Features

A guide to Thailand’s Test and Go scheme

3 May 2022 by Hannah Brandler

UPDATED 01/05/2022

Thailand’s Test and Go scheme no longer exists. See our feature: Thailand’s entry requirements for more information. 

Thailand reopened to fully vaccinated travellers in stages, beginning with Phuket in July and then to the whole country on November 1.

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated can still enter Thailand but will have to quarantine in a state-approved facility for 7-14 days (5 days from April 1).

The country has two schemes designed for fully vaccinated visitors:

  • Test and Go
  • The Blue Zone Sandbox (Sandbox Programme)

This feature will outline the first of these. See a guide to the Sandbox scheme here.

In brief, the Test and Go waiver programme allows fully vaccinated travellers to take a PCR test upon arrival in Thailand and isolate in a government-approved hotel for one night until they receive a negative result.

Rules are always subject to change so keep up to date with the latest information via the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

Who can use Test and Go?

The scheme is open to fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world.

All travellers arriving in Thailand by air can apply for the Thailand Pass 60 days before their departure date. The approval process normally takes three to five working days.

What are the entry restrictions?

Travellers must fulfil the following criteria to visit the country:

  • Provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure (this will be dropped from April 1)
  • Proof of full vaccination 14 days prior to the date of travel – the NHS Pass can be used for this – or a certificate of recovery from the virus
  • Thailand Pass QR code (either digital or hard copy) – this will be needed to show to the airline and at immigration upon arrival
  • Health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000 (Thai nationals are not required to provide proof of insurance coverage)
  • Pre-book and pay for a PCR test for Day 1 in Thailand
  • Pre-book and pay for a stay at two SHA Extra Plus accommodation* (two separate nights for Day 1 and Day 5) – the prepayment for Day 1 must include accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel
  • Take an antigen test on Day 5 (this is not required if your length of stay is less than five nights and your international departure date out of Thailand is on Day 5 or before)
  • Download and install the MorChana Covid-19 tracking app

*The SHA Extra Plus hotels/accommodation meet the ‘Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration’ standards and are eligible to be used under the Sandbox and Test and Go schemes. A list of such hotels can be seen via the Thailand Pass website here.

What happens when I arrive?

Once documents have been checked by the Communicable Disease Control officers and Immigration officers, travellers can proceed to a pre-arranged or pre-paid shuttle service, which will transport them to a test centre, hospital or hotel to carry out the first PCR test.

You will need to isolate in your hotel room until you receive a negative result. From my experience of staying at The Peninsula Bangkok, I received my negative result within six hours.

Travellers must also take an antigen test on Day 5 of their stay in Thailand. This must be recorded in the MorChana app.

Note that travellers must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in Thailand.

Can I travel across Thailand?

Once you have received your negative PCR result, you should be able to travel domestically. You may be asked, however, to download an app or complete additional travel documentation to prove your Covid-19 status. There may be restrictions in place for certain regions.

What if I test positive during my trip?

The Tourist Authority of Thailand states:

Travellers whose test result returns as positive will be referred for appropriate medical treatment in accordance with Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expenses must be covered by the required insurance for foreign travellers, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates.

    • Pending on their conditions, they may be medically advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation.
    • During receiving the medical treatment – at least 10 days, they must remain in their accommodation only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary, and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.
    • After having recovered from Covid-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery.

What will change in the future?

Before the onset of Omicron, the government had planned to change the PCR requirement to a rapid antigen test. This was put on hold but may be introduced in the coming weeks or months.

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