Thailand has opened its borders for tourists from all countries.
The southeast Asian country is allowing visitors to apply for the Tourist Visa (TR) or Special Tourist Visa (STV) with a mandatory 14-day quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities.
While TR visa caters to the tourists having a short-term stay, STV is for those planning for a long-term stay.
As per the latest guidelines, travellers who wish to enter the country must have one of the aforementioned valid visas and the Certificate of Entry (COE).
A COE certificate, health insurance covering Covid-19 expenses, and a 14-day quarantine are mandatory for both. One must apply for the COE certification post receiving the visa.
Travellers with TR visa will be allowed to stay in the country for a period of up to 60 days, from the date of entry. Extension is possible for another 30 days, with a maximum period of stay of 90 days, counting from the date of entry.
Those with STV are permitted to stay for a period of up to 90 days, from the date of entry. STV may be extended twice while the visitor is in Thailand for a period of up to 90 days per each extension.
Visa procedure:
- Submit the complete visa application form.
- Passport with at least two empty pages and validity not less than six months from the date of planned entry to Thailand.
- Itinerary, return tickets, hotel bookings must for both types of visas along with one recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm).
- Six-month bank statement with funds not less than ₹500,000 maintained throughout six months with bank attestation.
- Health insurance which covers medical treatment expenditures of Covid-19, with minimum coverage of US$ 100,000 during the entire stay in Thailand. Travellers are advised to purchase their health insurance which meets Thailand’s entry criteria from here: longstay.tgia.org/home/companiesstv.
- Those with existing health insurance are advised to ask their insurers for “cover letter” confirming that the insurance covers Covid-19 with minimum coverage of US$ 100,000.
- STV holders need to submit medical certificate, issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535). Certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and must be duly notarised. Click here to download medical certificate template.
Cholada Siddhivarn, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office said:
“We are now strategising our efforts towards rebuilding tourism. The new visa rule and procedures will act as a catalyst to ensure uttermost safety is maintained while we open the country for international tourists.
“We will work cohesively with our travel trade partners and continuously aid them with revised product offerings. Together we will adapt to the new normal and slowly but steadily, we will see more and more tourists visiting our country”.
Vachirachai Sirisumpan, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi office further adds, “Thailand is gradually opening up for international tourists including Indian travellers and we hope that regular flights between the two countries will be starting soon.
“Once tourists arrive in Thailand, they should ensure to follow all safety measures of “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Certification” or SHA which covers every touch points of tourist experience in Thailand. Tourist can be confident on safety and have a good experience while travelling in Thailand as well.”
Certificate of Entry to Thailand process video:
