Updated on October 22, 2021
After months of strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. The government has introduced Sandbox programs allowing vaccinated travelers to enter the country without quarantine.
Travelers around the world are now keen to find out when and how they can travel to Thailand in 2021. What important things do travelers need to know about Thailand Travel Restrictions if they are planning to fly to the Land of Smiles? Here is some helpful information for you.
Travel to Thailand
UPDATE: Starting November 1, 2021, travelers will be allowed to enter Thailand with our without quarantine based on their vaccination status and their country of departure. Please see information below:
No Quarantine for Low Risk Countries
Fully vaccinated travelers from the listed Low Risk Countries are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. Here are the requirements: Fully vaccinated for more than 14 days before traveling; Residing in the country of departure for at least 21 days; Must book an SHA+ Hotel for at least one night while waiting for the result of the RT PCR COVID test taken upon arrival; must possess a COVID-19 Insurance.
SandBox Program
Fully vaccinated travelers from non-listed countries visiting Thailand are also not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. They must enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Sandbox programs. These travelers are required to stay for 7 nights in a designated SHA Plus Hotel in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Samui, Koh Phang Ngan or Koh Tao before they are allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
Update: Starting November 1, 2021 Sandbox programs are available to travelers from any country or territory as long as you have the proper Thai visa, visa on arrival or visa exemption. The program has been extended to Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and other key tourist destinations.
Alternative Quarantine Program
For international travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, they will be required to undergo the mandatory alternative quarantine of 10 days in a designated quarantine hotel in Bangkok, Phuket or Samui before they can travel to other parts of Thailand.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?
General tourists are not required to apply for a Thai Visa. Since December 2020, visitors from countries under the Visa Exemption List are not required to obtain a Thai visa in order to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes. The Thai Immigration Bureau will allow the foreigner to stay in Thailand for 30 days. Tourists will have the option to apply for 30 days visa extension at any local immigration office in Thailand. The visa extension due to COVID-19 is valid for 60 days.
If you wish to stay longer in the country, please know that the normal 60-day Tourist Visa, Thai Elite Visa, and other non-immigrant visas are also available at the Thai Embassy or Consulate around the world. Holders of these visas are still required to apply for the certificate of entry at the Thai Embassy at their point of departure.
Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? You may consider the Thai Elite Visa program. It is an easy-to-apply and hassle-free visa application for your long term stay in Thailand. For more information about the Thai Elite Membership and Visa application, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-elite-visa
Certificate of Entry (COE) or Thailand Pass
UPDATE: Starting November 1, 2021 the COE system will be replaced with Thailand Pass. For more information about Thailand Pass, please check click here.
Everyone planning to come to Thailand should know that having a valid COE is mandatory during the COVID pandemic. The COE or Certificate of Entry is an official document issued to Thai nationals and Foreign nationals who are permitted to enter Thailand. It confirms that you meet the entry requirements as set by the Thai government and you are accepted to enter Thailand.
Foreigners who wish to travel to Thailand must create a profile and register on the COE portal of the Thai government/embassy. It is advised by the Royal Thai Embassy/ Consulate-General to submit your COE application at least 5 to 15 days before your scheduled departure. You cannot enter Thailand until you have received your COE, so make sure you start the application process well in advance. The application for the COE is free of charge when you apply directly at the Thai Embassy, however, you may also retain a service provider who would assist you with your COE application.
Siam Legal Visa and COE/Thailand Pass Application Assistance
Package 1: 395 USD (for Canada, UK and US only) 3-4 weeks
- Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
- Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in COE/Thailand Pass application
- Assistance in booking an ASQ hotel
- Assistance in booking insurance
- Assistance in booking the flight
Package 2: 200 USD (for Canada, UK and US only) 3-4 weeks
- Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in COE/Thailand Pass application
Package 3: 100 USD (all eligible countries) 5-10 days
- Consultation with immigration consultant
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in COE/Thailand Pass application (including visa exemption)
Thailand COVID Insurance for Foreigners
Aside from the mandatory state quarantine, all foreigners traveling to Thailand must provide a travel insurance policy before departing to Thailand. The COVID travel insurance certificate must be submitted to the Thai embassy when applying for the visa and COE Certificate of Entry and needs to state explicitly that the health insurance is for 100,000 USD or more and COVID-19 is covered. The insurance policy must cover the duration of your stay in Thailand. If your insurance does not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to travel to Thailand.
Foreigners can get a Thailand travel insurance policy covering COVID-19 easily and conveniently. Visitors can buy the travel insurance online with a credit card and the insurance policy and COVID-19 certificate will be sent to you instantly.
Purchase your COVID Travel Insurance for foreigners HERE.
Fast and Easy. Buy COVID Travel Insurance.
CLICK HERE 
Thailand AQ (Mandatory Quarantine)
UPDATE:
All travelers both Thai nationals and foreign nationals arriving in Thailand who are unvaccinated or not fully are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine of 10 days at any of the accredited Alternative State Quarantine or ASQ Hotels accredited by the Ministry of Health.
Book your AQ Hotel Quarantine today.
Book your ASQ Hotel Quarantine today.
CLICK HERE
What If I am Vaccinated? Enter Without Quarantine
Vaccinated travelers will be able to enter Thailand without quarantine under the No Quarantine Program, Phuket Sandbox Program and Samui Plus Sandbox Programs, subject to a certificate of vaccination or so-called “vaccine passport”.
Requirements:
- Certificate of vaccination completed at least 14 days and no more than 12 months before arrival in Thailand.
- COVID-19 Free Certificate, within 72 hours before departure
- Certificate of Entry (COE) or Thailand Pass
- SHA+ Hotel Booking Certificate
- Prepaid RT-PCR COVID-19 test
Book your Phuket SHA+ Hotel HERE.
Book your Samui Plus Sandbox Hotel HERE.
COVID-19 PCR Test
For foreign travelers and Thai nationals coming to Thailand, a fit-to-fly certificate will no longer be required. Aside from the COE, flight and hotel bookings, and COVID Insurance, they are only required to provide the COVID-19 RT-PCR test that is taken and conducted within 72 hours before their international flight from their country of departure.
Thailand Health Screening
With the spread of the COVID-19, many countries, like Thailand, have been implementing new screening methods and health controls for travel at airports. For international arrivals, visitors are required to present a printed copy of a COVID-19 PCR test with negative test results, a printed and duly filled out T8 Health Declaration form which would list the health information of the traveler such as fever, vomiting, blood pressure among others and list of places visited before arriving in Thailand, and a copy of vaccination card in case the traveler has been vaccinated to determine the quarantine period. The visitor will be required to download the ThailandPlus application on a mobile phone which will also serve as a health tracker. For inter-provincial travel, some airports will now require a semi-full or full vaccination, RT-PCR COVID test when arriving at the airport such as Phuket and Samui.
When Will Flights to Thailand Resume?
Regarding flights to Thailand, the normal commercial passenger flights have been suspended until further notice. Nevertheless, the Thai government organized repatriation flights on a regular basis and also allowed semi-commercial flights or charter flights for passengers to enter Thailand. Before booking flights to Thailand, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel. Check within your country’s state department for travel advisories during COVID-19.
You may find the list of semi-commercial flights HERE.
Note: Both land and sea borders will remain closed to foreign travelers.
How to choose your quarantine hotel room?
You have to consider first what your needs are before booking a hotel room to make your quarantine stay as comfortable as possible.
It is a good idea to do some research before booking any quarantine hotel room for your travel plan. Consider your budget, room size, and hotel policies. Quarantine rules often change and are sometimes on short notice, so it is important to understand the hotel cancellation and refund policies before you confirm your booking.
Check the hotel reviews to get feedback from the customer experiences. Ask the right questions. This will help make your decision. Find a focal point between comfort, amenities, and price.
List of AQ Hotels in Bangkok
The AQ Hotel Quarantine packages include not only accommodation but also full board meals, transportation to the hotel, stand-by nurses and COVID-19 tests that are conducted by the partner hospital during the quarantine. Here are some of the highly recommended ASQ hotels in Bangkok offering ASQ packages:
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
- Movenpick Sukhumvit 15
- Conrad Bangkok Hotel
- The Landmark Bangkok
Foreign travelers who do not wish to stay in designated Alternative Quarantine or AQ may opt to spend their mandatory quarantine in Golf Quarantine, Yacht Quarantine, and Villa Quarantine accredited by the Thai government, to boost the tourism sector.
Travel Advisory for Thailand
Tourism is vital to the economy of Thailand. The Thai government has made plans to reopen the Kingdom of Thailand to foreign visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic with certain restrictions. It is important to review news about fast-changing developments within the country before you make travel plans. Information is available on this website and government sites listed below. Many tourist destinations have been affected by the recent third wave and are now closed. Some tourist areas such as Phuket province require an RT-PCR COVID test from a clinic or travelers will be required to take an antigen rapid test upon arrival at the airport especially for those who haven’t been vaccinated. The cost of the test is the burden of the foreign visitor. There are also provinces that require everyone to wear a face mask or covering in public places otherwise you will incur a fine of 20,000 THB. Please research your destination of travel so you have a pleasant experience for your stay in Thailand.
List of Countries that may allow Travel to Thailand (Check with your Embassy for Travel Advisory):
- United States citizens should check with the US Department of State for any travel advisory, news, and emergency situations on their website for Thailand Travel Advisory.
- United Kingdom citizens can check for travel restrictions and news on the FDCO website for Foreign Travel Advice Thailand.
- Australian citizens still must obtain government approval to travel to Thailand. News, emergency assistance, or other important information can be found on their government site COVID-19 and travel Thailand and the Australian Embassy Thailand website for Australians in Thailand.
Travel within the Provinces of Thailand
Please prepare for your stay in Thailand by checking for quarantine requirements for province-to-province travel so you can make proper plans for your trip should you have a domestic travel itinerary. Your travel to Thailand might involve many destinations within the country. Thailand has not declared a state of emergency like what was recently done in Japan however, some local government officials within certain provinces have imposed quarantines or mandatory COVID-19 tests on travelers coming from provinces classified in the red zones. Experience has shown these restrictions change by the day. Your travel plans should be flexible.
Conclusion
As travel requirements and restrictions for foreigners entering Thailand might slightly vary depending on the country and traveler, we would recommend for you to contact your local Thai embassy or consulate before making any plans or reservations. You may also leave your questions in the comment section.
Useful Links
- COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners
- Phuket Sandbox -Enter Thailand Without Quarantine
- Phuket Sandbox SHA+ Hotels
- ASQ Hotels in Thailand
- Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
- How to Travel to Thailand in 2021 – Your Ultimate Guide
- Samui Plus Sandbox – Enter Thailand Without Quarantine
- COE Application Services – Apply for COE Now
I’m from Malaysia. Can we enter to Bangkok without quarantine in Dec 2021?
There will be 2 of us, Malaysia and South Korean (both are in Malaysia more than 21 days) Fully vaccinated (Sinovac)
What do we need to do before we enter to Bangkok(Thailand)?
Dear Soo,
Good day.
Both of you can qualify for the Sandbox Program. You need to apply for Thailand Pass. Please check this page to learn more about the Thailand Pass:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass
Thank you.
Hello, so happy to hear Thailand opens to vaccinated travelers. I got my two dose vaccination in Cambodia, AstraZeneca. I have the Cambodia official proof of vaccination card. I was in Cambodia for work and now returned to Japan for more than 21 days and plan to remain in Japan. I am a Japan national. Can I go to Thailand under quarantine free showing my Cambodia vaccinated card flying from Japan?
Dear Shinji,
Good day.
Yes, you can apply for enter under the No Quarantine Program since Japan is a listed country. Please apply for Thailand Pass to travel back to Thailand. Your vaccination document must be in English in order for you to use it for traveling to Thailand. To learn more about Thailand Pass, please go to this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass
Thank you.
Hi, after November 1st, are fully vaccinated people from the US able to travel from Phuket to Bangkok by airplane?
Dear Courtney,
The Phuket to Bangkok flights have been operating since July. What happens in November 1 is that, fully vaccinated travelers from US to Bangkok or US to Phuket does not need to quarantine. You only need to stay for 1 night in SHA Plus Hotel. You also need to apply for Thailand Pass.
Thank you.
What are the rules for young unvaccinated children traveling with fully vaccinated parents?
Dear Saranyu,
Good day.
The unvaccinated children can travel with their fully vaccinated parents. They do not need to quarantine. They can enter Thailand under Sandbox program. They need to have RT PCR COVID tests before traveling to Thailand and they need to have COVID tests in Phuket also. Parents and children are also required to apply for COE and all of your must have COVID insurance.
Thank you.
Hi, I’m planning to book a flight from Zurich to Manila but I saw there is a connecting flight via bangkok. Am I allowed to enter bangkok, the connecting will take 2 hours only.
Dear Paula,
Yes, you are allowed to transit. You are required to have RT PCR test before the flight and you are also required to have at least 30-day COVID insurance.
Thank you.
We are due to travel to Khao Lak on November 13 and are fully vaccinated. Will we need to stay in Phuket for 7 days before moving on to Khao Lak?
Dear Nina,
Good day.
Khao Lak is in Phang Nga and there is what we call Phang-Nga Sandbox. You do not need to stay in Phuket. You can travel from Phuket Airport and go to your SHA+ Hotel in Phang Nga. When you apply for the COE, you still have to choose Phuket Sandbox and you still have to do your 2 COVID tests, perhaps in Phuket also, unless it is arranged by your SHA+ Hotel in Phang Nga.
Thank you.
Hi there.
I just want to confirm. If you fly into Phuket stay for 7 nights (Sandbox program) and then move on to Bangkok this will be ok? Then no quarantine in Bangkok required?
Thank you
Dear Monique,
Good day.
Yes, that is correct. For the entry using Phuket Sandbox, you only need to stay in Phuket for 7 nights in an SHA+ hotel. After which, you may travel to Bangkok as long as you had your last COVID test with negative result and you had your release form from the hotel. You do not need to quarantine when you arrive in Bangkok from Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you.
Is this Bangkok open now 3.11 when I have planned to come? Can I handle coe etc now?
Dear Jouni,
Good day.
The planned Bangkok Sandbox may happen in November 2021. There is no official start date and no official requirements. Since there are no official guidelines, you cannot do the COE yet. If you do COE now, your COE will be issued for Bangkok Quarantine.
Thank you.
I left the same question several times and it always gets deleted. It concerns about travel to Hua Hin in November or January, and the requirements. Please answer
Fully vaccinated, do I need to stay in BKK 7 days or can go straight away to my condo.
Dear Marcela,
Good day.
Bangkok or Hua Hin Sandbox has no official guideline. If we base it to Phuket and Samui Sandbox, it means you need to stay for 7 nights in an SHA+ Hotel before you can move to your own condo.
Thank you.
Good day,
I have a visit planned mid January 2022 from EU to Bangkok.
I am fully vaccinated and will undergo the process for entry (coe, insurance, covid test, etc).
Some news reports that Thailand will release quarantine requirement in Bangkok from Nov. 1 to vaccinated visitors. What is the prognosis?
Thank you
Dear Maria,
Good day.
Yes, there is a plan to introduce Bangkok Sandbox in November for the fully vaccinated travelers. If this plan will be patterned to the Phuket Sandbox, it would mean that you need to stay in SHA+ Hotel in Bangkok for 7 nights, free to go around Bangkok during that period. You will be allowed to travel to another province after that. This is not the official guideline just yet but it is likely that it will be like that. We have to wait and see.
Thank you.
Hello,
I am fully vaccinated and am planning to travel to Thailand in December 2021. I am planning to go to Phuket (for 7 days) before leaving for Koh Samui for another seven days and then returning to the U.K. – is this possible under the island hopping scheme?
I am arriving to Phuket from the U.K. via Qatar (which I understand is fine). For the return Journey, I wish to transit to the U.K from Bangkok (Koh Samui > Bangkok > U.K). Is this possible?
Thank you
Hello V,
Good Day!
Yes. You can enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox + 7 Extension. Please check this page for more information:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-77-extension-updated
Thank you.
Do I need to be vaccinated to enter and quarantine in BKK?
Dear Sandy,
Good Day!
Since arrival in Bangkok requires quarantine for 14 days, no, it is not necessary to be fully vaccinated.
Thank you.
Hello:
I am a fully vaccinated US citizen and have completed the Phuket Sandbox on 7 August.
I elected to stay in Phuket until my Thai girlfriend receive her second Sinopharm vaccine on 28 August. My question is this:
Can I fly from Phuket to Bkk, where she will be waiting to pick me up on 4 September. We then we want to start driving to Krabi, Koh Lanta, where there are “0” Covid cases, as of last Friday. Is this possible? If so, what are the requirements? Covid test? Etc?
Thank you, Albert
Dear Albert,
Yes, you can travel to Bangkok to meet here as long as there are flights from Phuket to Bangkok. As for travelling to Krabi from Bangkok, at the moment we do not have information about the provincial restrictions of Krabi for travelers from Bangkok which is a red zone. I recommend for you or your Thai partner to check with the Provincial Government of Krabi.
Thank you.
Greetings. What would be the schedule for the 3 RT-PCR tests upon arrival? I cannot seem to find that. Thank you.
Dear Michael,
The schedule for RT PCR tests in Phuket would be date of arrival, day 6-7 and day 12-13.
Thank you.
Hi good day! Are local expats who are working here in Thailand that are fully vaccinated allowed to enter to Phuket in the month of October? What kind of test do you require?
Thank you.
Dear Darling,
There has been announcements for flights from Bangkok to Phuket for September so it likely that Phuket will allow Bangkok residents to travel to Phuket. However, based on what is happening in Phuket with more than 100 cases per day, it might be possible that only travelers with special permit will be allowed to enter Phuket. I recommend for you to check the news or check with the Provincial Government of Phuket for their announcements.
Thank you.
Hi! I would like yo travel from bangkok to phuket. What are the restrictions? I am not vaccinated but i am a thai citizen. Is it possible to enter the city with one dose or be tested negative to enter?
Dear Mein,
Good day.
Since you are Thai, you may directly call the provincial health office of Phuket about the current restrictions. I believe that unvaccinated people cannot go to Phuket at this time.
Thank you.
Currently in Bangkok and will go to Chiang Mai by train. Do I need to do do quarantine ?
Dear M,
Yes, you may be require to quarantine or self-isolate. Please check with the Provincial Government of Chiang Mai about their current entry restrictions.
Thank you.
I have a trip planned November 11-19 from US to Bangkok 3 nights then fly to Chang Mai for 2 nights then fly to Phuket for 3 nights before departing back to US. Will the quarantine be lifted by then for Bangkok so I can fulfill my itinerary. I am fully vaccinated and will undergo the process for entry (coe, insurance, covid test, etc). Will be flying through Singapore Airlines.
Dear Shanee,
Good day.
Based on the current situation it is not possible to travel to Bangkok without quarantine. The Prime Minister announced today that it might be after 4 months that it may be possible.
If you are fully vaccinated and you only 8 nights to spend in Thailand, just go to Phuket and spend the whole time in Phuket. Please check the information about Phuket Sandbox below:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-guide-travel-to-thailand-without-quarantine
Thank you.
HI, Coming from Europe, Germany, fully vaccinated, to do I need to quarantine going to Bangkok?
Dear Naikee,
If you are arriving in Thailand through BKK airport, yes you must quarantine for 14 nights. If you are fully vaccinated and you do not want to quarantine, you must arrive from Germany to Phuket with transit in Singapore. UAE or Qatar.
For more information about Phuket Sandbox, please check this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-guide-travel-to-thailand-without-quarantine
Thank you.
Can you please tell: I am fro Ukraine and I am fully vaccinated, can I go to Phuket Sandbox program or any other program that doesn’t require 14 days quarantine?
Dear Valeri,
Good day.
Yes, since August 20th, travelers or passengers from Ukraine can travel or apply for COE under Phuket Sandbox. You can apply through Thai Embassy in Poland. You are qualified to apply for COE under Visa Exemption and you can stay up to 45 days.
For more information about Phuket Sandbox, please check this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-guide-travel-to-thailand-without-quarantine
Thank you.
Hi, i’ve been reading through some questions left my others, and the responses left by you but am still slightly confused as to the quarantine rules.
If i’m double vaccinated, with a negative test, flying from UK to Bangkok (with the intention of travelling the North and South of Thailand do i, or do i not need to quarantine on arrival to Bangkok airport? And would i be required to quarantine at any point while travelling Thailand and the surrounding Asian countries?
Any advice/support would be much appreciated
Dear Adam,
It is very easy to understand. If you arrive from UK to Bangkok, you must quarantine for 14 nights in hotel room. If you arrive from UK to Phuket, you can stay in Phuket for 14 nights. Phuket is an island so it is like a bubble and you stay there for 14 nights before you can travel to Bangkok or other provinces in Thailand.
It is always the point of entry that will determine if you need to quarantine or not.
Thank you.
Is a Thai national required to quarantine when traveling from Udon Thani to Bangkok?
Dear Charles,
Good day.
No, there is no need to quarantine when traveling from Udon Thani to Bangkok.
Thank you.
Im planning to travel this coming December ..Im from Philippines
Im fully vaccinated..do i need a quarantine? What are the requirements to enter
Dear Cris,
Travelers or passengers flying to Thailand from the Philippines are required to quarantine for 14 nights in Bangkok before you can go to other cities or provinces in Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello.
I am a citizen of USA. If I fly into Phuket from USA under Sandbox Program on July 1st, am I required to be vaccinated to enter Phuket? Or, will the Thai authorities accept COVID 19 negative test result completed with 72 hours instead of the proof of vaccination in order for me to visit Phuket?
Thanks.
Dear Vitaly,
Good day.
In order for you to be able to stay in Phuket without quarantine, you need to be fully vaccinated. If you are and adult and you are not fully vaccinated, you need to stay in an quarantine hotel for 14 days before you can travel around Phuket island.
Thank you.
Good day,
I plan on traveling domestically from BKK to Koh Samui for the weekend. Do I need a negative test result, vaccination, or to be quarantined in Samui?
Dear Julie,
Good day.
Yes, I would recommend to have COVID 19 test before traveling to other cities such as Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai to avoid any isolation or quarantine.
Thank you.
Hello there, I’m planning to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with my friend this July, do we need to do quarantine if we got Covid tested result? Because I checked with Chiang Mai airport they said we need to do quarantine even we are vaccinated.
Dear Jane,
Good day.
You will arrive in Bangkok and you will quarantine in Bangkok for 14 days. When you travel to Chiang Mai, you only need to show your COVID 19 test so that you do not need to do the mandatory quarantine.
Thank you.
Can a Thai citizen fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket without needing to quarantine for 14 days after July 1, 2021?
Dear F,
Good day.
For domestic travelers, if you are vaccinated or if you hold a COVID 19 negative test result, you do not need to quarantine.
Thank you.
Hi,
I plan to travel with my adult daughter, she has some learning disabilities and needs my support and care. Can we stay in the same hotel room during the quarantine period? Thanks.
Dear Sauling,
Good day.
Yes, you can request your ASQ Hotel for a family room or a room for two people.
Thank you.
Hi,
I’m flying in from the US on July 1st. My flight is to Bangkok. Can I take a connecting flight from Bangkok to Phuket and do the Sandbox Programme there instead of the ASQ in Bangkok?
Thank you.
Dear VN,
Good day.
To avail the Phuket Sandbox Program, you must arrive in Phuket directly. You cannot transit in Bangkok. Please choose a flight that directly fly to Phuket. If your flight arrives in Bangkok, you need to quarantine in Bangkok for 14 days before you can travel to other parts of Thailand.
Thank you.
What’s the current process for a fully vaccinated traveler from the US to enter, following July 1, with regard to the Phuket reopening scheme?
Dear Lawrence,
Good day.
There has been no official guideline published by the government. But here are the things I have gathered: You must enter Phuket directly, it means no transit in Bangkok. You must been vaccinated more than 14 days before arrival. You must have RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your flight to Phuket and you must stay in Phuket for 7 days in an SHA+ accredited hotel. You still have to apply for COE from the Thai Embassy. Right now, the COE application system is not updated for Phuket Sandbox so right now, when you apply for COE, the quarantine hotel is still required.
Thank you.
If you finished 14-day ASQ in Bangkok, do you have to quarantine in Chiang Mai again when you go there after ASQ – or can you freely move around the area?
Dear Meemzeh,
Good day.
After you complete your ASQ in Bangkok, your hotel will give you a COVID-19 clearance, you can use it when you travel to Chiang Mai or other provinces, and you do not need to do any quarantine or isolation.
Thank you.
How can I contact you? I would like to talk to someone on the phone
Dear Gilbert,
Good day.
Yes, you may call us at +66840219800 on Line App or WhatsApp from 9am to 6pm Thailand time from Monday to Friday.
Thank you.
Our son has airplane tickets to arrive in Bangkok on May 8th, to begin his 14 day quarantine before coming to Chiang Mai. Will there be any chance he won’t be able to get to Chiang Mai, either by air or car, following his 14 day quarantine, which ends around May 23rd?
Dear Carmen,
Good day.
At the moment there is no travel ban for flights or cars from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The government urged those who are in Bangkok to remain in Bangkok and not to travel to another province. Since you are coming from quarantine and you will have your latest COVID test before you are out of quarantine, you may present that to your airline for your flight to Chiang Mai.
Thank you.
Is it correct – that the ability to do a 60 day extension for COVID expired March 30/April 1 and Thailand is no longer accepting these 60 day extensions? I am traveling mid May and wanted the peace of mind knowing I could extend to 60 days from 30 days.
Do you know if and when they will allow the 60 day COVID extension again?
Thanks again for all of your great insight and appreciation.
Dear Aaron,
Good day.
It has been extended. The 60-day extension due to COVID is still available until May 29th.
Thank you.
Has the visa amnesty been extended?
Dear Aaron,
Good day.
At the moment, the visa relief or COVID 19 extension has not been extended. This program is still available at any immigration office until May 29, 2021.
Thank you.
Rex, after the COE is submitted, I don’t see on the website where one can check the application. I don’t see a “confirm trip” menu. Where is this located or what is the link?
Dear Aaron,
Good day.
You can got to the same website and use the blue button “check result” using your passport, name and last name and the 6-digit PIN.
Thank you.
Rex,
1. I am fully vaccinated and coming from the US. Is my quarantine 7 or 10 days?
2. I understand I am 45 days visa exempt also. If I choose to go with the Certificate of Entry visa free option and stay for 45 days, and I extend for another 30 days at the immigration office in Thailand, is there any option to stay even longer?
3. Am I able to fly a commercial passenger aircraft to Thailand? Media and news articles stated that with the STV, a charter or private flight was required.
Has this changed? Can passengers arrive to Thailand through regular commercial air?
4. Should the return ticket be for 30 or 45 days? If extending, can the return date on the ticket run past that?
Dear Aaron,
Good day.
The quarantine period for your ASQ is 7 days.
Yes, you can use the Medium Term Visitor-Visa Exemption when you apply for the COE. Once you are in Thailand, you can extend it for 30 days normal extension or you can extend it for 60 days COVID extension.
Semi-commercial flights are permitted to travel to Thailand. Just be ready because some of these flights get canceled a few days before the flight. Yes, coming from the US, you can use Qatar, ANA, or even Emirates.
Return flight must be within 45 days (you can cancel later) and the COVID 19 insurance must be 60 days.
Thank you.
Hi, I want to travel to Phuket on April 22. I have received the covid vaccination. Do I have to buy the airfare before applying for the COE?
Can I transit BKK for connecting flight and do the 7 day ASQH in Phuket?
Thank you for your informative posts, it is very helpful for planning trips to Thailand.
Dear Fritz,
Good day.
The COE or certificate of entry is required for all travelers to Thailand, foreigners, and Thais. Flight booking with a return flight within 45 days is required if you would like to use the visa exemption. You also need to book a 7-day quarantine at an ASQ hotel in Phuket and you must also have a COVID 19 travel insurance.
The COVID test must be done within 72 hours prior to your flight to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello,
Does Thailand accept the Johnson & Johson vaccine?
Thank you
Dear Nia,
Good day.
Yes, you can upload your vaccination certificate when you apply for the COE online. You will be allowed to quarantine for 7 days.
Thank you.
Hi there,
Are Saliva PCR tests accepted by Thai Authorities?
I am working at the airport cinic and we are providing PCR tests at an international airport in Tokyo, Japan.
In Japan, saliva based PCR tests are approved by the health auuthority.
The airlines seem to accept Covid-free certificates done by Saliva as samples. They let passengers get on bored. But how about the restriction on arrival ?
Dear Noriko,
Good day.
Yes, both Saliva and Swab tests are accepted as long as these are RT-PCR tests for COVID 19 and it was performed within 72 hours before the flight to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi, I would like to know if the 10 days of quarantine will be part of the tourist visa.
So if I travel to Thailand with a 60 day visa will I have 50 days left or will the visa period start after I quarantined?
Thank you.
Dear Patrick,
Good day.
Yes, the quarantine is part of your visa. So if you decide to use the 45-day visa exemption, the 10 or 11 days will be quarantine and the remaining days will be free for you to use in any kind of accommodation in Thailand. If you have the 60-day tourist visa, you can use the 50 days for your own plans and you can also extend it for 30 days or even 60 days at the immigration office.
Thank you.
Hello Rex, I just want to make sure, as people I know have been confused about the current restrictions for entering Thailand. My mother, as a tourist coming from America, will not need a visa before she flies, correct? She will be able to simply enter the country, with the right documents, and get a visa on arrival, is that right? And she won’t be restricted to where she can travel to after quarantine in Bangkok?
Thank you so much for providing such clear answers to all questions!
Dear Rachel,
Good day.
Yes, you are correct that your mother can travel to Thailand without a visa. She can stay for 45 days. However, she must apply for a COE or certificate of entry. She must do it online. She must choose MEDIUM TERM VISITOR- VISA EXEMPTION. She needs to upload her two-way flight information, ASQ hotel for 7 or 10 days, COVID 19 insurance. Yes, you are correct that she can travel to any province without restriction after completing the quarantine. As of today, April 6, Bangkok is in red zone but so far there is no official announcement if people coming from Bangkok to another province will have to self-isolate.
Thank you.
When do you expect travel without quarantine if fully vaccinated?
Dear Lee,
Based on the 4-stage plan of the government, that would be October 2021.
Thank you.
Hey Rex,
When traveling to Thailand after quarantaining for 10 days can you travel freely within Thailand? Or can you only stay in your hotel and stay there for your holiday?
I like to travel around the country and visit multiple locations.
I hope you can answer these questions.
Roman
Dear Roman,
Good day.
Yes, you may travel to other provinces after you have completed your ASQ in Bangkok. You will receive a certificate from your ASQ Hotel stating you have no COVID 19 and you can travel to other parts of Thailand. Please make sure also that your COVID 19 Insurance will cover the duration of your trip.
Thank you.
Hi,
Can I request the COE while I am in a different country than my home country and fly from there? Because my country, which is eligible to fly on the non visa scheme has many flight cancellations and no direct flights so I don’t want to take the chance the flight will be cancelled, so I prefer to go first to a country which has direct flights to Thailand and book from there.
Thanks
Dear Eli,
Good day.
Yes, you can apply for the Visa Exemption COE online even if you are not in your country. You need to apply for the COE in the country where your flight will depart. The application for the COE will take 3 to 15 days so it is better to apply for it earlier as possible. You need to prepare a scanned copy of your passport, bank statement, return flight, ASQ Hotel reservation, COVID 19 Insurance and you must have a COVID PCR test before the flight.
Thank you.
Hello,
What about for people that arrived in Thailand before April 1st and already in quarantine for 14 days. Can the quarantine time be reduced to 7 or 10 days if you are already vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine?
Dear Leonel,
The new order is applicable to those who are arriving in Thailand on April 1 and onward. Those who are qualified, will have in their COE that they will have 7 or 10 days quarantine. For those who are already in Thailand, you will have to complete the quarantine at the ASQ Hotel that you have already booked.
Thank you.
SIR, DO YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH CERTIFICATE SAMPLE OR ANY FORMAT AVILABLE ?
Dear Jignesh?
Do you mean Insurance Certificate or the COVID test Certificate?
The Fit-to-Fly Certificate is not required starting April 2, 2021.
Thank you.
My daughter 11 years old born in Thailand and still live their, I plan come and visit her for one week. I have had both of my vaccination shots. my last shot was one month ago. what will my Requirements be? Do I have to stay in Bangkok before I can go to our home.
Dear Carl,
If your nationality is under the Visa Exemption program. You may avail of the 45-day visa exemption and you only need to apply for the COE online. You need to have a return flight, ASQ Hotel booking, COVID 19 Insurance for Thailand, COVID 19 PCR test and you need to show the vaccination certificate. You will have to undergo 7-day quarantine and after that, you are free to visit your child in the province.
Thank you.
Hi, I have a smart visa to stay in Thailand. I am in Austria now and plan to return to Thailand in early May 2021, with the latest policy starting April 1st, could you pls advise if I still need a COE? I understand I need to present covid-test results (negative) before traveling and book a 10 day ASQ. is there anything I need to prepare before flight?
Dear Lerwen,
Yes, the COE is still required for foreigners and Thais. You may check this page for your reference:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021
Thank you.
HI. What is the 60 day Tourist Visa and can both a US citizen and Myanmar citizen obtain one.
If so what is the requirements to obtain one.
Thank You
Dear Tommy,
Yes, both US and Myanmar nationals can apply for the 60-day TR visa from the Thai Embassy in Yangoon. It is a tourist visa that will allow you to stay for 60 days in Thailand with the possibility of extending it for 30 days inside Thailand. You need to apply for the visa and after that, you will apply for the COE to enter Thailand. You need to have ASQ Hotel, COVID 19 Travel Insurance and you must have COVID 19 PCR test.
Thank you.