Domestic Travel Restrictions
Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the Thai government and provincial governments are enacting a variety of emergency disease control measures. The Thai government has extended its emergency decree until February 28, 2021. A growing number of provinces are categorized by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) as “red zones” (28 as of January 6, including Bangkok and Nonthaburi) and subject to disease control prevention measures, including the closure of some businesses. Many provinces have begun to tighten entry requirements for people traveling between provinces in Thailand and there are reports of health checkpoints being established at some provincial border crossings.
Travel out of some provinces requires special documentation, including Chantaburi, Chonburi, Trat, Rayong, and Samut Sakhon. Other provinces are requiring arriving travelers from other provinces to quarantine for 14 days. Some airlines and bus lines have announced reductions in service.
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 are advised to consult relevant Thai government resources and media outlets to understand fully the requirements for entering the province(s) on a travel itinerary. Local restrictions related to COVID-19 are changing quickly, so proactive planning is imperative.
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.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
As part of our efforts to give U.S. citizens timely information so that they can make informed choices about travel abroad, the Department advises that the United States government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas should follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Actions to Take:
- Research relevant travel restrictions and requirements before embarking on any domestic 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 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
American Citizens Services
Telephone: +66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: acsbkk@state.gov
- 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.
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