Thailand changes its entry rules again - allowing more tourists to visit without quarantine

Visitors from countries not on the approved list are still welcome to travel to Thailand but will have to meet other COVID-19 requirements such as traveling under the Sandbox model. The Sandbox model allows fully vaccinated tourists from about 70 countries to travel to Thailand without quarantining provided they stay in designated areas within Phuket, Phang-Nga, Surat Thani, Krabi or other approved destinations for at least seven days before traveling to other parts of the country. Under the system, visitors are also required to be regularly tested.

In anticipation of borders reopening in November, Thai Airways is resuming service to 36 destinations this winter, including London, Paris, Sydney, Munich, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Airlines including Emirates, KLM, Qatar Airways and Etihad are operating flights from the US to Thailand, generally with one stopover, from November.

While Thailand is gearing up for more tourists, a nationwide state of emergency remains in effect through November 30. Cases are generally decreasing nationwide but some areas are seeing significant increases. The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is particularly concerned about a surge in Chiang Mai ahead of borders reopening next month and will continue to monitor the situation there, the Bangkok Post reports.

According to the Thai Embassy in the US, about 37% of Thailand's population of 70 million are fully vaccinated so far but officials plan to ramp up the vaccination rollout in the coming weeks.

Thailand continues to categorize provinces into dark red, red and orange zones based on their COVID-19 risk, with varied restrictions in place across each zone. Check the latest advice for the area you are traveling to before departure. Face masks are compulsory across Thailand and must be worn in indoor and outdoor public places and on public transport.