All our advice for safe travel in Thailand
After the Covid period, Thailand has reopened its borders to tourists from all over the world from the end of 2021. There have been no restrictions for several months now, much to the delight of travellers in search of incredible natural landscapes, impressive monuments and magical places. In this article, discover all our tips for travelling to Thailand and making the most of your trip.
What are the formalities for travelling to Thailand?
Do I need a visa?
Nationals of visa-exempt countries (Switzerland, France, Belgium, etc.) do not need to obtain any special documents. You can enter the country for a maximum of 30 days, renewable for the same period at any of the country's immigration offices.
Make sure you have a valid passport in good condition, which will be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.
If you want to go to Thailand for reasons other than tourism, or if you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day tourist visa or the Thai Elite Visa at their embassy or consulate.
For the 60-day visa, you will need :
A valid passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand
- A passport photo
- The completed form
- Proof of address
- A return ticket
- An accommodation address for the first 7 days
It will cost you around CHF 35 and will be valid for 3 months for a maximum stay of 60 days. Please note that this visa does not allow you to leave the country and return. In this case, it will be cancelled automatically.
For more information, visit the Thai embassy website: Thailand Visa, Thailand Elite, and Travel to Thailand - ThaiEmbassy.com
Money to carry
Immigration authorities require each traveller to carry the equivalent of THB 20,000 (CHF 500) in cash.
>> Leave well insured in Thailand. Calculate your travel insurance premium here <<
Travel conditions in Thailand since the Covid period
The latest update of information on the embassy website (January 2023) indicates that there are no longer any restrictions on entry and that it is no longer necessary to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test.
Travel insurance for Thailand
Travel insurance is really important if you want to travel to Thailand with complete peace of mind. Why?
Without travel insurance, you'll have to pay on the spot if you need urgent medical care, as health costs are not covered there and your basic insurance, with no worldwide top-up, will not reimburse you for anything (or very little).
In addition to medical expenses, there are many other guarantees and assistance services that will also be useful in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your stay in Thailand, such as cancellation cover, so you won't hesitate to book your holiday.
Europ Assistance cover for a trip to Thailand
With our Comfort insurance, you are reimbursed for medical expenses up to CHF 250,000, and we organise and pay for your repatriation with no limit on costs.
In addition, our Europ Assistance travel insurance includes other essential cover: cancellation, interruption, emergency transport, unforeseen expenses, luggage insurance, etc. Discover all our options here.
>> Leave well insured in Thailand. Calculate your travel insurance premium here <<
When is the ideal time to visit Thailand?
A trip to Thailand is most enjoyable during the dry season, with average temperatures of 30 degrees and few (if any) rainy days.
Are there any compulsory vaccinations for Thailand?
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelling there. However, make sure that your usual vaccinations are up to date, depending on your age. Depending on your travel conditions, some vaccinations are recommended, such as those against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B and Japanese encephalitis. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.
As well as vaccinations, be sure to protect yourself against mosquitoes, which carry diseases such as malaria, Zika and dengue fever, by covering your body and spraying your clothes with insecticide.
Once the formalities have been completed, the precautions taken and the travel insurance in place, you can plan your stay at your leisure and make the most of Thailand and all its treasures.
>> Leave well insured in Thailand. Calculate your travel insurance premium here <<
