Info

THAILAND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Bangkok  – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to clarify that Thailand continues to welcome all international tourists as part of the full tourism reopening policy introduced on October 1, 2022.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, HE Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, said: “International travelers arriving in Thailand are not required to provide proof of vaccination.”

In addition, foreign tourists are not required to provide ATK or RT-PCR test results.

As tourism fully reopens, Thailand is also offering its visitors a longer stay. Effective March 31, 2023, the length of stay will be increased to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories eligible for a visa exemption and to 30 days (from 30 days) for those eligible for a visa on arrival 15 days) extended (VOA).

However, while Thailand welcomes all visitors, a visitor source market may require that incoming visitors, including their own nationals returning home, have a negative PCR result.

Therefore, Thailand strives to comply with the rules of these countries – including China. Therefore, passengers from a country that has requirements for an RT-PCR test must have health insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 in Thailand.

With the “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign, tourists around the world are invited to experience the Kingdom’s countless wonderful existing and new tourism experiences, products and services.
Public health measures for foreign travelers entering Thailand
  1. Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
  2. Travelers from the listed countries who require a negative RT-PCR test result before departure from Thailand should have health insurance that covers at least US$10,000 for COVID-19 treatment that extends the length of stay in Thailand plus Covers 7 additional days.
    • People with business arrangements, including flight crews and students, may have an official letter from the host or another form of insurance to cover this need.
    • The quarantine officer randomly checks the insurance certificates of travelers from the listed countries. If the traveler does not have proof of insurance, he or she must purchase health insurance before immigration.
  3. Thai passport holders and transit/transfer passengers are exempt from health insurance verification.
  4. Airlines must adhere to the relevant regulations and follow guidelines where necessary, e.g. B. by requiring passengers to wear a mask at all times except during meals or in emergency situations.
  5. Any passenger exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival is recommended to have a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Travelers can contact the Department of Disease Control (DDC) hotline 1442 or  visit https://ddc.moph.go.th/index.php  for more information.

Notice for Flight Missions (NOTAM)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) NOTAM provided health insurance advice and other health-related recommendations to airlines flying to Thailand.

The NOTAM is advisory in nature and is not mandatory for airlines. The aim of CAAT and the travel authorities concerned is to facilitate entry and support the best possible visitor experience. Airlines may exercise their discretion regarding their passengers arriving in Thailand.

Start and end dates for DDC and CAAT announcements

DDC’s health measures for foreign travelers entering Thailand and CAAT’s notice on air missions are effective from January 10, 2023 until further notice. According to MoPH, once these countries remove the pre-entry RT-PCR requirement, health insurance will automatically no longer be required.

Visa Information

Travel documents

Entry is possible for German citizens with the following documents:

  • Passport:  Yes
  • Temporary passport:  Yes
  • Identity card:  No
  • Temporary ID card:  No
  • Children’s passport:  Yes

Remarks:

Entry into Thailand with travel documents that have been reported as lost or stolen is regularly refused, even if these documents have been returned by domestic German authorities and the corresponding note has been deleted from the wanted lists. In these cases, travelers are forced to return home at their own expense.

Foreigners are required to always carry their ID cards with them. ID checks are carried out frequently, particularly in the capital’s entertainment districts, but also in Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. A photocopy of the passport is sufficient, provided that the page with the Thai visa or entry stamp is also copied and carried.

 

German citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist stays, which must be obtained before entry.
Travelers are required to have a visa if they cannot prove their onward or return journey with a flight ticket, bus or train ticket.
The permissible length of stay is determined upon entry by the immigration authorities: when entering the country by both air and land, a maximum stay of 30 days is permitted.
A one-time extension of the visa-free stay by a further maximum of 30 days for exclusively tourist purposes is possible. The visa extension must be applied for at the relevant Thai Immigration Bureau before the end of the permitted visa-free stay period.

Entry without a visa by land and ship is limited to a maximum of two entries per calendar year. Entry via international airports is not affected by this regulation.

Tourist visas obtained from a Thai diplomatic mission before entry generally entitle you to a stay of a maximum of 60 days.

Further information on the individual visa types is available (in English) from the  Thai immigration authorities .

Exceeding the permitted stay

Violations of residency regulations are not trivial offenses in Thailand. Travelers who exceed the permitted length of stay (“overstay”) risk arrest and detention pending deportation, severe fines and prison sentences, deportation at their own expense and a ban on re-entry. For “overstays” of up to 40 days, a flat-rate fine of 500 TBH (approx. 13 EUR) per additional day of stay, up to a maximum of 20,000 TBH (approx. 500 EUR), is currently levied. If this cannot be paid, legal proceedings follow, which usually leads to the imposition of a fine or a substitute prison sentence. Even if you are penniless, fines cannot be covered by German public funds. Deportation detention is usually ordered until deportation. The conditions in detention pending deportation are very harsh.

Even if you usually only have to state your intended place of stay when entering the country, in cases of doubt ( e.g.  some backpackers) Thai immigration carries out interviews and also requests more detailed information or even proof of the intended accommodation.

If it is discovered upon departure that there is no entry stamp in the passport, an accusation of illegal entry and stay will be made, which can lead to fines and/or prison sentences and deportation.

Numerous cases of fraud have been reported in which travelers were sold fake visas. In these cases, travelers have to expect additional criminal proceedings for possessing forged documents.

  • Only apply for visa extension directly to the Thai immigration authorities (Bureau of Immigration), do not use any services from service providers, e.g. B. travel agencies or hotels. In Bangkok, for some visa categories, it is possible to apply for a visa extension online via the  service provider VFS  . 

  • Only enter through official border crossings and make sure to get an entry stamp in your passport.

Minors

Minors traveling alone must carry an official declaration of consent from their legal guardian(s).

Flights & Transportation

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Health & Safety

Vaccination protection

No vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany. When entering from a yellow fever area or staying in transit for more than 12 hours in a yellow fever area, all people aged ≥ 9 months must provide proof of a  yellow fever vaccination  . Thailand itself is not a yellow fever area.

  • Make sure that you and your children’s standard vaccinations are   up to date according to the Robert Koch Institute’s vaccination calendar .
  • Vaccinations against hepatitis A are recommended as travel vaccinations, and for long-term stays or special exposure also against dengue fever, hepatitis B, typhus, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
  • Please note the application instructions and help for the indication in the  travel vaccination recommendations .
  • The DTG offers current, detailed travel vaccination recommendations for professionals  .
Zika Virus Infection

The infection with Zika viruses, which is primarily transmitted by diurnal  Aedes mosquitoes, can lead to malformations in children during pregnancy and cause neurological complications in adults.

Dengue fever

Dengue viruses are transmitted nationwide by diurnal  Aedes mosquitoes, primarily during the rainy season from May to October. Urban areas are often severely affected, but a risk of transmission can be expected nationwide. The disease is usually accompanied by fever, rash and severe body aches. In rare cases, serious complications,  including  possible death, occur, especially in children. Overall, however, complications among travelers are rare. Chemoprophylaxis and specific therapy do not exist. A vaccination is available, see  dengue fever.

  • To avoid dengue fever, protect yourself   consistently from mosquito bites, especially during the day, as part of exposure prophylaxis .
  • Get advice from tropical and/or travel doctors regarding vaccination.
Chikungunya fever

Chikungunya viruses are transmitted by diurnal  Aedes mosquitoes. The southern provinces of Thailand, including the tourist centers, are particularly affected. The disease is characterized by high fever and possibly prolonged joint and muscle pain. The symptoms often cannot be clearly distinguished from other mosquito-borne diseases. Chikungunya fever does not always heal without consequences; long-lasting rheumatism-like symptoms rarely occur. There is neither a vaccination or chemoprophylaxis nor a specific therapy, see  Chikungunya fever.

  • To avoid chikungunya fever,   consistently protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during the day, as part of exposure prophylaxis .
Malaria

Malaria is transmitted by crepuscular and nocturnal  Anopheles mosquitoes .  If left untreated, the dangerous malaria tropica in particular is often fatal in non-immune Europeans. The disease can break out weeks to months after staying in the risk area, see  Malaria .

  • If you develop a fever during or even months after a trip, see a doctor as quickly as possible and inform them that you are in a malaria area.

Malaria occurs all year round in Thailand, depending on the region; around a quarter of the cases are the dangerous malaria tropica. There is a low risk of malaria in the border regions with Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia. There is a minimal risk in the rest of the country including Phuket, Koh Samui and other islands. The cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Samet and the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Ko Lanta) are considered malaria-free, see  Standing Committee on Travel Medicine (StAR) of the  DTG .

To avoid malaria, consistently protect yourself from insect bites as part of  exposure prophylaxis  . You should pay particular attention to the following points:

  • Wear light-colored clothing that covers your body (long pants, long shirts).
  • Repeatedly apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of the body, during the day (dengue) and in the evening and at night (malaria).
  • If necessary, sleep   under an impregnated mosquito net.

    Depending on the travel profile, chemoprophylaxis (taking tablets) may also be useful in addition to the necessary exposure prophylaxis. Various prescription medications (e.g. atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine) are available on the German market.

  • Discuss the selection of medications and their personal adjustment as well as side effects or intolerances with other medications with a tropical medicine or travel medicine specialist before taking them.

  • It is recommended that you take sufficient supplies with you.

HIV/AIDS

There is generally a high risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact, drug use (unclean syringes or cannulas) and blood transfusions.

  • Always use condoms, especially with casual acquaintances.
diarrheal diseases

Diarrhea is a very common travel illness, especially in Thailand, see  Diarrhea . However, most diarrheal diseases and cholera (see below) can be avoided through appropriate food and drinking water hygiene. To protect your health, please note the following basic information:

  • Only drink water of safe origin, never tap water. Purchasing carbonated bottled water makes it easier to identify a previously opened bottle.
  • If possible, use drinking water to wash dishes and brush your teeth when you are out and about.
  • If bottled water is not available, use filtered, disinfected or boiled water.
  • Cook or peel food yourself.
  • Be sure to keep flies away from your food.
  • Wash your hands with soap as often as possible, but always before preparing food and before eating.
  • If possible, disinfect your hands with liquid disinfectant.
Cholera

Cholera is transmitted through inadequately treated drinking water or raw food and can therefore be easily avoided through appropriate food and drinking water hygiene. Only a small proportion of people infected with cholera become ill, and of these the majority have a comparatively mild course. The indication for a cholera vaccination is only given very rarely, usually only in the case of special exposures such as  working  in hospitals with cholera patients, see  Cholera.

  • If necessary, seek   advice from a tropical or travel doctor regarding your risk profile.
Avian influenza (bird flu)

The highly pathogenic form of avian influenza (“bird flu”) has been occurring in Thailand for years, but there have been no human cases of the disease in recent years. Transmission to humans almost always occurs through close and direct contact with infected poultry.

  • Please note the information published by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection  for travelers on bird flu.
Other infectious diseases

Other infections that occur include rabies, Japanese encephalitis, melioidosis and  leptospirosis.

snakes

Various poisonous snake species are found in Thailand. Snakes can also be expected in urban areas, especially during the rainy season.

Air pollution

Air pollution/particulate matter pollution in major Thai cities, particularly Bangkok and Chiang Mai, has increased significantly in recent years. In addition, during the dry season (November to April) in rural areas, increased exposure to smoke and dust is possible due to fires.

Medical care

Medical care in the country is of high quality, especially in Bangkok and also in the big cities, but in the countryside it may not meet European standards. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained, English or French-speaking doctors.

  • Take an individual first-aid kit with you and protect it against high temperatures on the go, see  first-aid kit.
  • Take out foreign travel health insurance for the duration of your stay abroad that covers risks that are not covered by statutory health insurance (e.g. necessary return transport to Germany in the event of illness, treatment with private doctors or in private clinics).
  • Before you travel, get personal advice from travel medical advice centers, tropical or travel doctors and adjust your vaccination protection. You can find relevant doctors, for example: B. via  DTG .
In addition to the general disclaimer, please note:

No guarantee can be given for the accuracy and completeness of the medical information or liability for any damage that may occur. All information depends on the individual travel conditions and does not replace medical consultation or in-depth medical advice. If applicable, information generally refers   to direct entry from Germany into a travel destination and is particularly tailored to longer stays on site. Deviations may apply for shorter trips and entries from third countries.

Insurance

The term “work-life balance” is very important. A great opportunity for a long weekly vacation is the best time to travel the world. It is very well known that many Germans use their homeland as a vacation spot. If you’ve changed your mind, there are now plenty of other destinations in many countries that you’ll fall in love with.

Today, traveling would be risky, but the easing of travel restrictions to various countries offers a wonderful opportunity. Many states have already learned that it is very essential to offer safe travel. While you do your best to enable the traveler to travel, it is an important role for the traveler to protect and preserve themselves through insurance.

COVID insurance for German travelers

German travelers who want to travel to Thailand from Germany can enter Thailand without quarantine due to the “Test and Go program”.

In order to be granted entry, you need a few necessary documents that you must present to the Thai authorities. Proof of having taken out COVID insurance is one of these important documents.

Thai authorities require COVID insurance, which includes travel health insurance. For the safety of travelers, all foreigners must pay COVID insurance.

Required coverage for COVID insurance in Thailand

Before entering Thailand, the coverage of the COVID insurance or travel health insurance taken out will be checked by the Thai authorities. To obtain an entry permit, you must ensure that the COVID insurance you have taken out has the coverage required by the Thai authorities:

Insurance coverage must be a minimum of $20,000, with no maximum coverage.
Insurance must cover medical costs related to COVID-19 incidents.
 

Climate

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Varius quam quisque id diam vel quam elementum pulvinar. Consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. Bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed. Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero.
Varius quam quisque id diam vel quam elementum pulvinar. Consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. Bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed. Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero.
Varius quam quisque id diam vel quam elementum pulvinar. Consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. Bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed. Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero.
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Varius quam quisque id diam vel quam elementum pulvinar. Consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. Bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed. Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero.
Varius quam quisque id diam vel quam elementum pulvinar. Consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae suscipit tellus. Bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc. Gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique. Eget magna fermentum iaculis eu non. Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed adipiscing. Integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum iaculis eu. Ante in nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Sed odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean sed. Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero.
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