Answered5 years ago
What are the RT-PCR test timing requirements for boarding a flight to Thailand?
Hi guys the RT PCR
does it have to be with in 72 hrs of boarding your first flight or does it have to last 72 hrs
So until I arrive in Thailand
does it have to be with in 72 hrs of boarding your first flight or does it have to last 72 hrs
So until I arrive in Thailand
Answer summary
Travelers to Thailand must present a negative RT-PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before their first international flight. In cases of transit through Singapore, the test must be conducted within 48 hours. It is essential for travelers to check with their airline regarding specific rules, as airlines are responsible for verifying compliance during check-in. Additionally, some Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotels may have their own requirements for test timing, which should be confirmed prior to booking.
35 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Andrea ***
Wannikea *********
Wow, such a rare question. I've never heard of anyone asking this in the last 10-15 minutes in each of the 6 or 7 groups I monitor. It's almost as if the requirements were never printed, posted, displayed, written, confirmed, anywhere for the last year.
Oonagh **********
But if your second flight is delayed you will not be allowed to board if even if only outside 72 / 48 hours by an hour, and will to just go back !!! Beware!
Wannikea *********
@Oonagh *********
absolute bullshit, it's by SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME, not actual departure time.Oonagh **********
@Wannikea ********
London Amsterdam Amsterdam Dubai last week. Flight to Dubai delayed two hours, the 72 hours was exhausted by one hour. Refused boarding along with half the passenger booked on same flight. 
Joshua *********
OP@Oonagh *********
I'm travelling via Amsterdam If flight is delayed and you end up past 72 hr that's not my fault and they should accommodate me
I will check with klm
Thanks
Wannikea *********
@Oonagh *********
that's one gate staff, for one airline in one city making one big mistake.It's also only relevant to the first international flight, not every stop along the way. Only exception I'm aware of is Singapore transit within 48hrs.
Evan ********
@Oonagh *********
don’t think that’s correct as it’s been brought up before if say you are in transit. Yes, different if flight cancelled before departure
Francesco **********
but is there any difference between PCR test and RT PCR? is it just another way to steel money from passengers? wtf is this???
Tony *********
If you are transiting in Singapore its 48hours now from departure
Joshua *********
OP@Tony ********
i am Newcastle to Amsterdam then Bangkok 
Thoram *******
The PCR test should come with a medical certificate ?
Wannikea *********
@Thoram ****
RT-PCR test must come from lab/hospital/clinic that can produce a valid covid19 negative certificate.
Ji ***********
Departure flight.
Jeff *********
First flight, had our test 70 hours before first flight.
Lisa ********************
Before 1st flight. Unless transit in Singapore which is 48 hours
Evan ********
If going through Singapore it’s 48. Just cueing for my test right now. Fly out tomorrow evening from Oz via Singapore
Wannikea *********
@Evan *******
yes Singapore instituted a 48hr rule over a month ago for transit flights.Evan ********
@Wannikea ********
there is talk of a bubble with Australia so that may change things but not for now
Sam *****
@Evan *******
are you flying out of Sydney? If so where are you getting your test done? Thanks.Sam *****
Thanks. Just found one locally.
Evan ********
@Sam ****
no out of Brissy. I believe there’s testing at the Sydney and melb airports but you’d have to research it. Goodluck 
Tom **********
Check the airline that you are flying with
John ******
Note: if transit is via Singapore... 48 hours, or less, before departure!
Brandon ************
72 hours before your first INTERNATIONAL flight. If you have a domestic segment to get you in place for leaving the country, that flight doesn't count.
Tara **********
Not sure about that. Etihad told me "72 hours before your first flight departure time", and I'm flying to JFK first.
Wannikea *********
@Tara *********
your first flight would be even moreso well inside the timeline regardless. The international departure time would even be later eating into the 72hrs.Brandon ************
@Tara *********
I'm just telling you the official Thai policy that's been in place for a year. The airline is the one who checks it so if they let you through then it's probably fine, but there's always a (small) chance of getting rejected at BKK by the health officials. 
Mike *****
The certificate must be produced within 72 hours of your 1st flight.
Cameron **********
Some AQ hotels are asking for negative test 72 ours before arrival...worth checking before you book a room.
Wannikea *********
@Cameron *********
They don't know what they are talking about.
Jared **********
@Cameron *********
I had mine ask for this and insisted it was policy, which I responded according the embassies and there own Department of Disease Control this is not the case, I rebooked anyway but apparently there was some internal confusion about arrival vs departure wording. Earlier in the year some hotels were actually wanting pre arrival so I read the details on coming back. Tara **********
First flight. Your airline will outright refuse to even check you in if you do not have it.
Luc ************
First flight
Activity
20 joined20
people
Related
25Can I travel to Thailand with a one-way ticket on a Non-Imm O visa?
1.3k8112y
Should I book a return ticket for my 3-month trip to Thailand?
1.5k1072y
What are the current visa requirements for traveling to Thailand from the USA for three months?
1.2k862y
What are the COVID-19 requirements for travelers from Thailand to India?
780434y
What are the current vaccination proof requirements for passengers traveling to Thailand?
4.9k38514y
What are the latest rumors regarding Thailand's border regulations and vaccine passport requirements?
17.4k1581634y
What are the entry requirements for vaccinated US travelers visiting Thailand for two months in November?
1.6k1394y
What are the entry requirements for Thailand as of July 1st, 2022?
741424y
Do I need a PCR test to fly from the UK to Thailand if I'm vaccinated?
781364y
What are the new Covid-19 travel requirements for Thailand starting May 1st?
2k15175y
Is a pre-departure PCR test required for travel to Thailand after April 1, 2022?
3.9k32355y
What are the current testing requirements for flights from Phuket to Bangkok?
2.5k2555y
What documents do I need for flying to Thailand and is a return flight ticket required?
948545y
What are the PCR test requirements for flying to Thailand regarding the 72-hour window?
1.1k825y
Do you need a PCR test to leave Thailand and return to the UK?
1k765y
What are the current updates on Thailand's Test & Go and Sandbox programs for travelers?
46655y
Is a regular PCR test sufficient for COE requirements in Thailand?
654265y
What are the current requirements for touring Thailand by motorcycle regarding address reporting?
2.3k19175y
What are the entry requirements for flying from Bangkok to Krabi?
950645y
What are the requirements for flying to Thailand with Air Canada regarding COVID tests and face-to-face appointments?
2.5k23116y
What requirements does a US traveler need to enter Thailand without a visa during COVID-19?
6.1k53556y
What should I do if my flight is delayed after a negative COVID test that is no longer within the 72-hour requirement?
2.6k23176y
What are the COVID-19 travel requirements for entering Thailand currently?
914496y
What should I know about traveling to Thailand without an onward ticket?
1.5k3327y
What are the financial requirements for entering Thailand as a tourist?
7.9k55979y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served