Starting from 1 December 2021 onwards, the entry of travelers from eight African countries into Thailand will be banned, as part of Thailand’s measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, known as Omicron.
The eight countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Although travelers from these countries were previously granted permission to enter Thailand through the Thailand Pass system, all permissions will expire from 1 December 2021.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on 27 November 2021 notified all airlines worldwide about the entry ban and other travel restrictions imposed by the Thai government.
In this notification, if travelers from the eight countries arrive in Thailand from 28 November at 00.01 hr to 30 November at 23.59 hr, a 14-day quarantine is required immediately, regardless of the type of travel permission they have received.
As for travelers from other African countries, who have already received entry permits, they may enter Thailand until 14 December 2021. From 15 December onwards, they will be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days, regardless of the type of permits granted to them.
The CAAT has also asked all airlines flying to Thailand to screen their passengers, especially those travelling from the eight African countries, and to inform them of the travel restrictions imposed by Thailand.