Thailand and Singapore drop Covid-19 testing requirements before entry.

Thailand will end the Test & Go program.

According toTimeoutThe Thai government has just announced that it will end the Test & Go program for foreign tourists at the end of April.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that the country's economy is significantly dependent on tourism. Relaxing restrictions on foreign tourists is necessary. Many other countries around the world have now completely lifted travel restrictions, fully reopening tourism as it was before the pandemic.

"The tourism situation is on the road to recovery. Therefore, simplified entry procedures and quick testing will create many advantages for tourists," said Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Specifically, all vaccinated travelers arriving in Thailand will not need to undergo an RT-PCR test on the day of entry or quarantine for one day at a government-designated facility. The Thai government encourages travelers to self-test for COVID-19 during their stay. If the result is positive, travelers can self-treat or use their COVID-19 insurance. The minimum COVID-19 insurance coverage for all foreign visitors is USD 10,000 (approximately VND 230 million).

Additionally, unvaccinated travelers entering the country must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. They will be required to quarantine for 5 days, followed by an RT-PCR test on the 4th or 5th day. However, travelers must possess a Thailand Pass before entry. Documents including vaccination certificates must be uploaded and approved.

Tourists do not need to be tested upon entering Singapore.

According toSCMPVisitors who have received all necessary vaccinations will no longer need to undergo an RT-PCR test before arriving in Singapore. This change applies to all fully vaccinated visitors entering Singapore by air or sea.

Previously, Singapore required PCR or rapid tests for all incoming travelers. Children under 12 were not required to be tested. However, the testing requirement for travelers aged 13 and over (who have not been vaccinated) will remain unchanged. Notably, Singapore will offer paid vaccination services if travelers wish to receive the Moderna vaccine.

On April 26th, Singapore will ease many of its pandemic restrictions, such as limits on group sizes and social distancing. However, face masks will remain mandatory in indoor environments and on public transport.

The government considers this a significant milestone in living with the Covid-19 virus. Ong Ye Kung, Singapore's Minister of Health, said Singapore is among the countries with the highest vaccination rates in the world.

"We all know that Covid-19 is still here, but we have overcome the most difficult period together," said Ong Ye Kung.

Anh Thi