Thailand Lifts Travel Ban on African Countries
Starting January 11, the travel restrictions on international travelers coming from African countries visiting Thailand will be lifted.
Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration approved the move after deliberations.
Previously, travelers to Thailand coming from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe were not allowed to enter the Kingdom.
All travelers from the approved countries will be allowed to apply for a Thailand Pass under Sandbox Programs or the Alternative Quarantine System.
Sandbox in Krabi, Phang-Nga, Surat Thani to Reopen
Joining Phuket, the provinces of Krabi, Phang-Na, and Surat Thani (only Koh Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao) are reopening their Sandbox Programs from 11 January.
Travelers will have to stay at least the first 7 nights within a Sandbox destination if they plan to continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand. If staying less than 7 nights, the traveler must leave Thailand to another country immediately.
Sandbox Thailand Pass requirements still include a vaccination certificate, a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result, prepaid 7-night’s accommodation in an approved hotel, prepaid RT-PCR tests for when in Thailand, and an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000.
Phuket to Offer Hotel Isolation for Tourists with COVID
In a move to keep Phuket’s reopening operational, hotel owners in Phuket are planning to offer hotel isolation for asymptomatic guests.
Some tourists refuse hospital stays when they see that their symptoms are not severe, as explained by Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter, detailing the problem in transferring guests to hospitals.
Unlike the other variants of the coronavirus, some Omicron cases are asymptomatic. This draws a concern with some travel insurance schemes as being asymptomatic does not cover medical costs. Kongsak added that because of this, tourists being admitted to the hospital have to pay a deposit of around 100,000 baht.
During the hotel isolation, operators can create a monitoring system to prevent early checkout before the isolation period ends. Currently, more than 50 hotels have offered in excess of 500 total rooms that could serve as isolation facilities. Hotels with more than 100 rooms will spare 10% of capacity for guests who opt for hotel rooms rather than field hospitals.
Because of the tighter possible restrictions against the Omicron variant, Kongsak said that an occupancy rate of 30-40% is expected in January after small cancellations. They are more concerned with bookings in February and March, with occupancy at only 10%.
The Thailand government suspended the applications for the Test and Go and other Sandbox programs in December. Currently, Phuket is the only sandbox program open for international travelers.
SOURCE: BANGKOK POST
Thailand Pass: Frequently Asked Questions 2
Traveling to Thailand during the pandemic gives more questions to all international travelers. Such questions are more on the Thailand Pass and other requirements. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected.
What should I do if it’s taking longer than expected to get my Thailand Pass approved?
You can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected] or call +66 2572 8442. Due to the number of queries, expect for a late response. Some applicants say that they waited for hours when they called the number before getting a customer support representative.
Can I change my Thailand Pass days earlier than my original flight?
No, you can’t. You can only reschedule on a later date (within 72 hours). When you scan your Thailand Pass QR code, there is an “enter not later than” date indicated in the Pass. Normally it is within 3 days from the approved date of arrival stated in your application.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand?
Thailand Pass is for your entry to the Kingdom. If you wish to extend but your visa is expiring, you can go to the immigration office and apply for a necessary visa extension. The government fee is 1,900 Thai baht for the extension.
What happens to my Thailand Pass if my flight gets canceled?
Your Thailand Pass will remain valid. You may reschedule your flight within 72 hours from the original arrival date. If your new flight is beyond 72 hours, you will be required to apply for a new Thailand Pass.
I booked a hotel online. Is the booking confirmation enough as proof?
You’ll need to present a confirmation letter from the hotel as proof. For Phuket Sandbox, you may use an Agoda voucher or the Hotel Confirmation Letter issued by the hotel itself.
Thailand Pass Test & Go Resumption Planned to be Delayed
Travelers planning to register for a Thailand Pass under the Test and Go program have to wait as the government will still study and discuss the postponement of the resumption of the new Test and Go Thailand Pass application.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the country’s Prime Minister (PM) Office announced that the PM is in favor of delaying the resumption of the Thailand Pass application and the January 10 deadline for travelers with approved Test and Go Thailand Pass.
However, the final decision is still to be announced as discussions are still ongoing.
Thailand has temporarily suspended the new application of Thailand Pass under the Test & Go and Sandbox programs starting December 22 due to concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Phuket Sandbox and COVID Test FAQs
Traveling to Thailand during the pandemic gives more questions to all international travelers. Such includes the COVID-testing. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected:
Who gets the “free” second COVID testing?
Travelers approved before the Thailand Pass suspension and who arrive in the Kingdom from December 24 onwards must do a second RT-PCR test, shouldered by the government, on the 5th or 6th day at a government-approved medical facility.
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) mentioned in the December 24 briefing that travelers will have to fill in a port health letter upon arrival at the airport, which will be signed by a border control officer and certified by the Department of Disease Control. The border control officer will then provide you with a copy and a QR code, stating the venue for your second RT-PCR COVID-19 test at no additional cost.
You will present the port health letter to your hotel, which will key your records onto the COVID-19 Surveillance Tracking and Evaluation platform, and arrange for your first COVID-19 test. On day 5 or 6, go to your designated laboratory center for your second RT-PCR COVID-19.
I already have a COVID test appointment for Phuket Sandbox, do I need to register again?
It depends on your COVID test provider. You can contact the hotel or the laboratory that you registered prior.
For those who are coming to Phuket who had already registered through www.thailandpsas.com for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:
- Choose your booking details and click the “Edit” icon.
- Click “Additional Swab Appointment”.
- Pay the fee
Can I travel to other places in Thailand even if only the Phuket Sandbox is available?
You need to complete a 7-night stay in Phuket before being allowed to travel to other areas of Thailand. Once you receive your first negative test result in Phuket, you are able to travel freely around Thailand’s largest island. After you receive your second negative test result and have completed a 7-night stay in Phuket, you are able to travel to any other area of Thailand.
With the suspension, are there changes to the number of quarantine days?
Seven (7) days quarantine applies to travelers who have a certificate of vaccination to confirm that they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine for at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. 10 days quarantine applies to travelers who do not have a certificate of vaccination. 14 days quarantine applies to travelers from African countries other than the previously designated high-risk countries, which are constantly being reviewed.
Can we change our flight schedule?
Flight changes are permitted within 72 hours from the original flight time registered in the Thailand Pass without the need to apply for a new Thailand Pass QR Code, provided that all other required documents remain valid or updated.
How to Check Your Thailand Pass
As the government is still studying its next move on their measures about traveling to Thailand during this pandemic, many tourists have been sending a lot of questions and inquiries.
Travelers can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected].
Additionally, the Phuket Governor released an infographic for travelers to check their Thailand Pass status. They can send an email at [email protected]. You can also fill out a form by scanning the QR code provided or calling +66 7653 0220.
Frequently Asked Questions for Thailand Pass
With the suspension of the application for the Thailand Pass, many people still have many questions. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected:
I already have the Thailand Pass. Can I still enter Thailand even during the suspension?
For those who have been issued a Thailand Pass, you can still enter Thailand based on the travel program that you had registered and approved for. You can arrive on the date that was approved on your application or within 72 hours from the original arrival.
I registered for a Thailand Pass before the suspension learning that I have incomplete requirements. What should I do?
You can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected].
Can I still apply for a Thailand Pass even during the suspension?
Yes. Thailand is not completely closing its borders. New travelers can still register for the Phuket Sandbox Program and the Alternative Quarantine System. The Test & Go Program and other Sandbox Programs are currently suspended until further notice.
What is the validity of the Thailand Pass?
Your Thailand Pass will indicate when you can fly to Thailand. You should have flown to Thailand before the indicated date expires. If you need to change your flight, you may use the same Thailand Pass as long as your new flight is within 72 hours from the original flight time.
- #75 August 23, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for August 2023
- #74 July 11, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for July 2023
- #73 June 7, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for June 2023
- #72 May 15, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 2023
- #71 April 21, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for April 2023
- #70 March 7, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for March 2023
- #69 February 1, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for February 2023
- #68 January 12, 2023 Thailand Travel Restrictions for January 2023
- #67 December 2, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements for December 2022
- #66 November 2, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements for November 2022
- #65 September 30, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements for October 2022
- #64 September 2, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements for September 2022
- #63 August 1, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements August 2022
- #62 June 17, 2022 Thailand Pass Not Required Starting July 1; Temporary Suspension …
- #61 June 10, 2022 Thailand Travel Updates as of June 10, 2022; Top 10 Questions …
- #60 June 2, 2022 June 2022 Guide for Thailand Pass Application; Entry Requirements …
- #59 May 27, 2022 Summary of the June Entry Requirements to Thailand; Thailand Pass …
- #58 May 20, 2022 Thailand Entry Requirements for June 2022; Best COVID Insurance …
- #57 May 13, 2022 Thailand Dropped COVID Test Requirements; Entry Requirements …
- #56 May 6, 2022 Summary of Entry Requirements to Thailand; 3 Easy Steps in Applying …
- #55 April 29, 2022 Thailand Travel Updates for May 1, 2022; New Entry Requirements …
- #54 April 22, 2022 Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 1; Recommended Hotels in …
- #53 April 8, 2022 Thailand Travel Updates as of April 8, 2022; Top 20 Test & Go Hotels …
- #52 April 1, 2022 The new Test and Go and the new Sandbox and Quarantine Program …
- #51 March 25, 2022 Sandbox and Quarantine Programs Reduced; COVID Visa Extens…
- #50 March 18, 2022 Pre-Departure COVID Test Lifted; Reduced Sandbox and Quarantine
- #49 March 11, 2022 Test and Go Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, Chiang Mai, and Phuket …
- #48 March 4, 2022 How to Check the Thailand Pass Status; Easy Steps to Apply for …
- #47 March 1, 2022 New Test and Go; Beware of New Thailand Pass SCAM ALERT …
- #46 February 25, 2022 Test & Go Rules Revised; Step-by-Step Guide for Thailand Pass …
- #45 February 18, 2022 Thailand Pass SCAM ALERT; Thailand Pass got denied, do I need …
- #44 February 11, 2022 Guide for Test and Go Registration; Best COVID Insurance …
- #43 February 4, 2022 Thailand Reopens under Test and Go in 2022 …
- #42 January 31, 2022 Test and Go 2022 Starts Tomorrow February 1, 2022 …
- #41 January 28, 2022 Test and Go 2022: Requirements and Step-by-Step Entry to …
- #40 January 21, 2022 Thailand Pass Test and Go Application Resumes on February 1 …
- #39 January 14, 2022 No January 15 Cut-Off for Test & Go; New Chapter Plan …
- #38 January 7, 2022 Updated Thailand Entry Requirements …
- #37 December 30, 2021 Updated Thailand Entry Requirements; Quarantine Program …
- #36 December 23, 2021 Temporary Suspension of Test & Go and Sandbox Applications…
- #35 December 17, 2021 Updated Thailand Entry Requirements: Test & Go Program …
- #34 December 9, 2021 Test and Go Program; Sandbox Program; 10-day and 14-day …
- #33 December 3, 2021 Travel Restrictions from Africa; RT-PCR Test Still Required …
- #32 November 26, 2021 Sandbox Program Reduced to 5 Days; Thailand Pass …
- #31 November 20, 2021 Test and Go Program; Test and Go Hotels; How to Apply for…
- #30 November 12, 2021 Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand Pass Application…
- #29 November 5, 2021 Common Problems in Thailand Pass Application…
- #28 October 29, 2021 All You Need To Know About Thailand Pass; List of No…
- #27 October 22, 2021 No Quarantine for Travelers from Low Risk Countries and…
- #26 October 15, 2021 November 2021 Reopening; Thailand Pass to Replace the…
- #25 October 08, 2021 Thailand To Be Removed from UK’s Red List; Visa Exemption…
- #24 October 01, 2021 Thailand Allows All Countries to Sandbox Programs…
- #23 September 27, 2021 New Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated and Non-vaccinated…
- #22 September 24, 2021 Bangkok Reopening Postponed; New Eligible Countries for…
- #21 September 17, 2021 Bangkok Reopening in October; Thailand’s New 10-Year Visa…
- #20 September 10, 2021 Thailand Reopening in October; Updated List of Countries…
- #19 September 03, 2021 Thailand Travel Restrictions Updates; Updated Domestic…
- #18 August 27, 2021 Travel from Phuket to Bangkok; How to book your COVID Test…
- #17 August 20, 2021 Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 Extension Areas; Domestic Flights to…
Phuket Sandbox and COVID Test FAQs
Who gets the “free” second COVID testing?
Travelers approved before the Thailand Pass suspension and who arrive in the Kingdom from December 24 onwards must do a second RT-PCR test, shouldered by the government, on the 5th or 6th day at a government-approved medical facility.
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) mentioned in the December 24 briefing that travelers will have to fill in a port health letter upon arrival at the airport, which will be signed by a border control officer and certified by the Department of Disease Control. The border control officer will then provide you with a copy and a QR code, stating the venue for your second RT-PCR COVID-19 test at no additional cost.
You will present the port health letter to your hotel, which will key your records onto the COVID-19 Surveillance Tracking and Evaluation platform, and arrange for your first COVID-19 test. On day 5 or 6, go to your designated laboratory center for your second RT-PCR COVID-19.
I already have a COVID test appointment for Phuket Sandbox, do I need to register again?
It depends on your COVID test provider. You can contact the hotel or the laboratory that you registered prior.
For those who are coming to Phuket who had already registered through www.thailandpsas.com for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:
- Choose your booking details and click the "Edit" icon.
- Click "Additional Swab Appointment".
- Pay the fee
Can I travel to other places in Thailand even if only the Phuket Sandbox is available?
You need to complete a 7-night stay in Phuket before being allowed to travel to other areas of Thailand. Once you receive your first negative test result in Phuket, you are able to travel freely around Thailand’s largest island. After you receive your second negative test result and have completed a 7-night stay in Phuket, you are able to travel to any other area of Thailand.
With the suspension, are there changes to the number of quarantine days?
Seven (7) days quarantine applies to travelers who have a certificate of vaccination to confirm that they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine for at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. 10 days quarantine applies to travelers who do not have a certificate of vaccination. 14 days quarantine applies to travelers from African countries other than the previously designated high-risk countries, which are constantly being reviewed.
Can we change our flight schedule?
Flight changes are permitted within 72 hours from the original flight time registered in the Thailand Pass without the need to apply for a new Thailand Pass QR Code, provided that all other required documents remain valid or updated.
How to Book COVID Test for Phuket Sandbox
Starting December 23, 2021, Thailand will now require two RT-PCR tests for those entering Phuket.
The first test will be conducted at Phuket International Airport while the second test on the 5th day will be conducted at the test centers around Phuket.
The steps for the RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com are as follows:- Provide flight details and hotel information. You will be asked for your flight and accommodation details.
- Input your personal information like your gender, date of birth, country of origin, and Passport Number.
- Choose your swab test locations. Because the first swab test will be conducted at the Phuket International Airport, you can only choose the location for the second swab test. The swab test date will be automatically shown from the details you input in Step 1.
- Pay the fee. The fee for the RT PCR tests is 4200 THB.
Note: For those who have already registered for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:
- Choose your booking details and click the “Edit” icon.
- Click “Additional Swab Appointment”.
- Pay the fee.
New Entry Requirements for October 1
- Group 1: Vaccinated travelers from countries not eligible for the Sandbox program need to do a 7 days quarantine.
- Group 2: Vaccinated travelers from all countries arriving in Bangkok will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of 7 days.
- Group 3: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by air/sea must undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days.
- Group 4: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by land must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
New Eligible Countries for Sandbox Program
Phuket Sandbox Hotel of the Week
Domestic Air Travel: Thai Airways
List of Countries Eligible for Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox
Domestic Air Travel: Bangkok Airways
Domestic Travel: Thai Smile
Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension Program
Sandbox Express Bus
Phuket to Bangkok flight for Phuket Sandboxers
New Entry Requirements for October 1
- Group 1: Vaccinated travelers from countries not eligible for the Sandbox program need to do a 7 days quarantine.
- Group 2: Vaccinated travelers from all countries arriving in Bangkok will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of 7 days.
- Group 3: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by air/sea must undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days.
- Group 4: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by land must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
New Eligible Countries for Sandbox Program
Samui Sandbox Hotel of the Week
https://www.agoda.com/the-briza-beach-resort/hotel/koh-samui-th.html