations, the Travel Pass system will replace the relatively successful ‘sandbox’ scheme that was rolled out in Phuket, Phang Nga and Surat Thani earlier this year. In response, hotels are now gearing up for a busy high season and are expecting to be fully-booked over the Christmas and New Year period. Traffic is back on the streets of Bangkok, restaurants are reopening and bars are expected to do the same from December 1. 

Tourism officials have even announced plans for a massive New Year’s Eve Party starring Andrea Bocelli. But, Thailand’s decision to reopen is not without risk; so far, less than 70 per cent of the population have been fully-vaccinated and some provinces are still wrestling with high Delta variant caseloads, making it imperative that visitors remain mindful of masking and social distancing rules.

Can I go to Thailand? 

Yes, it is possible to visit Thailand right now if you adhere to certain restrictions and submit to multiple Covid tests. On November 1 the country reopened to fully vaccinated visitors from countries it deems ‘low risk’ – including the UK. Other countries on the list include the US, Germany, China and Singapore. 

In a televised address, the Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, revealed that tourists from ‘low risk’ countries would need to show proof of a recent negative Covid test and take another test on arrival, but would be able to travel freely around the country (after one night in isolation while they await test results).

Children under the age of 12 can travel unvaccinated if they’re with their parents (previously it was 18 or under).Youngsters age 12 to 18 are required to be fully vaccinated.

Which areas are in the Blue Zone?

Bangkok, Krabi, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Trat, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phang-Nga, Phetchaburi, Phuket, Ranong, Rayong, Loei, Samut Prakan, Surat Thani, Nong Khai and Udon Thani are all in the Blue Zone.

Are flights operating?

Yes. The likes of Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Thai airlines have all resumed flights to Thailand.

Will I be insured if I go? 

The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Thailand, making insurance policies easier to come by.

Do I need to take a test before travel to Thailand? 

Yes, you must present a negative PCR test result (issued no longer than 72 hours before departure), take a PCR test on arrival antigen test on day six or seven before onwards travel, which can be anywhere in the country if over 18 and fully vaccinated, or around Thailand’s ‘Blue Zones’ if you are travelling with unvaccinated under 18s. The arrival test and day six test will be arranged by the SHA+ hotel you are staying in and costs THB2,000/£44 per person.