Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand (April 30, 2021)
Location: Thailand
Event: Thailand Imposes New Restrictions Beginning May 1
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the extension of the quarantine period for all arrivals beginning May 1, 2021. Until further notice, all arrivals who hold Certificates of Entry (COE) issued on or later than May 1, 2021 will be required to undergo quarantine for 14 days regardless of their nationality or vaccination status. Travelers who obtained their COE prior to May 1, 2021 and arrive before May 6, 2021 will be quarantined for 7 or 10 days depending on their vaccination status. Also, Thailand has suspended the issuance of COEs for non-Thai nationals traveling from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh until further notice.
The CCSA designated six (6) provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakarn, as “Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas.” Enhanced restrictions will be implemented in these provinces, including the closure of restaurants for dine-in services.
In addition, all provinces in Thailand now enforce mask wearing in indoor and outdoor public areas. Violators are subject to a fine of up to 20,000 baht. Furthermore, at least twelve provinces have implemented a curfew.
Additional restrictions may be implemented with little or no advance notice and can include a thorough inspection of travelers, mandatory quarantines, or outright prohibition on entry for non-residents. These restrictions will make domestic travel between provinces increasingly difficult.
U.S. citizens should consult relevant Thai government resources and media outlets to fully understand the requirements for domestic travel. Local restrictions related to COVID-19 are changing quickly, so it is important to plan ahead.
Resources for information on local COVID-19 restrictions include:
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Updates available on their website (https://www.tatnews.org/category/thailand-tourism-updates/) or by calling the TAT Call Center at +66 2 250 5500 or 1672 from within Thailand.
- Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Updates in English available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/mfathailand).
- Thai Government Public Relations Department: Updates on their website (https://thailand.prd.go.th/main.php?filename=index) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thailandprd/).
- Chiang Mai Province COVID-19 updates: https://www.facebook.com/Chiangmaidatacenter
- Local media.
Actions to Take:
- Research relevant travel restrictions and requirements before embarking on any domestic and international travel;
- Monitor local media and our Embassy website for updates;
- Check your email regularly for further alerts;
- Continue COVID-19 precautions, including mask use and social distancing;
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information; and,
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: acsbkk@state.gov
American Citizens Services
- U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai, Thailand (serving U.S. citizens in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Petchabun, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uttaradit provinces)
Telephone: +66 053 107 700
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: acschn@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Thailand Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
