Thailand drops the last of its Covid restrictions

Thailand swings the door open, Hong Kong cracks a window.
Thailand grand pavillion


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Thailand has become the latest country to officially drop all of its remaining Covid-era entry protocols, which means no pre-departure testing for anyone, regardless of vaccination status. The rules will come into place on October 1st.

While the Land of Smiles has been open for tourism for a little while now, the rule change is a welcome development and a reminder that we are finally moving past the absurdity of the past few years. On top of the restriction drops, they’ve also tacked on a tidy 15 days per maximum stay for visa-exempt travelers.

If you’d seen that Hong Kong was also dropping restrictions, you’re not wrong. As of this week, you can enjoy seven days of PCR and rapid tests, and a three-day ban on eating out or visiting any public places. So, it’s not exactly open. You just get to avoid quarantine. It’s a step forward, but don’t book that ticket unless you’re super into nasal swabs.

Taiwan is on the right track, however. By October 13th, the island nation will be dropping the majority of its regulations and won’t subject you to a week of testing for the privilege. I’m sure they sell q-tips if you still fancy getting swabbed.

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