No need for a PCR test or mandatory isolation for vaccinated tourists travelling to Thailand
Thailand will lift the latest coronavirus restrictions on vaccinated travellers on May 1, hoping to boost tourism. The sector has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
The PCR tests, the mandatory isolation in a hotel pending the results, are over: the tourists only have to present proof of full vaccination and health insurance of at least USD 10,000 (more than 9,200 euros), the Thai authorities said yesterday. announced. The Thailand Pass will remain in effect for the time being.
Tourists who have not been vaccinated have the choice: a negative PCR test in the three days prior to their arrival or in quarantine at a hotel for five days.
The lifting of the latest restrictions will “stimulate economic recovery, as we are a country largely dependent on tourism,” Prime Minister Prayut said. Hotels, restaurants and travellers have long put pressure on the authorities to relax the entry conditions.
Before the outbreak of the pandemic, the tourism sector accounted for about 20 per cent of Thailand’s GDP. In 2019, nearly 40 million people travelled to Thailand, generating $60 billion in tourism revenue. In 2021, fewer than 428,000 tourists visited the kingdom, which imposed very strict travel restrictions to contain the pandemic (up to 14 days of quarantine in an approved hotel).
The authorities expect 5.5 million travellers this year.
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