Answered6 years ago
Does Thailand accept saliva PCR tests for entry requirements?
My local PCR testing site in the US warns "A few places require a nasopharyngeal swab and won’t accept a saliva specimen."
Does anyone know if Thailand is one of those countries?
Does anyone know if Thailand is one of those countries?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around Thailand's requirements for PCR testing when entering the country, specifically whether saliva tests are acceptable. The consensus among commenters indicates that Thailand requires an RT-PCR test rather than just a general PCR test, and stress that some tests which are solely labeled as 'PCR' may not be valid. Various personal experiences shared highlight that throat, nose, and combined swabs have been accepted, but clarity on needing an RT-PCR test is emphasized.
25 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Joe *********
OPThanks all, I know what I need.
Billy *********
it sucks but its quick
Billy *********
yeap, nasal swab
Jill ******
It must be a PCR test. I have never seen specifics Re the sampling. My tests in ASQ were throat only so assume this is ok for Thailand. In Australia it is a nose and throat swab.
Dick **********
@Jill *****
my tests were both nose and throat in ASQKathy ****************
Same here..
เด่ ******
Why make it so complicated. Thai embassy does not say anything about that labor language. Everything with PCR test is accepted !.
Paolo ************
Try XRP-AR GH Test
Bob ***********
I just did a saliva test. It was RT-PCR and accepted by all.
Kathy ****************
We flew from Washington DC to Bangkok the end of November
Kathy ****************
This was ours and accepted...
Amy *******
@Kathy ***************
where did you fly from and did you fly into Bangkok which airport? And when because from what we understand it must be RT-PCR. boy would this make our lives easier if it could just be a regular PCR.Kathy ****************
Ours were not the RT-PCR and were accepted..
Pui *****
Some people are posting that Thailand requires a PCR test which is inaccurate. It must say RT-PCR. They won't accept a test result that just says PCR.
Giles *********
Thailand must be RT PCR
Kathy ****************
Try CVS we had ours done there..
Dennis ***********
Make sure it says RT-PCR. Some people might have gotten in with others, but I wouldn't risk it.
Bim *******
Thailand requirements is a PCR test. Saliva only sounds to me like an antigen test only which they won't accept.
Jared **********
@Bim ******
saliva tests can be RT-PCR, I took one as a backup Bim *******
@Jared *********
that's interesting. I never understood why the need for a nasal swab on a test as sensitive as a PCR. Jared **********
@Bim ******
I’m already in thailand, it was just a backup test as my lab couldn’t guarantee my results in time, but it was a RT-PCR and in any case having a plan b was quite reassuring Bim *******
@Jared *********
for sure. Just make sure it says PCR on the results. I am sure Thailand will eventually move to the lateral flow test eventually.Jared **********
@Bim ******
I think the saliva tests are just a better medium and easier for mail order and doing it over zoom, I’ve done my fair share of covid tests and research for them but I know nothing about the difference or what matters about how the sample is taken.....I just know how to go from country A to country B lol 🤷♂️Activity
14 joined14
people
Related
25What are the new entry restrictions for foreigners at the Mukdahan border in Thailand?
2.9k17523d
Is there an unofficial age cut-off for obtaining an education visa in Thailand?
1.1k7162mo
What is the experience of entering Thailand via DMK airport with a Russian passport on a DTV visa?
1.3k8202mo
What should gym owners know about immigration inquiries regarding DTV applicants?
5.4k241164mo
What do I need to know about obtaining a DTV visa for settling in Thailand?
2.8k24285mo
What documentation do I need to provide for proof of funds when renewing my Thai visa?
6.6k241438mo
Will Thailand's entry rules change to allow only two entries per year from January 1st?
7.4k306510mo
Can I frequently visit Thailand for short stays on a tourist visa as a US airline pilot?
11.5k8914510mo
Will a one-day overstay in Thailand cause me problems at the airport?
6.4k39971y
What should expats in Thailand do if there's a coup?
11.8k821741y
Why are people less interested in Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa compared to Thailand's?
13.5k1121112y
How can I navigate diabetic dietary restrictions while waiting for my DTV approval in Thailand?
3.8k29392y
Does my wife need to complete a TM30 upon returning home to Bangkok after staying in Phetchabun?
1.7k9232y
How can I set up a business with a physical location in Thailand without being married to a Thai person?
65833y
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
2k15133y
Is Thailand still a viable option for expats seeking short-term stays and affordable visas?
6.5k57553y
What should I do to prepare for opening a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?
5k33673y
Are vaccination certificates in non-English languages accepted for entry into Thailand?
1.4k1164y
What business opportunities exist in Thailand for a family with a budget of 200,000 baht, and what are the visa requirements?
23k1732814y
What should I include on my arrival card when entering Bangkok under the Test & Go scheme?
923625y
What are the current exit requirements for US citizens leaving Thailand for the US via Japan?
1.8k1755y
Can an extended stay Airbnb confirmation be used to open a bank account in Thailand?
4k31395y
What should I do if I want to visit my parents in Thailand but have been advised to get a multiple entry tourist visa?
3288y
Can I extend my 30-day stamp in Thailand without leaving the country?
3k28168y
Do I need to go through immigration in Cambodia if I have a same-day return flight to Thailand from there?
3.7k35219y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served