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What is the 72-hour RT-PCR timeline for traveling to Thailand?

RT-PCR testCOVID-19 travel rulesThailand immigrationVisa requirementsTraveling to ThailandTest result timelineQatar Airlines travel rules
May 24, 2021
3 years ago
Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How does the 72 hours RT-PCR time line work ? I know the 72 hour clock starts when you get your result back with your time you received the test result. Im flying wit Qatar Airlines leaving CMH, to OHARA ,DOH, then BKK . So my question is , do have be landing in BKK in 72 hours of my test result or leaving my last departure in DOH before my 72 hours is up ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The 72-hour RT-PCR test requirement for entering Thailand starts from the time the test result is issued, not the time the sample was collected. Travelers must present their negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before their first flight departure. It's important to have the result ready by the time you check in at your departure airport.
Brian *******
Interesting point you make about when the 72 hour count actually starts. You say it's the time stamp printed on your report - when the report was issued. Is this correct? If I was making the rules I would stipulate that the count starts when the swabs were taken. This is also printed on the test result. These two pics were taken from my recent test. You can see "collection time" as 8.00, and the report sign off time of 16.18 on the same day. Count finish time would be the advertised flight departure time.

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3 years ago
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Jared **********
@Brian ******
 this is what the Thai government cares about

There was a lot of people confused and thinking it was the time of the test but simply not true per the actual wording, if they had wanted the test to also be within 72, as other countries or airlines have done, the wording will state that. Issued/reported =/= time of the test taken
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
@Brian ******
 the problem with when the swabs were taken is many places take two or three days to return a RT-PCR (especially in the USA). That would leave little to no time to fly 20+ hours.
3 years ago
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Brian *******
@Bob **********
 Quite so, therefore it's important to know exactly then the 72 hour countdown begins. . .
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
@Brian ******
 I have taken several COVID tests (and had COVID), as well as had my family tested several times (and my daughter got COVID as well). All the test results I received had a draw date/time and a report date/time. When I checked with the airline they told me they look for report time since that is when you should be notified and get the results.
3 years ago
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Brian *******
@Bob **********
 Yes, can understand that. Just so long as every place does it the same.
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
@Brian ******
 very true! One place didn't even put the type of test. I had to call the lab and request they put the type of test (PCR vs Antigen, etc)..they didn't understand why I needed that info!
3 years ago
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Brian *******
@Bob **********
 Cheers.
3 years ago
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Michael ********
@Brian ******
 Thailand is one of the only place where countdown starts from results TIT
3 years ago
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Michael ********
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Ken ***********
I agree that it is 72 hours from your first flight. (Chicago Airport is Ohare, not "Ohara")
3 years ago
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Danilo ***********
The 72-hour window is from PCR results time to the first departure time.
3 years ago
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Kevin ***********
From the US Embassy website:

"10) What type of COVID test is needed?

Upon checking in at the departure airport, the approved applicant is required to present a medical certificate with a laboratory result using RT-PCR test indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. Such COVID-19 test result must be issued no more than 72 hours before departure."
3 years ago
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, I was thinking that you had land in BKK with in 72 hours of when you got your Covid Test result back
3 years ago
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Lisa ********************
It's correct.
3 years ago
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lisa *******************
3 years ago
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Lisa ********************
@Jess *******
 no. Test result within 72 hours of 1st flight. Because is from result of test time, it is often both within 72 hours of departure and arrival, anyway.
3 years ago
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I got long flight coming from USA , leaving June 30, don't land in BKK till July 2
3 years ago
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Jess ********
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Departure where flight originated from or departure from last leg of the flight coming from Qatar to BKK?
3 years ago
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Departure from where my flight starts?
3 years ago
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Kevin ***********
@Jess *******
 Yes, your departure airport for the start of your journey.
3 years ago
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Pattaya ****
@Kevin **********
 if I have 2 different booking numbers?
3 years ago
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Kevin ***********
@Pattaya ***
 I woul dassume the same applies but call your embassy and check.
3 years ago
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Jess ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok , hope so :)
3 years ago
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Jess ********
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Lisa ********************
@Jess *******
 yes 1st flight
3 years ago
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Lisa ********************
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