What are the current travel requirements for unvaccinated travelers flying from Thailand to the US and back?

Jun 9, 2022
3 years ago
Jake *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I need to travel to the United States next week and I have some questions about the process. I'm unvaccinated and I'm worried about being denied entry at airports along the way. My flight path is from Bangkok to Japan to Canada to the US. I don't have to change airports in Japan or Canada. Will I be allowed to wait in the international transit areas of these airports and board my next flights? Do I just need to show a recent covid test? Does it need to be PCR or antigen?

My understanding is that a negative covid test taken within 24 hours is all I need to enter the US (as a US citizen), but my total flight time is 32 hours, so does that mean I will need to get another covid test along the way at one of the airports?

What are the current requirements for unvaccinated travelers returning to Thailand from the US? Do I just need to register with Thailand Pass? Do I need to get a covid test before I leave or on arrival? Does it need to be PCR or antigen?

Any help with answering these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 馃檹
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The traveler seeks clarity on the process and requirements for a flight from Bangkok to the US via Japan and Canada, specifically regarding transit policies and COVID testing. Key points raised include the need for a negative COVID test prior to boarding, with discussions on whether a PCR or antigen test is acceptable, and the implications of being unvaccinated. Comments reveal that as long as the traveler remains in the international transit areas and complies with the airport rules, they should be fine. There are also concerns about returning to Thailand, highlighting that a PCR test taken within 72 hours, registration with Thailand Pass, and potential new regulations due to COVID outbreaks may apply.
Bobby ********
The only thing you have to remember about Thailand, the government has a very reactive process relating to covid. Anyone who has been in Thailand during the covid era will know this. An outbreak in an illegal gambling den in Thong Lo closed the country for two months. If there's a sudden outbreak don't be surprised if the anti-vaxxers are denied entry to flights, ferries, clubs, restaurants etc. This is Thailand. It could happen
Kool *******
As long as you are just transiting, and not going through immigration, and getting your luggage, you will be just fine. The issue would be with you being allowed on the first plane. That point is the original point of departure, and as long as they allow you to board, all the rest of your transit points will to.
Jake *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
I heard you have to comply with each airport's requirements for the covid test and it sounds like Japan's airports don't accept antigen tests so I have to get a PCR test.
员栅铡沾 ********
@Jake ******
There is no test or vaccination requirement to transit Japan airports. JAL and ANA don't require anything nor any US airlines.
员栅铡沾 ********
Your negative covid test has to be taken one calendar day before not 24 hours
Jake *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam *******
What does that mean? My flight leaves at 7am on Sunday. I'm assuming I can get the covid test on Saturday in the afternoon. Correct?
Preeda ****************
@Jake ******
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Preeda ****************
员栅铡沾 ********
@Jake ******
Yes. If your flight is on Sunday at 23:59PM you can take your test even at 00:01 AM on Saturday.
Jake *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam *******
Got it thx!
员栅铡沾 ********
@Jake ******
Getting ridiculous. Airline CEOs are pleading to Washington. I think the Delta guy said like 45 out of the 50 counties they fly to don鈥檛 require tests. And yes, you can fly to Canada and drive to US. No test.
Helen ********
Entry back to Thailand is currently insurance, pass and a PCR 72 Hours prior. Could change depending on when you plan on returning. If transiting through Canada you are exempt from any requirements. These are from travel.gc.ca.

Transiting passengers who are only flying through Canada to reach another country

For requirements, see Transit to another country by air.

Exempt from pre-entry test

Exempt from arrival test

Exempt from Day-8 test

Exempt from quarantine

Transit to another country by air

You may be permitted to transit through Canada to reach another country. You must make your travel arrangements well in advance if you are transiting through Canada.

While travelling

You must follow all flight requirements and comply with any guidelines provided by the Airport Authority.

Boarding flights to and within Canada

During your connection at the Canadian airport

You must remain in the secure transit area to complete your connection. This means that you won鈥檛 be allowed to collect your baggage, or check-in for your next flight anywhere but at your scheduled gate of departure.

You鈥檙e exempt from testing and quarantine requirements, as long as you remain in the secure transit area to complete your connection within 24 hours.

If you want to leave the secure transit area due to a flight cancellation or delay, you must be eligible to enter Canada.
Jake *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Helen *******
Thank you 馃檹 Why does it say "you must make your travel arrangements far in advance before transiting through Canada"? What does that mean exactly? How far in advance? I'm planning to purchase my tickets today or tomorrow and leave Bangkok on Sunday...
Helen ********
@Jake ******
not sure. That might be for people who need a visa to transit, but as a US citizen you don't so shouldn't be an issue. I'd recommend getting flights that avoid anything to do with Pearson (YYZ). It's a shit show, flights randomly being cancelled, no information and security is taking hours. YVR wasn't much better last month. We were connecting to a Canadian location and ended up waiting in a hallway for an hour for security to show up so we could transit.
John **********
Doubt they will let you on the plane if there're any issues so if you get to board your good to go
Peter *********
Should have had your 2 jabs makes traveling easier lol 馃槅
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