A comprehensive guide to Thailand’s Test & Go Scheme

Test and Go is a method of entry for foreign travelers into Thailand. It allows travelers to enter the country without having to restrict their travel to one province – as is the case with the sandbox entry schemes – but there are some caveats that make it different from its previous iteration. Travelers must submit proof of prepayment for 1 RT-PCR tests and accommodation in either SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ facilities for Day 1 of their time in Thailand – a list of which can be found here.

The travelers also need to do their own ATK Test on day 5 and report the result on Mor Chana, the Covid control application of Thailand.

During these nights, travelers will be unable to leave their rooms until their Covid-19 test results come back. If a negative test result returns following their Day 5 test, travelers will be free to travel Thailand without restriction from that point onwards, whereas those who test positive will be forced to enter quarantine. 

The scheme is open to fully vaccinated travelers from any country around the world.

All travelers arriving in Thailand by air can apply for the Thailand Pass 60 days before their departure date. The approval process normally takes three to five working days.

Points of entry

• By air (direct international flight or transit domestically via dedicated flights.)
• By land (at the border checkpoints in Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla.)
• By water (yachts.)

Eligible travellers / countries

• For arrivals by air and water: Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from all countries/territories.
• For arrivals by land: Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from neighbouring countries connecting with the reopened border checkpoints (Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla).

Even though you are a fully vaccinated traveler, from an approved country traveler, and are traveling by air traveler, you are still required to show required documents to Thai authorities to be granted entry in Thailand.

Here are the requirements that a Test and Go traveler must have:

You will need to obtain a QR Code that will be received upon approval after applying for a Thailand Pass. Provide all the necessary details and upload documents that are asked and wait for confirmation or approval for you to receive a QR Code which will be scanned upon arrival in Thailand.

Here is everything about Thailand Pass and how to register Test & Go on Thailand Pass system

You will need to obtain a Certificate of Vaccination for proof that you are a fully vaccinated traveler.

Know that the certificate of vaccination will be only be accepted if the vaccines you have received are approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or by the World Health Organization (WHO). And it shall be at least 14 days before your scheduled travel date.

For children that are under the age of 18, they will not be required to be vaccinated as long as their parent or guardian is vaccinated and have a certificate of vaccination.

You will have to purchase COVID-19 insurance that will cover the costs of COVID-19 related incidents in case one gets infected during the stay in Thailand.

The COVID-19 insurance must have a minimum coverage of $20,000. For COVID-19 insurance that you can trust, AXA Sawasdee Thailand is the best option.

In the case of Test and Go travelers, you are required to book a hotel for at least 1 night for Day 1.

First, check the inforgraphic below for the general idea of what you need to do to apply for Test & Go Scheme.

And here is the detailed explanation of what you need to follow, including the requrements for pre-arrival and on arrival, and the guidelines for domestic and international departure.

All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:

1. A Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) for arrivals by air and land; or a Certificate of Entry (via a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General) for arrivals by water.
2. An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.

• Sonasia recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation, hospital isolation, hotel isolation, or related quarantine. The insurance policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand, plus at least 10 extra days as a precautionary measure in the event that the traveller’s second test result returns as positive.

3. A proof of prepayment for 1 night of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s; such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) on Day 1, which should also include the expenses for 2 COVID-19 tests: an RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 0-1) and an antigen self-test on Day 5. 

4. A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination

• Everyone 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.
• Travellers 12-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement.
• Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with parents, are exempt from this requirement.
• For arrivals by water, everyone on board must be fully vaccinated. This is except for travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians.
• Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine post-infection must have a medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery.

5. A Certificate of COVID-19 Recovery

• Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection within a period of 14 days to 3 months and has yet to receive any vaccine post-infection must have a medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery.

Notice: Many cases with positive Covid-19 test result had not been covered by their insurance. Check out the real situation here

1. All travellers must undergo entry screening including body temperature check, and present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks.

• At the point of entry for arrivals on a direct flight to Thailand’s international airport, and for arrivals with domestic connecting flights at either the first point of entry before boarding the transit flight, or at the final airport.
• Also, at the point of entry for arrivals by land and water. 

2. Proceed to the prearranged accommodation or medical facility to undergo the Day 1 RT-PCR test. The trip must be by a prearranged vehicle on a sealed route within a travelling time of no longer than 5 hours. Then, all travellers must wait for the test result within the hotel only. *Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents, can have a saliva test.

• Travellers whose test result returns as NEGATIVE are free to go anywhere in Thailand, but will be provided with 1 Antigen Self-Test Kit for a self-test on Day 5 and be required to report/record the result via the MorChana application or another specified application.
• Travellers whose test result returns as POSITIVE will be referred for appropriate medical treatment in accordance with Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expenses must be covered by the required insurance / own expense for foreign travellers, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates.
  • Pending on their conditions, they may be medically advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation.
  • During receiving the medical treatment – at least 10 days, they must remain in their accommodation only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary, and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.
  • After having recovered from COVID-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery.

3. While in Thailand, travellers are advised to strictly follow standard, good personal hygiene practices; such as, wear a mask in public, maintain hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser), and keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others. *Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive they must get appropriate medical treatment.
4. All travellers must download and install the MorChana application, and set it on at all times for the COVID-19 precautionary measures and to record the self-ATK result on Day 5 in the application.

• The self-ATK on Day 5 will not be required if the traveller’s length of stay is less than 5 nights, or his/her scheduled international departure date out of Thailand is on Day 5 or before. For example, if the traveller plans to stay in Thailand for 3 days, then he/she does not have to report the self-ATK result, but he/she must leave for another country immediately. However, the traveller may be required to take another test depending on the airline and the final international destination.

Check out the real situation in case having a positive Covid test result 

Domestic departure – Travellers must show proof that they have received a negative result for their Day 1 RT-PCR test.

International departure – It is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure.

Once you have received your negative PCR result, you should be able to travel domestically. You may be asked, however, to download an app or complete additional travel documentation to prove your Covid-19 status. There may be restrictions in place for certain regions.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand states:

Travellers whose test result returns as positive will be referred for appropriate medical treatment in accordance with Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expenses must be covered by the required insurance for foreign travellers, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates.

Pending on their conditions, they may be medically advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation.

During receiving the medical treatment – at least 10 days, they must remain in their accommodation only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.

After having recovered from Covid-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery.

Here is more about what is actually happening on the ground in case you have a positive test result

The country is expected to be fully opened on June 1st, 2022 if the number of infecteds does not inflate after Songkran - Thailand New Year

Since Thailand has introduced the Test and Go to travelers, approved Alternative Quarantine (AQ) and SHA+ Hotels have added the Test and Go packages to cater to those travelers.

The Test and Go package should cover:

• RT-PCR COVID-19 Test
• Accommodation for at least 1 night for Day 1.
• Transport to transfer from the airport to your designated hotel.

Please contact our team for further detail.

Planning to visit Thailand? Check out the tour packages here. Please note that all the tour packages are for reference, you can always add your wish to personalize your dream trip with us.

Test & Go scheme if the latest effort of the government to reopen Thailand's tourism. Beside that, there are 2 more entry schemes if you wish to visit Thailand during Covid.

Sandbox Program

With the opening of Test & Go to all nations, Sandbox is seen now more as a ‘backup plan’ in case Test & Go is paused again.

This scheme allows fully-vaccinated travelers from any country to enter and explore ‘Sandbox’ destinations quarantine free for a period of 7 days before being eligible to travel elsewhere in the country. They will still need to do a second PCR test on day 5, though it appears that hotel confinement will not be required.

There are currently 8 Sandbox areas to choose from: Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (Surat Thani Province), Krabi and Phang Nga, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Trat (Koh Chang, Koh Kood).

Here is more detail about Blue Zone Sandbox Scheme

Happy Quarantine

It is for travelers who are either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated and involves a 5-day hotel quarantine before being free to travel and explore.

Here is everything about Thailand's Happy Quarantine

We will continue to add more information here as and when we get confirmation from the Thai authorities. The information below is for anybody who already has an approved Thailand Pass.

Q. Can it be any Covid vaccine and what proof do I need to show?

The vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Thai Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA approved list includes AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, and Sinovac. Visitors need to be fully vaccinated with two shots of the vaccine (one shot for Johnson & Johnson). Vaccination shots need to have been given at least 14 days before boarding your flight to Thailand and no longer than one year before. 

Q. Do I need to have a Covid test before departing for Thailand?

Pre-arrival test has been lifted since April 1st, 2022. You do not need any test before boarding the flight Thailand any more. However, there are still 2 Covid test upon arrival in Thailand. 1 RT-PCR Test on the first day, and 1 ATK test on day 5.

Q. If I’m over 18 and not been vaccinated or only received one dose of the AstraZeneca jab, can I still travel to Thailand?

You can, but you will need to follow the current entry procedures and enter quarantine on arrival. You can only visit without quarantine if you have been fully vaccinated with both doses of the jab (or one shot for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).

Q. Can I travel anywhere in Thailand after I’ve stayed one night and received my negative test result?

Yes*. 

*Subject to any local Covid restrictions that may be in place for domestic travelers.

Q. After arriving in Thailand, how long does it take for the RT-PCR test result to come through?

Timings will vary depending on when and where you arrive. Test results will be available within a day, but the average time for results to come through is expected to be between 6-12 hours.

Q. Do I need to download any apps?

On arrival in Thailand you need to download and install the MorChana app:

• For Android
• For iPhone

Q. How much does the RT-PCR test cost and who do I pay?

The cost is approximately 2,100 Baht per test. Payment needs to be made in advance via the approved hotel you are staying at for your first night’s stay. If arriving in Thailand at Phuket airport, you will need to book and pay for your tests in advance via the official website: https://www.thailandpsas.com/

Q. Where will the first RT-PCR test take place?

On arrival at the airport in Thailand you will be taken by designated transport to the test center or hospital for your first RT-PCR test. If arriving in Phuket or Ko Samui, the test will be carried out at the airport.

Q. Where does the day 5 rapid test come from & who administers it? 

They will get the rapid test (ATK / lateral flow) at the hotel or from the hospital when they do their PCR test. This test is self-administered on day 5.

Q. When on day 5 does the rapid test need to be completed?

There is no specific time mentioned, but, if guests are leaving their hotel on that day, they will likely need to present results to reception.

Q. Can we schedule anything on day 5 (excursions/domestic flights)?

Yes, with this ATK test, you can now plan as per normal on day 5. Only in the case that guests test positive will there be a problem. As it is a self-test, we do not need to have pre-arranged appointments and wait in the hotel for the result.

Q. Are the rapid antigen/ATK/Lateral Flow tests free?

The rapid antigen/ATK/lateral flow test is included in the hotel booking on Day 1. Price depends on the hotel, but either free or comes at a nominal surcharge that is included in the booking.

Q. Can clients bring their own tests?

No, they will need to use the test provided to them here in Thailand.

Q. What happens if I test positive?

If your test result is positive, the test center or hospital will make all arrangements to admit you to either hospital or a suitable hotel (this will be decided on a case-by-case basis). Your expenses need to be covered by your insurance.

Check this article to for the real situation on the ground

Q. Do I need a Covid test before flying back home?

This varies depending on your government’s policy. Check out with the local authorities where you live.

These rules for travelers under 18 years old apply from 16 December 2021 onwards

• Travellers 12-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement.

• Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with parents, are exempt from this requirement.

• For arrivals by water, everyone on board must be fully vaccinated. This is except for travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians.

• Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine post-infection must have a medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery.

Q. How long does it take to approve the Thailand Pass?

If you meet all the requirements it should take between 3-5 working days to process, but travelers are advised to allow at least 7 working days.

See more details about Thailand Pass

Q. Is Covid-19 insurance mandatory?

Yes. You need to have insurance for Covid-19 that covers medical costs up to a minimum of USD $20,000 for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand*. If you are travelling with children, they will also need to be covered by insurance.

Travelers should check the small print of any Covid-19 insurance policy before purchasing. The policy should cover:

• The cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with testing positive for Covid-19 or being designated as a high-risk contact (including in-patient hospitalization, hospital isolation, hotel isolation, or related quarantine).
• The whole duration that travelers are planning to stay in Thailand plus at least 10 extra days as a precautionary measure in case the traveler’s second swab test result returns as positive.

There is some more information here from the Thai General Insurance Association**

*Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement
**This link is for more information and not an endorsement by Fan Club Thailand or Tourism Thailand.

Q. Do I need a visa?

Thailand is famous for its easy visa system for those travelling to Thailand as a tourist and staying for less than 30 days, you do not require a visa. Instead, you can enter under the visa exemption scheme. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a Tourist Visa which will allow you to stay for up to 60 days plus a one-time extension of 30 days if required.

Here is our guide for Thailand Visa

Q. Can I book my own flights and hotels or do I have to use a travel agent?

You can book independently, but you need to make sure you comply with all the entry requirements.

If you are intending to do a stopover en route to Thailand, you should also check the current entry requirements for the country you are flying to. Even if you are only transiting (and staying airside), you are advised to check the latest information with the airline you are flying with.

Q. What happens if someone on my flight to Thailand tests positive on arrival? Will I be ‘pinged’ and have to quarantine?

Under the new travel rules, it’s only an issue if a person sitting directly next to you (not in front or behind) tests positive on arrival.

Q. Can I fly to Ko Samui and do Test & Go there instead of Bangkok?

You can, but to do so you must travel on dedicated ‘sealed route’ connecting flights. These are operated by Bangkok Airways (with their codeshare partners) between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Ko Samui (USM) airports. Your flight must be a through flight booked on the same ticket e.g. LHR-BKK-USM. These are the connecting flight details that are applicable on the sealed route from 1 November 2021:

• PG5125 (daily): dep BKK 12.00 arr USM 13.30
• PG5171 (daily): dep BKK 17.10 arr USM 18.45

For Test & Go on Ko Samui, you need to book and pay in advance for a package through an approved SHA Extra Plus hotel on Samui that includes:

• RT-PCR test on arrival (test may be at the airport, hotel or an approved test centre).
• Airport transfer
• At least one night’s accommodation to await the first RT-PCR test result

Not all hotels are able to provide the Test & Go one-day package. Travelers are advised to enquire with their preferred hotel to see if they offer the Test & Go package and, if they do, book with them directly. This website may also be useful to find suitable hotels. SHA Extra Plus hotels Ko Samui

Q. Can I stay at any hotel when I arrive?

You must pre-book and pay for an approved SHA Extra Plus hotel. On arrival at an international airport in Thailand, you will need to proceed directly via approved transfer to the hotel for your arrival RT-PCR test. The hotel must be within a five-hour drive from the international airport you arrived at e.g.

✅ Permitted: Depart > arrive Bangkok > test at Bangkok hotel
✅ Permitted: Depart > arrive Bangkok > transfer to Pattaya > test at Pattaya hotel
❌ Not permitted: Depart > transit Bangkok > arrive Chiang Mai > test at Chiang Mai hotel

Not all hotels are able to provide the Test & Go one-day package. Travelers are advised to enquire with their preferred hotel to see if they offer the Test & Go package and, if they do, book with them directly. This is the website for SHA Extra Plus hotels: SHA Extra Plus hotels (use the drop-down link at the top to search by province)

Q. Do I need to prepay for my hotel?

Yes. You will need payment confirmation for a stay on Day 1 at an approved SHA Extra Plus hotel. Prepayment for Day 1 needs to include: accommodation, RT-PCR test, prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Q. Do I have to wait in my hotel room for the initial Covid-19 test result or can I enjoy the hotel facilities?

You have to wait in your hotel room but can leave the hotel as soon as your negative test result is received. No refund will be issued if you book an overnight stay and leave early after getting a negative test result.

As a tourist arriving in Thailand, once you’ve cleared Test & Go you will be issued with a ‘release form’ which confirms you have completed the mandatory requirements. Keep this form with you when travelling domestically in Thailand. Apart from that additional piece of paperwork, the same travel rules for domestic travel will apply to you as they do for Thai travelers and those who live in Thailand.