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Thailand is now open to vaccinated travelers from 63 countries with only one night of quarantine, but the first tourists to return to Thailand have complained that the new Thailand travel pass is not working well and should cause entry problems.
Thailand now open to travel with only one-night quarantine
Although Thailand has remained open to travelers for most of the pandemic, its strict quarantine requirements have prevented most travelers from coming.
As of last week, vaccinated travelers who stayed at least 21 days in one of 63 approved “low-risk” countries and territories, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada, are now only required to quarantine for one night.
The idea is that entrants must show a negative PCR test result before and after flying to the country, take another test on arrival, self-isolate in a hotel for one night while awaiting results, and – assuming a negative result – can then Feel free to continue traveling across the country.
However, the biggest hurdle that travelers like most right now is using the Thailand Travel Pass.
Entry requires a Thai pass
To get a QR code to enter Thailand, travelers need to enter the following information into their Thailand Pass:
- passport
- Vaccination certificate or card
- COVID-19 Health Insurance Certificate
- Confirmed ASQ hotel reservation or confirmed SHA+ hotel reservation (pre-booked RT PCR test)
- pre-book fly ticket
- Copy of Thailand visa (if required)
This one-stop digital system was introduced to replace its lengthy Certificate of Entry (CoE) process.
Once the entry criteria are approved, the pass generates a QR code that is scanned when entering the country.
But online forums and Facebook groups show the system isn’t working as smoothly as planned.
Passengers reporting problems with the Thailand Pass
Multiple travelers on the Facebook group Thailand Reopening have reported a number of issues, including problems uploading PDFs, error messages, and never receiving a QR code despite applying multiple apps, which could put them at risk of missing their flight .
Users of the system also reported that they faced challenges in catching up with applications once they were submitted, but there was no clear communication hub behind them.
“It’s a good idea, but without perfect tech support, you really need someone to help with the problem,” said Nikki, a U.S. applicant awaiting approval, who asked not to use her last name. “Thai Pass doesn’t have that, and it feels hopeless and frustrating.”
The pass had so many glitches and unresolved user issues in its first week that it made headlines across the country.
“Some tourists have complained that after their travel application was approved, they either experienced delays in receiving the QR code, or in some cases did not receive the QR code at all,” the Bangkok Post reported.
As more and more travelers enter Thailand, the Thai government says they are working to fix the problem.
On Sunday, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had been informed of the issue and instructed state agencies to fix the new online system.
“Thai officials are working hard to fix and improve the Thailand Pass entry system for Thai Airways inbound passengers, received this week as users experienced errors and difficulties in using the system and getting proper approvals in a timely manner to meet the demand for flights and bookings. More and more complaints.,” Thailand inspection report.
Mr Thanakorn said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working with the Digital Government Development Agency to improve the system, adding that the verification of vaccine documents would now take no more than three days, compared to the previous seven days.
Passengers planning to travel to Thailand should submit their documents to the system in advance to ensure they have the QR code in time for their flight.
read more:
Travel Insurance Covering Covid-19
5 Best Places to Visit in Thailand’s Amazing Continent
The 10 best cities to visit in 2022
This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will impact your next trip, visit: Traveloffpath.com
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Disclaimer: Current Travel Rules and Restrictions Subject to change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authority prior to travel to confirm any changes to your nationality entry and/or travel requirements. Travel Off Path does not support travel that violates government recommendations
