COVID-19 Travel Updates
LAST UPDATED: 27 april 2022
Thailand
*As of May 1st, guests will be able to travel to Thailand with no test on arrival and no mandatory hotel stay. The minimum for health insurance coverage has been reduced to $10,000.
All Travelers
- Everyone entering Thailand must have a prearranged valid Thailand Pass
- Pre-departure to Thailand PCR Test: Not Required
- Proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Minimum cover USD 20,000.
- NOTE: all land border crossings are currently closed
Fully Vaccinated Travelers*
- Upon arrival Rapid Test: Required (either at the airport, at a hospital, or at the hotel)
- All COVID cases and close contacts will need to quarantine for a minimum of 10 nights
- Provided with an ATK test kit which you will be expected to self-administer on Day 5 and report the result in a mobile app.
Partial/ Non Vaccinated Travelers
- Required to undergo mandatory quarantine of 5 days in a designated quarantine hotel in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pattaya, Phuket, or Samui before they can travel to other parts of Thailand.
* Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no less than 14 days before traveling. *Travelers below 18 years of age are not required to present proof of vaccination if traveling with a parent or legal guardian.
Cambodia
All Travelers
- Pre-departure PCR Test: Not required
- Upon arrival Rapid Test: Not required
Fully Vaccinated Travelers*
- Certificate of Full COVID-19 vaccination: Required
Partial/ Non Vaccinated Travelers
- 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Cambodia at the locations designated by the Ministry of Health.
* Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no less than 14 days before traveling. *Travelers below 18 years of age are not required to present proof of vaccination if traveling with a parent or legal guardian.
Note: Cambodia entry Visa requirements are separate.
Vietnam
All Travelers
- Pre-departure PCR Test: Required – taken within 72 hours of departure to Vietnam. Alternatively, you can have evidence of a negative rapid antigen test, administered by a medical professional, within 24 hours of departure to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival Rapid Test: Not required unless showing symptoms – All COVID cases and close contacts will need to isolate.
- Proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Minimum cover USD 10,000
Note: Vietnam entry Visa requirements are separate.
The Early Arrival Privilege
Those who travel to Thailand via the sandboxes in Q4 and early Q1 are going to experience an incredible Thailand with a tiny fraction of the regular tourism. Landmarks will be quiet, restaurants won’t need reservations, beaches without crowds, communities will be peaceful and untouched, and the parks and nature are simply stunning. This is an experience not possible in the last 50 years. That’s worth the few extra hoops and documentation!
Back in July we hosted a group of US journalists who enjoyed a “sandbox adventure” with us, safely! Here are a couple of articles from their experience: Fodors, Travel + Leisure, InsideHook. Since then we have hosted several clients with the resounding feedback that this is an incredible time to explore Thailand. Yes, preparing documents in advance is required and PCR-COVID tests are required pre-departure and while on the ground but with the help of a local DMC (ahem, ahem!) navigating this process is hassle-free.
What you need to know
Our team is keeping up to date with the ongoing changes in travel policies for inbound travel to Southeast Asia.
If you require immediate assistance, please email us at mahouts@smilingalbino.com.
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Need more information about what's happening in Southeast Asia? Get in touch with us.
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