With Thailand easing COVID-related travel restrictions, the first so-called Test and Go yacht visitors entered the country last week. What’s more, tourism representatives expect more megayacht and cruise-ship guests will be arriving in the coming months.
On March 1, the Thailand government opened its land and sea borders. Previously, vaccinated tourists and businesspeople could arrive only via air. Therefore, foreign-owned private yachts and charter yachts could once again dot its waters. Under the eased restrictions, vaccinated Test and Go yacht visitors, regardless of country of origin, no longer need to undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Instead, owners, guests, and crew need to take a PCR test on arrival. Additionally, if they’re entering Thailand on an airplane, they need to stay at an approved hotel overnight while waiting for the results of the test. If they’re coming aboard the yacht, though, they can remain on the yacht until the test results are complete.
You still need to show further documentation to Thai officials on arrival, however. For instance, you need proof of vaccination, indicating you’re fully vaccinated. You also need at least 14 days between the last vaccination date and your travel date. Children less than 18 years old, though, don’t need vaccination as long as a parent or guardian can produce proof of his or her own vaccination.
Asia Pacific Superyachts, a yacht agent for the region, is familiar with all of the required documentation and procedures. In fact, it worked with the first Test and Go yacht visitors. They traveled from Singapore and tied up at Ao Por Grand Marina in Phuket (above). Conveniently, the marina offers customs and immigration services, as well as temperature checks. Gordon Fernandes, co-founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts in Phuket, says, “It’s great the government is starting to ease restrictions, and they’ve done a great job in keeping people safe.”
Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, the director of Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, notes than inquiries from potential Test and Go yacht visitors are coming primarily from European and other Mediterranean countries.
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