The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog

2022 THAILAND Travel Requirements + Easy THAILAND PASS with Agoda

Asta Alvarez


Great news for those who miss Thailand! Starting May 1, it will be easier (or less difficult) to visit the Land of Smiles!

But of course, like many others, Thailand implements an additional layer of security for the protection of both its citizens and visitors — the Thailand Pass QR Code. This is required for travelers who will arrive by air and by land.

But did you know that you can expedite your application for the Thailand Pass QR Code when you book your accommodation with Agoda? Here’s how to get instant booking verification for Thailand QR Pass via Agoda booking.

Notes:

  • The Thailand Pass QR Code is required for those traveling by air and by land only. For those traveling by sea, contact the nearest Thai embassy/consulate from your place of origin for the Certificate of Entry and other requirements.
  • Your travel requirements when traveling to Thailand will depend on your vaccination status and specific destination.

Thailand Entry Requirements

Depending on your vaccination status and destination, there are different entry options for international travelers who wish to visit Thailand. The parameters and requirements for each change frequently so it’s better to visit the official site for the latest updates and more details.

But to give you a brief overview, here are the requirements:

If traveling ON or AFTER May 1, 2022

For Fully Vaccinated Travelers

  • Thailand Pass registration
  • Valid passport
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Insurance with minimum of 10,000 USD coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thai travelers only). Note that this has been reduced from the previous 20,000 USD required of those traveling before May 1.

COVID-19 test is NO longer required.

For Unvaccinated Travelers

OPTION A. Travelers with negative RT-PCR test result released within 72 hours prior to travel must present the following:

  • Thailand Pass registration
  • Valid passport
  • negative RT-PCR test result released within 72 hours prior to travel
  • Insurance with minimum of 10,000 USD coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thai travelers only).
  • NOTE: Additional COVID-19 test upon or after arrival in Thailand is NO longer implemented.

OPTION B. Travelers who CAN’T present an RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to the trip or those who prefer to be quarantined must submit the following:

  • Thailand Pass registration
  • Valid passport
  • Confirmed Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel booking for 5 days (including 1 RT-PCR test)
  • Insurance with minimum of 10,000 USD coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thai travelers only).
  • NOTE: RT-PCR test on Day 4 – 5 of mandatory quarantine is required.

If traveling BEFORE May 1, 2022

These are the three entry options for international travelers from any countries around the world who wish to visit Thailand.

TEST & GO Program

Fully vaccinated tourists traveling to Thailand by air are eligible for this program. Travelers who received a negative RT-PCR test result on their first COVID-19 test can travel anywhere in Thailand.

On the fifth day, travelers are required to take a self-test Antigen Testing Kit (ATK). The test result must be reported using the Mor Chana mobile app, so you need to download it.

Travelers under this program must secure the following:

  • Paid 1-night SHA Extra Plus or AQ hotel booking confirmation
  • Airport transportation to hotel
  • One RT-PCR test that must be taken on Day 1
  • One self-ATK test that must be taken on Day 5 (if staying more than five days in Thailand)
  • Paid flight confirmation for departure (if staying less than five nights)

Blue Zone Sandbox Program

Blue Zones, also called Sandbox, are areas in Thailand where at least 70% of the population are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated tourists traveling to Thailand by air are eligible for this program. Travelers are required to stay within the Sanbox areas for five days, but they must first get a negative result from the first RT-PCR test before they can travel within the Blue Zone.

On the fifth day, travelers are required to take a self-test Antigen Testing Kit (ATK). After getting a negative result, travelers can now explore other Thailand destinations. The test result must be reported using the Mor Chana mobile app, so you need to download it.

Travelers under this program must secure the following:

  • Paid 5-night SHA Extra Plus hotel booking confirmation within the Sandbox area
  • Airport transportation to hotel
  • One RT-PCR test to be taken on Day 1
  • You will receive a self-ATK test to be taken on Day 5 (if staying more than five days in Thailand)
  • Paid flight confirmation for departure (if staying less than five nights)

Some of the Sandbox destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani. You can check the full list of Blue Zone Sandbox destinations on the official website of the Thai Embassy.

Attention! As of writing, travelers to Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao need to take the first RT-PCR test upon arrival at Samui International Airport.

Alternative Quarantine Program

Also known as Happy Quarantine, Alternative Quarantine is a program or scheme for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers as well as tourists who are entering Thailand BY LAND. Travelers are required to stay in a government-approved quarantine hotel for five (5) days.

Alternative Quarantine hotels usually cover the following:

  • 5-night stay at a government-approved AQ hotel or similar government-authorized facility
  • Airport transfers
  • 24-hour medical/health supervision
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • COVID-19 tests
  • Other services (depending on the hotel promo/offer)

How to Instantly Validate Agoda Hotel Booking on Thailand Pass

As you can see above, NOT ALL travelers need to present confirmed accommodation booking. But depending on your travel date and your vaccination status, you might need to submit proof that you have a confirmed reservation with a government-approved SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Extra Plus hotel or an AQ (Alternative Quarantine) hotel. This must be verified by the system in order to secure a Thailand Pass.

If you need a hotel, consider booking with Agoda. The booking website recently started a special collaboration with the Thai government, allowing Agoda customers to have their hotel bookings instantly validated by Thailand Pass. Here’s how to do it.

1. Book your hotel on Agoda.

You may check the list of qualified hotels here: THAILAND PASS HOTELS! ✅

Make sure you’re booking a property that is appropriate for your entry method to Thailand. SHA++ are marked on the label.

On the other hand, Quarantine hotels have something like this on the property page.

2. Register for Thailand Pass.

All travelers must apply for a Thailand Pass QR Code. Go to the Thailand Pass Registration website.

You need to register within seven (7) to 60 days prior to your departure.

3. Enter your Agoda Booking ID.

  1. On the hotel booking information section, tick the “Booking with Agoda” box.
  2. Jump to the Booking ID section (third line) and provide your Booking ID.
  3. All other fields will be automatically filled out upon entering your Booking ID. Then, click the “Check my booking” button.

Voila! You will instantly get your booking validation.

Note: If you lack a requirement or document (airport pick-up or COVID-19 test), you will get a notification. You must accomplish uploading the payment confirmation for the document that you lack. To avoid the hassle and additional steps, make sure that you book a room package that already includes airport pick-up and RT-PCR test.

The approval take up to seven (7) days. You can check your email for the approved application and your Thailand Pass QR Code.

Benefits of Booking via Agoda

  • Complete hotel package options, including airport pick-up service and RT-PCR test (if applicable).
  • Booking ID to easily fill out the hotel booking information section of your Thailand Pass registration.
  • Instant booking validation for the Thailand Pass registration.
  • Instant notification for missing documents during your application for Thailand Pass.

SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) Hotels vs AQ Hotels

SHA Extra Plus

The SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Plus Certification is spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to ensure maximum safety standards are followed to protect both the citizens and tourists while reviving the Thai tourism industry.

  • SHA Extra Plus hotels or accommodations are those that meet the requirements, including at least 70% of staff fully vaccinated against COVID-19, set by Amazing Thailand SHA Plus.
  • Properties with Extra Plus (SHA++) certifications are those with hospital partnerships that can administer an RT-PCR test.
  • SHA Extra Plus hotels or accommodations can be booked by FULLY VACCINATED tourists traveling to Thailand.
  • For those traveling before May 1, Test & Go package should be inclusive of RT-PCR test and an Antigen Test Kit (ATK), while Blue Zone Sandbox package must include RT-PCR test.
  • Check with the hotel management for meals and other services inclusion.

Alternative Quarantine (AQ)

Alternative Quarantine is a quarantine process taken at government-certified quarantine hotels in Thailand.

  • AQ hotels or accommodations are those approved by the government. They partner with select hospitals to administer the quarantine service inclusions. All expenses are shouldered by the travelers.
  • AQ hotels or accommodations can be booked by UNVACCINATED tourists traveling to Thailand. The quarantine duration is five (5) nights, starting on the day of arrival.
  • AQ 5-day quarantine package must include the following: full board meals (three meals per day), airport transfer to hotel, on-site nurse, free Wi-Fi, and COVID-19 tests.
  • Check with the hotel for other services including snacks, consultation with a doctor, etc.

Top Bangkok Hotels

Here are some of the top Bangkok hotels on Agoda:

Search for more Thailand Hotels!


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