Immigration update: Thailand | Re-opening of borders and the impact on Immigration
Re-opening of Thailand’s borders and the impact on Immigration
As COVID-19 continues to create uncertainty around the world, the Thai Government has a plan in place to welcome foreign travellers back to the country.
Who will be affected?
Foreigners in Thailand and travellers wanting to enter the country.
Background
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced its plan to gradually reopen the country. The CCSA’s plan consists of 4 phases that take into consideration tourism revenue, geography, and Covid preventive measures.
Pilot Phase (1-31 October, 2021)
This will continue with the four popular beach resorts, which were the first destinations to reopen – beginning with Phuket on 1 July, then Surat Thani’s Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao on 15 July, and most recently Krabi and Phang-Nga on 16 August linking with Phuket under the 7+7 Extension arrangement. This phase will also see the reopening of new designated areas in Krabi – Khlong Muang and Thap Khaek.
First Phase (1-30 November, 2021)
This will see the reopening extended to 10 other tourist-driven destinations. These include all areas of Bangkok, Krabi and Phang-Nga, and designated areas in Buri Ram (Mueang), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao), Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Na Jomtien, and Sattahip), Loei (Chiang Khan), Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), and Ranong (Ko Phayam).
Second Phase (1-31 December, 2021)
The reopening will be extended to 20 more provinces which are tourist-driven, well-known for art and culture, or border destinations. These include Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Pathum Thani, Phatthalung, Phetchabun, Phrae, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Trang, Trat, and Yala.
Third Phase (1 January, 2022, onwards)
This will see the reopening of 13 border provinces, including Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Surin, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.
Additional impacts on Thailand’s Immigration status:
- Authorities will reduce the quarantine time nationwide for visitors arriving from 1st October, down to seven (7) days for vaccinated arrivals, and to ten (10) days for those not inoculated.
- Royal Thai Consulate-General’s announcement on the re-issue of COE and Visa Issuance for certain categories of permitted non-Thai’s traveling from India to Thailand with alternative Quarantine for 14 days for each applicant.
- Foreigners who are still stranded in Thailand because of COVID-19, can continue to apply for a temporary 60-day visa under COVID considerations. Submissions have to be done before the 26 November 2021.
Impact
The 3rd wave of COVID-19 is adding delay’s to the overall immigration process.
But in general, Thai borders are open, with restrictions. Employment seekers in many locations can proceed with their visa applications.
Santa Fe Analysis:
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt global travels, we encourage all travellers to continue to practice hygiene and safety measures.
If you have questions about Thailand immigration, or how to enter Thailand during COVID-19, please reach out to your local Santa Fe Consultant, and we will be able to advise you further.
For more information or assistance please contact:
Benjawan Kruajan
Immigration Manager – Thailand
Santa Fe Relocation
Thailand
D: +66 65 504 8899
M: +66 98 267 6975
E: benjawan.kruajan@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7090 021125
E: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com
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