Answered6 years ago
What steps do I need to follow for leaving Thailand and flying to the US regarding COVID-19 testing?
*Thank you all for your timely responses! My question has been answered ✈️🌍*
I’m unfortunately having to leave Thailand sooner than expected.
Does anyone know the steps I need to take before flying to the US? Covid testing, etc.?
I’m having a hard time finding a good link with up-to-date Info. Thank you to anyone that can help!
I’m unfortunately having to leave Thailand sooner than expected.
Does anyone know the steps I need to take before flying to the US? Covid testing, etc.?
I’m having a hard time finding a good link with up-to-date Info. Thank you to anyone that can help!
Answer summary
The post seeks advice on procedures for leaving Thailand for the US, especially related to COVID-19 testing requirements. Several community members shared experiences and insights, indicating that airline policies primarily dictate the need for COVID-19 tests. While US citizens typically face fewer entry restrictions, specific testing protocols vary by airline and transit points. Some comments reference impending regulations, noting that from January 26th, a negative COVID-19 test may be required for entry into the US.
41 repliesnewest first
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Jeff **********
Check the airline's website.
Jeff **********
@Olivia ******
check CDC too
Olivia *******
OP@Jeff *********
I did but there was only info for arrivals into Thailand. That may have changed now that the CDC is requiring negative COVID tests for entering USAristo *******
If this is not fake news, then now you’ll need the test effective on Jan 26th-ish
*******************************************************************************************
*******
/12/health/cdc-international-travel-covid-19-test/index.htmlTerry ********
@Aristo ******
another point is that not too long ago, the airlines themselves did a study which showed that covid cases that traced back to a flight are extremely rare. So, it’s mind boggling they are going along with this. I’m sure there’s a connection to bailouts. Terry ********
@Michael *******
Aristo Chang, that may be true but I would expect the matter to end up in court. If all the airlines are in bed with the CDC and deny a person to board because they don’t want to test or tested positve , they are effectively blocking entry, which is not legal. That’s why the Thais coming back to Thailand on repatriation flights weren’t tested before flying. It didn’t matter. They could not be denied entry into their own country. 
Michael ********
@Terry *******
its trueAristo *******
@Terry *******
you won’t be blocked to enter US but you will be blocked to enter that plane. I believe you can find the same news on Fox if you believe in them more. I have no political preference anyway lol
Terry ********
@Aristo ******
I wouldn’t believe any information CNN puts out. Again, if you’re a citizen, you can not be blocked from entering the USA. 
Cambodia **************
Not usa
Erin ******
I just left Bangkok, I'm on my layover in Doha, then flying to JFK... It depends on the state and your airline will inform you what you need, 2 weeks ago it said I didn't need anything, then jfk said to fly in you need a covid test no more than 72 hours prior, I checked in earlier and they didn't even ask for it. I got it cause I was worried they wouldn't let me board without it, I'm sure when I get to NY they will ask for it but who knows, about to board a 14 hour flight and be state side. Good luck to you!
Karl **********
@Erin *****
Stay Safe 
Chulala **********
depend on Airline requirement
Richard ******
Give Donald a call might send Air Force 1
Hans *********
Embassy contact what else?
Webside For. Of. - Embassy
Webside For. Of. - Embassy
Kathy ****************
We are leaving this weekend as well back to the United States the only thing that I could find was they recommend a self quarantine for 10 days we will however when we get to Virginia self quarantine and get a covid test 3 days later all volunteer
Ciarán *******
Good luck mate
Margarita ************
As far as US Government requirements, you can check with the US Embassy in Bangkok for accurate, up to date info.
Margarita ************
@Terry *******
Just quitting the article.Terry ********
@Margarita ***********
nevertheless, my statement still stands. Anyone (including US officials) who tell you otherwise are lying. Margarita ************
@Terry *******
This is an excerpt from the article, “The CDC order for universal testing of passengers, including U.S. citizens returning from abroad, comes weeks after the Trump administration imposed a testing requirement for travelers from the U.K. over concerns about a more infectious strain of the virus that was detected there. Since then, the new strain has been found elsewhere in the world, and its presence in the U.S. has been confirmed.” It says it is expected to go into effect January 26th.Terry ********
@Margarita ***********
if that’s true, that doesn’t apply to US citizens. They can’t legally prevent a citizen from entering. Olivia *******
OP@Margarita ***********
Thank you so much!Margarita ************
@Olivia ******
you may have seen the post with the CDC announcement by now, but just to reconfirm it, Wall Street Journal published the same news this morning, the US will start requiring negative COVID-19 tests to enter the country. Olivia *******
OP@Margarita ***********
I checked there and it wasn’t up to date, I also emailed them and still not helpful 😩
Rachel ***************
Depends on the airline /airport. I'm flying BKK-ICN-DTW tomorrow and there were no tests or anything needed with Delta/Korean Air.
Rachel ***************
@Olivia ******
also, I think there are new regulations for entering the USA going into effect on the 26th or 27th. Olivia *******
OP@Rachel **************
thank you!!Aristo *******
I think there is no test needed to go back. Normally your airline will inform you anyway.
But it’s harder to book a ticket now since transfers are banned in many East Asian airports now. Maybe you can start with searching for that firt
But it’s harder to book a ticket now since transfers are banned in many East Asian airports now. Maybe you can start with searching for that firt
Aristo *******
I’ve heard Japan HK Taiwan are all stopping transfer service. Maybe korea still open?
Olivia *******
OP@Aristo ******
I saw there were plenty of flight options but none of the airline’s websites had info for departures of of Thailand. They only had steps for the Arrivals.
Tyler *******
Not sure how helpful this is (not up to date), I left in July. I flew from Thailand through Seoul and into SeaTac (Seattle). Zero restrictions though, it was as if Covid didn't exist. To my knowledge nothing has changed.
Gabrielle *********
@Tyler ******
yep! It was the same for me in November. It’s a free for all in the US, literally no restrictionsTyler *******
@Olivia ******
No problem, good luck on your return!Olivia *******
OP@Tyler ******
Wow! Thank you, glad you made it back with no stress Olivia *******
OPThank you all so much for such a quick response!!
Dave ***********
There are no specific requirements for departure - covid testing will be determined by the govt at your point of transit and/or final destination.
Dave ***********
@Karim **************
yes airlines are enforcing the laws dictated by the relevant government. I never said otherwise 
Karim ***************
@Dave **********
airlines are enforcing based on government recommendations. 
Kool *******
Mostly it will be what your airline requires to board the plane. From my understanding there are no requirements for US citizens to enter the US, but some airlines can require covid-19 tests to board.
Arcadia ****
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