As restrictions for Covid-19 begin to wane, so too do the requirements for international travelers. For example, those wishing to visit Thailand can use the country's Test and Go (T&G) scheme. This program is available to tourists who want to enter Thailand via air travel and have completed their Covid-19 vaccination requirements.

What is Test and Go?

Test and Go Thailand is an online application that allows you to complete your health and travel requirements for a range of countries, including Thailand. The program is open to all travelers, regardless of age or nationality. Test & Go streamlines the process by which you can obtain a visa and receive your required vaccinations. It also provides information on health and safety tips for your destination country.

How can I Test and Go?

The Test & Go process is simple. First, you must complete an online application form and pay a fee of $60. You will then need to provide a copy of your passport and complete a health questionnaire. Once your application is approved, you will be able to book an appointment at a local Test & Go center. There, you will receive your vaccinations and other health information specific to your destination country.

What are the benefits of Test and Go?

Test & Go Thailand offers several benefits, including:

• A simplified visa application process
• The ability to book appointments at local Test & Go centers
• The provision of health and safety information specific to your destination country
• The opportunity to receive vaccinations for a range of diseases
• The ability to monitor your health and vaccinations online

Thailand Pass

Part of the Test and Go process is completing pre-travel information through the Thailand Pass. This information must be provided 3-7 days before the traveler's intended departure. Without the required documents and necessary travel information, visitors will not receive the QR code needed to enter the country.

Additionally, visitors must show proof of an approved hotel room along with proof of purchase for a Covid-19 PCR test. Before boarding the plane for Thailand, travelers are required to show proof of their QR code. They'll need to do the same upon arriving in Thailand for Border Control.

New Requirements

As of March 1, 2022, requirements for entering Thailand using the Test and Go program have changed per the Thai government. This has a direct impact on those traveling to Thailand as well as the Test and Go scheme. Here are some of the changes you can expect to see:

Removal of second PCR Covid-19 test

Those visiting Thailand will no longer be required to provide a second negative RT-PCR test after staying five days in an approved hotel for quarantine. When applying for a Thailand Pass, travelers won't have to wait for a second negative PCR test. 

While this was the initial requirement when Test and Go was implemented in November of 2021, travelers can now travel throughout Thailand when testing negative on their first RT-PCR test.

However, for those traveling to Thailand and applying for a Thailand Pass, the following is still required:

• Proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test on the first day of their trip
• Proof that the traveler booked an Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or SHA Extra Plus hotel room

Antigen test

In place of a second PCR test, travelers are required to use an ATK test to confirm they do not have Covid-19. Tourists can perform and receive the results of these tests themselves. They are then asked to report the results via the MorChana application available on their smartphones.

Insurance amounts reduced

Under the new measurements, the required insurance coverage amounts are changing from USD 50,000 to USD 20,000. However, if the amount is less than USD 20,000, the visitor will not gain approval for travel to Thailand.

This insurance is required to cover the costs of any medical treatments - including treatment for Covid-19. If you need coverage before traveling to Thailand, a Thai insurance company, AXA Insurance, can help you meet the requirements.

What if I'm Unvaccinated?

While Thailand is pulling back on the requirements for fully vaccinated travelers, those who are unvaccinated are still required to quarantine within the country at an approved hotel for 10 days.

Happy Quarantine

If you're unvaccinated and want to travel to Thailand, Test and Go offers its "Happy Quarantine" scheme. This scheme is also referred to as Alternative Quarantine or AQ. During the government-sanctioned quarantine, travelers are required to stay at an AQ-approved location at their own expense.

This also applies to anyone who does not have a certificate of vaccination or has been identified as only partially vaccinated. Those who arrive by land or sea will also need to go through the Happy Quarantine scheme.

Fortunately, it doesn't matter what country you're coming from. The Happy Quarantine plan is available for travelers from around the globe.

Duration

Quarantine durations depend on how you travel to Thailand. For those coming by air and sea, you'll have to stay in an AQ-approved hotel for a minimum of seven days. Those coming via land are subject to at least a 10-day quarantine.

If you have a Certificate of Vaccination for at least one dose of a WHO-approved vaccine, you'll have to quarantine for seven days in Thailand. However, you must receive the vaccination at least two weeks before traveling. For those planning to travel to Thailand via water, the same quarantine rules apply.

Travelers who haven't been vaccinated or cannot present a Certificate of Vaccination will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days. This also applies to anyone arriving by water.

The nice thing about traveling to Thailand is that they have Test and Go hotel packages ready and available for anyone who needs to quarantine. No, it's not ideal and yes, you'll have to pay out of pocket, but at least you won't be scrambling to find a place to stay upon arrival.

Test and Go - and Get There!

So, if you are looking to travel to Thailand – or several other countries – and have yet to complete your Covid-19 vaccination requirements, Test & Go may be the perfect solution for you. The program is easy to use and offers a range of benefits, including the simplification of the visa application process. Test & Go is available to all travelers, regardless of age or nationality, so don't miss out – get started today!