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Traveling to Thailand from Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Travel to Thailand from Australia

If you’re an Australian citizen planning to journey to Thailand, this article will provide you with all the necessary information you need before your trip. Thailand has always been a popular vacation destination for Australians. It offers unique experiences not found in Australia, and it’s budget-friendly. You can enjoy a 2-3 week vacation in Thailand for the price of a week-long trip at home.

Changes for Travelers from July 1, 2022

Good news for Aussies! Starting from July 1, 2022, major changes will bring travel to Thailand back to pre-Covid conditions. Here are the main changes that will affect travelers:

  • Foreigners no longer need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
  • All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
  • Thailand Cross is no longer required for foreign travelers.
  • Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
  • Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Professional-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand, but proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
  • Airlines and Thai Immigration will conduct random checks to ensure travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination certificates or Covid test).
  • Wearing masks is no longer mandatory.
  • The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed when entering Thailand.
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Despite these changes, it’s important for people to be responsible and follow the guidelines to have a safe and worry-free vacation in the Land of Smiles.

Australia – a Visa Exempt Country

Australian vacationers are fortunate because Australia is included in Thailand’s Visa Exemption list. Australians can enter Thailand as tourists for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa. Upon arrival, Aussies can get a 30-day stay period at the airport, known as a “Visa Exemption stamp.” If a month is not long enough, there are various options available for those who wish to stay longer.

Long-Term Visas for Australians

Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigners can apply for a Tourist Visa or a Special Tourist Visa (STV) from the Thai embassy or consulate. The Tourist Visa allows a 60-day stay, which can be extended for an additional 30 days. The STV, available until September 2022, allows a potential stay of up to 9 months, with two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office.

Thai Elite Visa

For those considering long-term stays or relocating permanently to Thailand, the Thai Elite Visa is worth considering. It allows Australian residents to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members have streamlined eligibility criteria, making it easier to obtain compared to other long-term visas.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners can also apply for various non-immigrant visas, such as the Non-immigrant B Visa for business or employment, Non-immigrant O Visa for visiting Thai spouse and family, Non-immigrant ED Visa for students, Non-immigrant O Retirement Visa for those wishing to retire in Thailand, and Non-immigrant OA and OX Visa for obtaining a Thailand retirement visa for a long stay. These visas can be arranged through the local Thai Embassy or Consulate in Australia, although the application process can be complex.

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Entering Thailand from July 1

Starting from July 1, Thailand Cross is no longer required. Australians do not need to register, provide documents, or seek approval before traveling to Thailand. However, entry into Thailand will still depend on vaccination status, so there are some things to consider.

Vaccinated Travelers: Vaccinated travelers from Australia do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving Australia. They will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate available. Children under 18 traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any tests.

Unvaccinated Travelers: Unvaccinated travelers need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Professional-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional before coming to Thailand. The test result must be issued within 72 hours before departing Australia. Home tests are not acceptable. Children under 18 traveling with unvaccinated parents also need to complete a test.

Airlines and Immigration will conduct random checks of passengers to confirm Covid requirements are met. It is best to have your vaccination or Covid test certificates available to show.

How to Get to Thailand

Book a Flight

Many airlines are now flying from Australia to Thailand. Flights are available through Qantas, Emirates, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Jetstar. You can land at any international airport in Thailand and transit to other areas directly. Domestic flights may require a vaccination certificate or test result before boarding. If you are transiting through another country, check with the airline for any testing requirements.

Finding Accommodation in Thailand

After July 1st, visitors are welcome to book any accommodation. There is no need to book SHA+ hotels or quarantine packages. SHA+ quarantine packages have been removed from most booking sites. You can book any accommodation in Thailand, and many hotels are offering competitive prices to welcome back vacationers. To find and compare the best hotels in Thailand, visit Agoda.

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Arrange Some Travel Insurance

Though Thailand does not require foreign visitors to have insurance with Covid cover, it is still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance not only covers Covid-related issues but also provides coverage for medical emergencies, personal injuries, missed or delayed flights, damage to belongings, and loss of baggage. AXA Insurance Thailand is a trusted company that offers comprehensive insurance to travelers from around the world.

Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices

When landing in Thailand, it’s important to be respectful and considerate of local Thai people. Here are some best practices to follow:

Wearing Masks: Masks are no longer mandatory from July 1st but still recommended in public places. Many Thai people and visitors continue to wear masks, especially in restaurants or public venues. It’s a sign of respect to wear a mask, even if it’s not required.

TM6 Arrival Cards: The Thai government has temporarily removed the need for visitors to complete the TM6 arrival card to ease congestion at airports. This initiative is in a testing phase, and it is hoped that the removal of TM6 will become permanent.

Documents to Prepare: Even though Thailand Cross is removed and travelers do not need to provide proof before entry, it’s best to prepare a few documents before arriving. These include a Certificate of Insurance, vaccination certificates (for vaccinated travelers), a 72-hour RT-PCR or Professional Antigen test result ( for unvaccinated travelers), and a Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive).

Remember, the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra is available for assistance, and visa applications can be made through their website. It’s advisable to set an appointment when applying for a visa.

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For more information on COVID-19 insurance, visit AXA Insurance Thailand.

For SHA+ hotels in Phuket, visit Agoda.

FAQs

Q1: Do Australians need a visa to enter Thailand?
A: Australians can enter Thailand as tourists for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa. However, there are long-term visa options available for those who wish to stay longer.

Q2: Do vaccinated travelers need to take a Covid test before traveling to Thailand?
A: Vaccinated travelers from Australia do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving Australia. They will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate available.

Q3: What documents do unvaccinated travelers need to prepare before traveling to Thailand?
A: Unvaccinated travelers need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen test within 72 hours before departing Australia. The test result must be issued within this timeframe.

For any further questions or assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra or email your questions to [email protected] or call +61 2 6206 0100.

Conclusion

With the major changes implemented from July 1, 2022, traveling to Thailand from Australia has become easier and more accessible. Australians can enjoy a vacation in the Land of Smiles without the burden of strict entry requirements and mandatory quarantine. By following the guidelines and preparing the necessary documents, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Thailand. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Thailand, from its beautiful beaches to its vibrant cities.

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