Visiting Thailand in times of the coronavirus: an update
Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID19 coronavirus has brought panic throughout the world. It has brought stress, dividing us, and fostering fear among people. The People of Thailand are ready to help spread cheer and offer support in fighting the discouragement that Coronavirus has recently spread. We suggest that you do your best to be guided by the facts.
In light of the coronavirus worldwide pandemic, which is escalating, we would like to advise US travelers of the following:
- First, we strongly advise that US travelers be guided by US state and federal government guidelines and travel restrictions imposed due to the pandemic;
- For those who are booked to travel to Thailand in the coming weeks and months, we strongly advise that you consult directly with the appropriate airline, tour operator, online travel agency, hotel etc. with regard to postponement, cancelation and refund policies;
- Persons traveling from the US to Thailand will not require a visa to enter.
- Visitors arriving into Thailand from the US will be subject to quarantine
- For those arriving and showing symptoms, you will be placed into government-provided quarantine for 14 days or more. Medical expenses will be at the travelers own expense; and6. For those arriving without any symptoms, you will also be required to self-monitoring at your hotel.7. All arrivals and transit passengers are required to fill the T 8 form and present to Disease Control Officers on arrival
What is a T 8 form?
- The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has launched an application to enable travelers arriving from the Disease Infected Zones to submit the T8 form as required by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
- All travelers from the Disease Infected Zones must complete the T8 form, via the AOT application or on paper, and submit it to the communicable disease control officials at the control post at the airport of disembarkation.
- After downloading the AOT application, travelers are required to complete the T8 with their personal information including name, nationality, passport number, active mobile phone number and active e-mail address. The data will be stored for 14 days from the arrival date. This is to allow Thai health officials to contact the travelers in case of an emergency, e.g., passengers seated in close vicinity are tested positive for COVID-19.
- This requirement is in line with the CAAT’s “Practical Guidelines for the Air Operators Relating to the Services to be Provided in the Territories outside Thailand Defined as Disease Infected Zones of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak,” issued on 8 March, 2020. On 5 March, 2020
In addition, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put into effect the suspension of Visa on Arrival (VoA) for nationals of 19 countries and territories which were previously eligible. These countries are Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu. Visa exemptions will also be canceled for nationals from South Korea, Italy and Hong Kong. This will remain in effect until September 30th, 2020.