Traveling abroad has been a challenge since the Covid pandemic started. For a long time, people were isolated in their own countries. Over time, traveling overseas became possible, but there were many hurdles to jump through. However, if you are an American citizen looking to get away, there’s good news! Travel to Thailand has become almost as easy as it was before Covid.
What’s Changed for American Travelers?
Thailand has always been a favorite destination for US holiday goers. Delicious food, diverse culture, and stunning beaches have drawn people year after year. In the past, Thailand introduced strict travel restrictions and was slow in reducing entry requirements. But since the start of 2022, things have changed.
Here are the major changes that will affect American travelers:
- Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
- All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
- Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers entering Thailand.
- Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
- Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) test 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
- Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination certificate or Covid test).
- Wearing masks is no longer compulsory.
- The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed when entering Thailand.
Although things are easier now, it’s important to remember that travelers still need to be responsible when abroad. Let’s explore the different visa options for US citizens and how to ensure a worry-free holiday in Thailand.
Visas for US Citizens
America is included in Thailand’s Visa Exemption list, which means American citizens can enter Thailand as a tourist for up to 30 days without needing a pre-approved visa. This 30-day stay is often referred to as a “Visa on arrival.” If 30 days is not long enough for you, there are many options for American citizens to visit (or move to) Thailand on a longer-term basis.
Long Term Visas for Americans
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Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV): Foreigners can apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. The normal 60-day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV) can be extended for two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. The STV allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for a potential 9 months and will be available until September 2022.
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Thai Elite Visa: The Thai Elite Visa allows American citizens to live in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members do not need to worry about some of the eligibility criteria needed for other long-term visas. The Thai Elite visa offers exclusive benefits to holders who wish to enjoy “Thai life” for the long term.
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Non-Immigrant Visa: Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas, including those for conducting business or employment, visiting Thai spouses and family, studying at recognized institutions in Thailand, retiring in Thailand, or obtaining a Thailand retirement visa for long stay.
Applying for visas can involve paperwork, so it’s a good idea to seek assistance from companies like Siam Legal International, which has offered visa assistance to Americans for years.
How to Get to Thailand in 2022
From July 1, the Thailand Pass is no longer required for American citizens traveling to Thailand. You do not need to register in systems, provide documents, or seek pre-approval before traveling. However, you should consider your vaccination status and plan accordingly.
Vaccinated Travelers
Vaccinated travelers from the US do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving America. They will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate on hand before boarding a flight and on arrival. Children under 18 traveling with vaccinated parents also do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before departing.
Unvaccinated Travelers
Unvaccinated travelers need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Pro-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional within 72 hours before departing America. An ATK (RAT) home test is not acceptable. Children under 18 traveling with unvaccinated parents also need to complete a test.
Random checks of passengers will be conducted by airlines and immigration officers to confirm Covid requirements are met. It is best to have your Vaccination or Covid Test certificate available to show.
Flights from the United States to Thailand are available from many airlines, including EVA Air, All Nippon Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. All mandatory quarantine has been removed from July 1, so US citizens are free to enter Thailand at any international airport and then transit domestically anywhere in Thailand.
Since July 1, Thailand no longer requires foreign visitors to have insurance with Covid cover. However, comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended to cover other potential incidents during your trip. AXA Insurance Thailand is a trusted company that offers comprehensive insurance to travelers from around the world, including coverage for medical emergencies, personal injuries, missed or delayed flights, damage to belongings, and loss of luggage.
When it comes to finding accommodation in Thailand, there is a wide range of options available. You can book any accommodation without the need for SHA+ hotels or quarantine packages. Agoda is a great platform to find and compare the best hotels in Thailand, offering free booking and cancellation.
Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices
When landing in Thailand, it’s important to respect local customs and guidelines. Although masks are no longer compulsory from July 1st, it is still recommended to wear a mask in public places as a sign of respect and consideration. The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed to ease congestion at airports.
Before arriving in Thailand, it’s best to prepare a few documents, even though Thailand Pass is no longer required. These include a certificate of insurance, vaccination certificate (for vaccinated travelers), 72-hour RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result (for unvaccinated travelers), and a Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive).
Remember, Ekilove is the ultimate destination for all your travel needs. So pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Thailand!