Thailand Makes Quarantine Mandatory Again As Omicron Fears Loom

A month ago, Thailand had announced that fully vaccinated travellers could visit the country without any quarantine or sandbox. Thailand had reopened its borders for fully vaccinated tourists from over 60 “low risk” countries including India. But now, Thailand has reimposed quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers in view of the new COVID-19 omicron variant. The nation will not accept any more new applications for the test-and-go programme. Thailand has detected around 63 cases of Omicron, one of which is a local transmission. 

 

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Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Phuket Must Be On Your Bucket List

Important Documents Required For Entry To Thailand Now

• Certificate of full vaccination: Passengers must take the second dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before departure. Also, Thailand is accepting Covishield and Sputnik V vaccines from India now. But we anticipate that Covaxin too might be approved soon as it is already recognised by WHO under emergency use listing (EUL). Passengers who were previously infected within 3 months of travel need to receive one dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. Children under 12 years of age travelling with elders are exempted from the vaccination requirement.
• RT-PCR test report: The report must not be older than 72 hours prior to the flight.
• COVID-19 insurance: The insurance must cover costs of at least US$50,000 (₹37,00,000).
• Thailand Pass: The Thai Embassy will issue this pass.
• Confirmed hotel payment: Travellers have to confirm payment of a one-night stay at a designated hotel ( SHA+, AQ, OQ, or AHQ accommodation) for quarantine.
• On-arrival RT-PCR test: Travellers need to take an RT-PCR test on arrival. Those who test negative will be permitted to tour the designated sandbox destinations coming under the ‘blue zone’ for the first seven days. On the sixth or seventh day, another RT-PCR test has to be taken. If the result is negative, the traveller can visit anywhere in Thailand. The sandbox destinations ( updated November 1) are Bangkok, Phuket, Loei, Krabi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Trat, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nong Khai, Phang-Nga, Phetchaburi, Ranong, Udon Thani, Surat Thani and Samut Prakan.

 

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Also Read: This Jungle Bubble In Thailand Lets You Sleep Under The Stars With Elephants

Travellers Need To Spend At Least 21 Days In The Approved Nations

Before travelling to Thailand, travellers need to spend at least 21 days in the approved nations. Returning Thais and foreign residents who had previously travelled from Thailand are exempted from this requirement. One thing to be noted here is that direct flights to Thailand from India have not resumed yet. However, IndiGo Airlines and GoFirst have launched charter flight packages to the island country for tourists with prices starting from ₹40,000.