With the spread of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (“coronavirus”) beginning in December 2021, the Thai government suspended all registration for the “Test & Go Thailand Pass” effective from 22 December 2021, to help prevent a major outbreak or a new wave of high infections. After monitoring of the situation for one month, on 28 January 2022, the government allowed fully vaccinated travellers from any country to enter Thailand. It also resumed the Test & Go Thailand Pass program effective 1 February 2022.1
Why this matters
These measures should help relieve restrictions around travel into Thailand and foster the return to Thailand by business travellers and assignees, and thereby encourage economic recovery. Should business travellers be planning trips to Thailand, it is highly recommended they apply for the Test & Go Thailand Pass as soon as possible to help secure their entry.
More Details
From 1 February 2022, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a Test & Go Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance.2 Under the Test & Go program, travellers are not required to undergo a seven-night quarantine. They are only required to stay in a government-approved hotel on arrival day (first day) and on the fifth day in Thailand. Travellers can go anywhere in Thailand after they passed their PCR test on the first day. They would be required to stay in a SHA Plus+ hotel with a partner hospital on day five while waiting for the result of the second test.
Test & Go Requirements and Eligibility
1. Register for Test & Go Thailand Pass via https://tp.consular.go.th.
2. All eligible countries/ territories.
3. Certificate of COVID-19 vaccination/ recovery as follows:
- Fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Thailand or WHO no less than 14 days before departure;
- Recovered persons with one dose of vaccination (received after infection) must provide medical certificate showing full recovery;
- Aged below 18 not required to be fully vaccinated (must register with Thailand Pass and travel alongside parents/ legal guardian).
4. Insurance with minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses (expatriates residing in Thailand can use social security card or certifying letter issued by employer).
5. Fully paid SHA Plus+ / AQ hotel reservation confirmation for day one and day five;
- on day one, first RT-PCR test and airport transfer;
- on day five, second RT-PCR test (could be different hotel).
KPMG Note
We at KPMG in Thailand highly recommend business travellers to keep in touch with the Thai embassy/consulate at their locations to monitor the regulations for entering Thailand and apply for the Thailand Pass at least seven days before their intended departure. Applicants will be notified of an application result if they have provided a valid email when they register or check their status on the system.
Contacts
Additional Resources
Footnotes
1 The Royal Gazette regarding the updated rules for flying into Thailand from 1 February 2022: http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2565/E/021/T_0018.PDF?fbclid=IwAR1718k-drWIkoqijQry6tyLis5ln6xVKlzf_9uM3a7lxS-8AD21VXoj0qE.
2 Test & Go (for non-Thai Nationals) registration starts from 1 February 2022: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/test-and-go-for-non-thai-nationals-registration?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c3060006842.
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Thailand.
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