It’s been a tough few years for overseas getaways, unable to leave the country for what feels like a lifetime. But now that our international borders have opened up and airfares are being slashed by airlines to tempt us back into international travel, it may be time to look for our next holiday destination.
If Thailand is on your travel bucket lists, then you’re in luck. They’ve just decided to scrap their pre-departure test for travellers, meaning a trip there is set to be more hassle-free than before. From April 1, this rule will lift for vaccinated travellers.
Since February, tourists have been able to enter Thailand with a pre-departure test. While this rule has now been dropped, travellers must note that a PCR test upon arrival is still required, as well as a rapid antigen test four days later.
Those visiting Thailand will also need to pay for one night at a government-approved hotel beforehand, and also have $20,000 worth of travel insurance. While rules for entering may still be on the stricter side, there’s no doubt it’ll all be worth it after arriving, and the fact a pre-departure test is no longer needed makes it that bit easier.
Travellers from Australia can currently stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa, as they fall under the visa exemption list. If you are not from a country on this list, you can apply for a “special tourist” visa, which lasts for 60 days and can be extended twice.
Tourists can travel through the entirety of Thailand — previously, a “sandbox scheme” restricted victors to specific islands and hotels. There are, however, some Covid restrictions (such as a curfew in Bangkok) in place, so it’s worth checking these before you book a stay.