The Thai government now permits fully vaccinated travelers from any nation to enter the tourist hotspot of Phuket. This is part of their revamped quarantine-free travel scheme. Now you can travel to Phuket with a relatively less bothersome paperwork process.
The Phuket Sandbox programme got approval from the Thai government on June 22, 2021. This programme allows foreign and Thai guests to enter Thailand without quarantine. Before the full reopening of Thailand’s borders, the programme began on July 1, 2021.
Phuket is the first Thai province to implement this “sandbox” strategy. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for vaccinated visitors to the island to be confined. This article provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to enter Thailand without having to go through quarantine.
Step 1: Eligibility Check
- According to the Ministry of Public Health, foreign passengers must travel from countries/regions with a low to medium risk of COVID-19 (MoPH). They must also have spent at least 21 days in the aforementioned countries/regions prior to the travel date.
- Foreign and Thai travelers must have full vaccination against COVID-19. Importantly, the vaccine must have the World Health Organization (WHO) approval. Optionally, they can have registration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) at least 14 days prior to their travel date. Additionally, they must have a vaccine certificate or card to prove their vaccination.
- In lieu of a vaccination card or proof of vaccination, unvaccinated children under the age of 18 who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians must complete a COVID-19 test prior to going to Phuket.
Foreigners may enter Thailand without a visa, depending on their nationality, or they must determine the proper visa. The following are the most prevalent types of visas:
- Visa Exemption (for visiting Thailand for tourism purposes not longer than 45 days)
- Tourist Visa (for visiting Thailand not longer than 60 days)
- Non-Immigrant Visa to visit Thailand for different purposes of stay. However, the visa is valid for 90 days and valid for up to a 1-year extension in Thailand.
- Thai Visas with Re-entry Permit
- Thailand Elite Visa
Step 2: Book your Flight to Thailand
British Airways, El Al Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Airlines, THAI, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, and other major airlines, can currently fly daily or weekly flights to Phuket.
If your trip to Phuket does not have a full reservation, take the help of the cabin crew. Ask him if you can have your seat two or three rows away from the rest of the passengers. You will not have the obligation to isolate at a quarantine hotel at your own expense if one individual tests positive upon arrival.
Step 3: Book SHA+ Hotel
Despite the absence of quarantine regulations, all guests must stay in certain lodgings that have achieved SHA+ accreditation. This is provided by the Thai government for safety and health standards.
- Travelers who wish to visit Phuket only need not stay for a minimum of seven nights but must depart Phuket (Thailand) for another country on or before the departure date.
- Travelers who wish to continue their journey to other Thai destinations must stay in Phuket for seven nights before their travel to other parts of Thailand.
- You must ensure that your SHA+ Hotel issues a SHABA Certificate of your booking and that you receive the prepaid RT PCR COVID testing in Phuket.
Step 4: Apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE)
A foreign traveler must apply for a COE or certificate of entry from the local Thai Embassy or consulate 5-15 days prior to the date of travel.
- To apply for a COE, fill out the online application and provide supporting papers. Supporting documents are your passport, valid visa (if applicable), and COVID-19 travel insurance. Applicants who meet the requirements will undergo screening and pre-approval process by the Embassy. After 1-3 working days, please check the progress of your application.
- If they have been pre-approved, applicants can check their status online. Applicants who received pre-approval must attach a copy of their airplane ticket as well as a copy of their SHA+ hotel reservation confirmation. After 1-3 working days, please check the progress of your application.
Step 5: Obtain COVID-19 Test Medical Report
You must receive the following after receiving your COE or certificate of entry:
- A medical certificate must accompany a laboratory result confirming that COVID -19 was not discovered.
- The COVID test must adhere to RT-PCR technique within 72 hours of departure. Some airlines may not accept home kit testing, so verify with the airline you’re flying with for specific requirements.
Step 6: Check and arrange the documents before departure
Before departure, print and present the following documents to your airline:
- Certificate of Entry (COE)
- Valid visa in your passport
- Vaccination Record/Certificate/Card
- Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, within 72 hours before departure.
- COVID 19 travel insurance certificate
- Confirmation Letter of SHA+ Hotel booking
- Receipt of RT PCR COVID tests booking in Phuket
- Confirmation of travel itinerary
- T8 Health Form
- Download ThailandPlus mobile app on your phone
Despite the fact that Thailand is now open to visitors, you must still obtain a COE, or Certificate of Entry, before visiting. All visitors to Thailand must acquire COVID insurance and stay in hotels that are part of the SHA+ Sandbox hotel scheme or the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) plan.
You may find the COE application complex, or getting the correct insurance and booking the sandbox or quarantine hotel time-consuming. In such a case, feel free to mail us your concern at [email protected] for support and assistance.
