For those that are craving a break, longing to get away to exotic climes, things are starting to happen. Parts of the world are gradually reopening, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The latest country to start welcoming international visitors is beautiful Thailand. Whether wanting an extended stay or a shorter trip, it is now possible, but certain strict conditions apply.
Thailand And The COVID-19 Pandemic
Thailand has been relatively lucky during the coronavirus pandemic. The county has reported only around 3,500 infections and 59 deaths from COVID-19. Thailand’s military-led government would like to keep it that way. It doesn’t want to risk its citizens for the sake of someone’s longed-for vacation.
Since March, Thailand’s borders have been kept firmly closed to the majority of international visitors. However, more than 20 percent of the country’s GDP relies on tourism. Closing borders has had a massive effect on Thailand’s economy. In an effort to restart tourism, the government is slowly starting to relax its pandemic-era visa rules.
90-Day And 60-Day Visas To Visit Thailand
Initially in October, Thailand introduced a 90-day visa. However, it is now offering a shorter, 60-day visa to tourists from mid-risk countries, under certain conditions.
The Special Tourist Visa (STV) that was launched in October was designed to allow international visitors to enter Thailand with various precautions in place. Initially, those who entered from low-risk destinations received the new visa. However, Thailand is now opening up to mid-risk countries. These countries include the US, UK, Scandinavian countries and Ireland, and are offered a 60-day tourist visa. The visa application instructions are available on the websites of the Thai embassy in the US and UK.
Potential visitors will need to have some spare time on their hands, however. They will apply for the visa and a certificate of entry in advance. If their application is approved, they must then undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in Thailand. After that, the visitors will be free to explore the country.
But that’s not all. There are some other, sometimes costly steps to take. In the case of US visitors, they must show a booking confirmation for an Alternative State Quarantine hotel. They will also pay a $40 visa fee, complete a “Fit to Fly” health form and present a negative COVID-19 rest result, taken within 72 hours of travel.
Visitors must further provide proof of health insurance with cover of up to US$100,000. On top of this, applicants must also show a bank account balance of a minimum US$17,000 each month, for the last six months. Visitors applying from elsewhere in the world will face similar requirements.
Tourist Visas Can Be Extended
With all the hoops they have to jump through, visitors might decide they want to stay longer in Thailand to makeit worthwhile. If this is the case, a 60-day tourist visa can be extended for mid-risk country visitors, but to a maximum 90-day stay.
For those living in low-risk countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore, there is a Special Tourist Visa that allows them a 90-day stay. This visa can be updated every two weeks, up to around nine months. The list of low-risk countries is updated every two weeks.
These tourists are then free to explore other parts of Thailand following their quarantine in Bangkok. However, the government has indicated that their movements may be monitored by an app or wristband.
For more information about the visas, contact your local branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand or visit the official website.
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