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Phuket Sandbox Guide

Phuket Sandbox Guide: Travel to Thailand Without Quarantine

Latest Updates:

 

Note: This page may no longer be relevant so please head to this page for the latest Thailand Travel Restrictions.

On June 22, 2021 the Thai government approved the Phuket Sandbox program that allows foreign and Thai travelers to enter Thailand without quarantine. The program is scheduled to start on July 1, 2021, before Thai borders will be fully reopened. Phuket is set to become the first Thai province of this “sandbox” model and vaccinated travelers visiting the island will no longer need to be quarantined. The information highlighted in this article serves as an easy-to-follow guide on how to enter Thailand without quarantine.

Here are 5 Easy Steps on How to Enter Thailand under Phuket Sandbox Program:

1. Check Your Eligibility

  • Foreign and Thai travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before the travel date, and must have a vaccine certificate or card to verify their vaccination;
  • Unvaccinated children below 18 years of age traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians are required to take a COVID-19 test prior to traveling to Phuket in lieu of vaccination card or proof of vaccination.

Update: Phuket Sandbox program is now open to travelers from any country subject to visa entry requirements.

 

Phuket Sandbox Weekly Updates
[ctct form=”6171″ show_title=”false”]

Do you need a Thai Visa?

The foreigner may enter without a visa (depending on your nationality) or you must determine the appropriate visa to enter Thailand. Here are the most common types of visa you may obtain:

  • Visa Exemption (for visiting Thailand for tourism purpose not longer than 45 days)
  • Tourist Visa (for visiting Thailand not longer than 60 days)
  • Non-Immigrant Visa (for visiting Thailand based on different purpose of stay and the visa is valid for 90 days and it can be extended in Thailand up to 1 year
  • Thai Visas with Re-entry Permit
  • Thailand Elite Visa

2. Book your Flight, COVID 19 Insurance and SHA+ Hotel

Book your Flight to Thailand

At present, certain airlines such as British Airways, El Al Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Airlines, THAI, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, and other major airlines are permitted to operate flights to Phuket whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.

TIP: On your flight to Phuket if it is not full, please ask the cabin crew if you can be seated two or three rows away from other passengers. In case there is one person who will test positive on arrival, you will not be required to isolate in a quarantine hotel at your expense.

List of Airlines Flights to Phuket

Book your SHA+ Hotel

Despite the fact that there will be no quarantine requirements, all travelers will continue to be restricted to stay at some accommodations that received SHA+ certification, which is issued by Thai government for safety and health measures standards.

  • For travelers who wish to visit Phuket only, no minimum stay is required but they must leave Phuket (Thailand) for another country on or before the intended departure date;
  • For travelers who wish to continue the journey to other Thai destinations, they must stay in Phuket  for 7 nights, and thereafter will be allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
  • You need make sure your SHA+ Hotel will issue the Letter of Confirmation of your booking and receipt of the prepaid RT PCR COVID tests in Phuket

The list of accredited SHA+ Hotels can be found here:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-hotels

***To book your RT-PCR COVID test in Phuket, please go to: https://www.thailandpsas.com/

Purchase your COVID 19 Insurance

You’ll need to secure COVID-19 Insurance that meets the requirements of the Thai authorities such as:

  • Coverage of up to THB 750,000 (equivalent to at least USD $20,000) for medical expenses due to injury or sickness including COVID-19
  • The insurance policy must cover the length of your stay in Thailand. It can be 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months.

To purchase the correct COVID Insurance and receive the certificate within minutes, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

3. Apply for the Thailand Pass

All travelers must apply for the Thailand Pass at least 5 to 7 working days prior to the intended date of arrival.

To apply for the Thailand Pass, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page and upload supporting documents such as a copy of passport, copy of the valid visa, and COVID-19 travel insurance.

For more information about the new system, please visit the Thailand Pass page.

4. Obtain COVID-19 Test

After receiving your Thailand, you must obtain the following:

  • Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, conducted within 72 hours before departure. Some airlines do not accept home kit tests so please check specific requirements with the airlines you are traveling with.

NOTE: This RT PCR test requirement will no longer be required for travelers arriving in Thailand on April 1, 2022 onward.

5. Prepare your documents before departure

You should print and present these documents to your airline before departure:

  • Thailand Pass
  • Valid visa in your passport (if needed)
  • Vaccination Record/Certificate/Card
  • Printed 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
  • Confirmed of travel itinerary

Siam Legal Visa and COE Application Assistance

Phuket Sandbox Package 1: 200 USD

  • Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
  • Extensive checklist of required documents
  • Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O visa and tourist visa)
  • Assistance in Thailand Pass application
  • 2 to 3 weeks process
  • Available in the US, UK and Canada

Apply COE Thailand

Phuket Sandbox Package 2: 100 USD

  • Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
  • Extensive checklist of required documents
  • Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including Visa Exemption)
  • 5 to 10 days process
  • Available in eligible countries only

Apply COE Thailand

 

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    • 90-day reporting service

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202 Responses

  1. I am currently in pakistan and hoping to meet my wife in dubai and travel to Thailand. We are both UK citizens.

    Are there any restrictions what do I need to do other then a PCR test

    1. Dear Mo,

      These are the following documents for Entering Thailand:
      – Thailand Pass
      – A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling
      – An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.
      – A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery
      For more information you can visit this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/
      Thank you.

  2. Hi, I have registered for the Thailand Pass for the Phuket Sandbox over a week ago but have yet to receive an email confirmation saying it’s been approved. Who can I contact to request for it to be checked? Thanks

  3. Hi, me and my partner will be travelling to Phuket for the Phuket sandbox, just to clarity we only need to stay 7 days in Phuket at one SHA plus+ hotel and then we can move on to another part of Thailand?

  4. Hi

    I would like to use the Siam Legal Visa and COE application service but it says it is only available in UK US and Canada
    I am a UK citizen traveling on a UK passport current in Dubai and traveling direct to Phuket from Dubai
    Can I still use this service ?
    Thanks

  5. Hi.

    I keep seeing articles saying you must enter phuket on a direct flight. We are flying into Thailand from the Caribbean so we obviously do not have a direct flight….it will take us 3 days and 2 stops before we arrive. The final leg of our journey is from Finland directly into Phuket for quarantine. Is this ok?

    1. Dear Moy,

      Good day.
      Yes, that is acceptable. As long as the flight from Helsinki to Phuket has no stop in Bangkok.
      Thank you.

  6. Hi if i am transiting through phuket and getting straight onto another flight within 2hours what would the shaba id be?
    also full vaccinated and tested

    thanks

    1. Dear Tee,

      Good day.
      Are you transiting Phuket from abroad going to where? It is not clear where are you coming from and where are you going.
      Thank you.

    2. Dear Tee,

      Good day.
      That is not allowed. You need to stay in Phuket for 7 nights under Phuket Sandbox before you can fly to Udon Thani. If you read the articles it says, you stay in Phuket for 7 nights before going to other provinces.

      Thank you.

  7. I have had one dose of astrozeneca and one dose of pfizer, does this count as fully vaccinated? I have two doses, but of different companies.

    1. Dear Neil,
      Good Day!
      Yes. It is acceptable as long as you have proof of vaccination for both brands of COVID vaccine.
      Thank you!

  8. My daughter works in Bangkok. She is fully vaxxed. We live in Canada and are fully vaxxed. If we go the Phuket sandbox for 10days can she come stay with us in the same room or resort?

    1. Dear Beckie,
      Good Day!
      Yes, she can. However, she must have also strictly followed the requirements for entering Phuket. I recommend for you to check with your Phuket hotel for the latest information about Phuket entry restrictions for those coming from Bangkok.
      Thank you.

  9. Hi,
    I am a Thai national and originally from Phuket Town, I am working right now for the UN in Nairobi, Kenya, could you pls advise how can I be eligible for the Phuket Sandbox, or do I need to stay at an ASQ quarantine hotel? I am planning to travel home around 18 Sept 2021.

    Thanks
    Chana

    1. Dear Chana,
      Good day.
      You have two options:
      1. You travel from Kenya to Thailand but you need to quarantine for 2 weeks in Bangkok.
      2. You travel to a country such as UK or some countries in Europe and stay for 21 days, then you travel to Phuket. You do not need to quarantine. You can stay in SHA+ Hotel for 14 nights.
      Thank you.

  10. I am going to Thailand with my Thai wife to stay in my wife’s home.
    Can I travel on a non immigrant O visa
    Is it ok to have only a single flight (no return ticket)
    Is it only covid insurance I need or do I need an annual health insurance
    too?

    1. Dear Andre,
      Yes, you can apply for the Non O visa and COE from the Thai Embassy. You only need a single journey flight since you will be holding a Non Immigrant visa. You only need COVID 19 insurance since it is only a 90-day Non O visa.
      To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
      Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page:
      https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php
      Thank you.

  11. My husband and I would like to visit the Krabi area in November from California US. We are both vaccinated and hope to get an extra booster shot. We are waiting to buy our tickets until it is clear what exactly the situation is and what we need to do. Any advice?

  12. Hi Rex,

    Do I need to stay in “one country” ( on the list ) for 21 days or can be those country for 21 days before i can fly to phuket sandbox ??

    1. Dear Cindy,
      It will depend on the country where you will apply for the COE. It is best to stay in one country for 3 weeks before you travel to Thailand.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Paul,
      Good day.
      To qualify for the Phuket Sandbox, you can transit in a third country and travel to Phuket. When you transit, you need to be traveling on the same airline.
      Thank you.

  13. I’m looking for someone/agency to do all the requirements for me and I pay a fee. Anyone/agency in here that does that?

  14. As a ex sandboxer currently In udon Thani can I return to Phuket before my flight on the 3rd of September, ie return on the 30th Aug

    1. Dear Andy,
      Phuket is currently on lockdown for those entering Phuket from within Thailand. However, they may be exception if you have to take your flight out of Thailand through Phuket as a Phuket Sandboxer. Just make sure you have a negative COVID RT PCR test result result when you plan to enter Phuket.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Simon,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can book through a third party however, the SHABA ID (required for the COE application) will be issued to you by the HOTEL only. So it is up to you if you would like to contact the hotel directly.
      Thank you.

  15. Hey Rex,
    I heard by a local Thai friend of mine that the Phuket sandbox was closing down and they were not going to let tourist to come in. Do you have any information on this matter?

    1. Dear Bruce,
      Good day.
      As of today, August 11th, Phuket Sandbox will continue. The only travel ban is travel from Bangkok to Phuket. There is no problem if you are travelling from abroad to Phuket (without transit in Bangkok of course).
      Thank you.

  16. Hi.
    I´m from Colombia in South America; I would like to visit Thailand just for 25 days in september 2021, but my country is not on the list of elegible countries.
    Is it possible to travel in september?
    What can I do?

    1. Dear Hector,
      Yes, it is possible for you to travel if you have a Thai TR tourist visa and you will apply for the COE or Certificate of Entry for Quarantine. You cannot get Certificate of Entry for Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

  17. Hi Rex. My pre-approved COE was rejected – reason being my stay in US was less than 21 days. I understand and read from the Tourism of Thailand website that this does not apply to Thai nationals and foreign expatriate returning home. i am a long -term resident in Bangkok.

    How do i proceed from here?
    They had asked me to upload I-94 or other evidence as a proof . What’s a I-94?

    Thank you.

    1. Dear Belle,
      Good day.
      If you are applying at Thai Consulate in NYC, you can write a signed letter of explanation. If you are applying in Los Angeles, you need to download the i-94 from the government website.
      Thank you.

  18. Hi Rex
    My family of 3 are long-stay residents in Bangkok. My husband has a work permit. We are travelling from New York after 14 days. Are we eligible for the Phuket sandbox ?

    Thank you.

    1. Dear Belinda,
      Yes, you are eligible as long as you are fully vaccinated and your children who are not vaccinated are traveling with you. If you are staying less than 21 days in the US, please write a signed letter of explanation.
      Thank you.

  19. Hi there,
    Quick question about Phuket. Regarding domestic travel from Bangkok to Phuket island. Do I need health insurance and/or do I need to show a PCR test in order for them to let me in there? Also please fill me in on if there are any quarantine requirements if any for my situation.
    Shay

    1. Dear Shay,
      Phuket is not allowing anyone to travel to Phuket. Whether you are vaccinated or not, you cannot enter Phuket right now if you are traveling from within Thailand. Only international flights are allowed to enter Phuket right now.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Fayez,
      Yes, you are allowed to leave Phuket and go to Bangkok after 14-night stay in Phuket. You may not be able to re-enter Phuket due to the current lockdown.
      Thank you.

  20. Hi Rex,

    It looks like there are a few hotels that are on both the SHA+ (sandbox) list and the ASQ list.
    How does the island/hotel differentiate between SHA+ (sandbox) people and ASQ people?

    I am a US citizen/resident, and planning to come to Thailand in January/February, but I will be visiting South Africa before entering Thailand. So I’m trying to decide whether to skip South Africa so that I can have an easier time in Thailand, or return home to the US (or use a corridor country like Mauritius) for 3 weeks before entering Thailand, or just deal with 2 weeks in ASQ.
    Do you have any advice?
    (I realize, of course, that things may change over the next 5 months).

    Thanks,
    — Joe A.

    1. Dear Joe,
      I recommend for you to check with us in December. I am sure things will change by that time. Maybe Phuket Sandbox is cancelled in November or maybe no more quarantine in January. We do not know right now. It is too early to answer your question for your January 2022.
      Thank you.

  21. hi Rex, i will be coming next week to phuket under the sanbow program and wil stay for 6 weeks, can i extend my stay with a visa, as i enter under the cisa-excemption program, or is the only solution to leave and enter again as it was before covid ?? Its my first visit to thailand, knever applied for a visa before (either now, as i am excempted !!)

    1. Dear Bong,
      Good day.
      Once you are already in Thailand, you can extend your Visa Exemption stamp for 30 days at any immigration office. You can also extend it for 60 days under COVID extension at any immigration office for a fee of 1900 THB.
      Thank you.

  22. Hi there,

    I am from the Philippines, can I enter Phuket given its not in the pilot country list? How many days can I stay in Phuket and what other COVID measures I need to be aware about?

    RJ

    1. Dear RJ,
      If you are from the Philippines you can enter Phuket under Alternative Quarantine. You need to quarantine for 14 nights in your room only. You cannot go out of the room unless you have a balcony.
      Thank you.

  23. I have a non immigrant O extension and re entry permit both expiring on Jan the 9th 22,i’am married to a thai lady and have had both A Z vaccinations.
    I want to leave Australia for Phuket on the 3rd of October but have heard many different versions of what i require to do as it frequently changes.

    1. Dear Fayez,
      Flights to Bangkok from Phuket and other cities have been suspended. So I am not sure how to answer your question, there is no airline flying domestic except for Bangkok-Samui flights or Phuket-Samui flights.
      Thank you.

  24. Hello,
    I’m resident in United Arab Emirates, and if i want to visit Serbia for 10 days, and then come back and travel to Phuket, is that possible?
    Both of the countries are on sandbox list.

    1. Dear Jovana,
      The Thai Consulate in Dubai will only issue a COE for Phuket Sandbox if you are staying in Dubai for more than 21 days before your flight.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Francel,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can enter Phuket under Alternative Quarantine only. It means you will be quarantine in hotel hotel room only for 14 nights.
      Thank you.

  25. Hi Rex,

    I intend to meet my boyfriend in Phuket in September. I will be coming from Singapore and he will be from Germany. We are fully vaccinated. Can we stay in the same hotel for 14 days before we can travel to our place in Bangkok?

    Thanks

    1. Dear Ella,
      Yes, both of you can stay in the same SHA+ Hotel since both of your are eligible for Phuket Sandbox. For the question, if you can stay in the same room, I believe it is better for you to ask directly the hotel. I think it is not a problem but to be sure, please call them directly. After 14 nights in Phuket, yes, you can come to Bangkok. Hopefully in September, flights from Phuket to Bangkok will be operational already.
      Thank you.

  26. is it possible to indian passport holder stay in russia 21 days and after he travel to phuket thailand

    1. Dear Vicky,
      Yes, it is possible as long as the applicant has all of the following:
      1. Applied for TR visa from Thai Embassy in Moscow
      2. Applied for COE under TR visa and Phuket Sandbox at the Thai Embassy in Moscow
      3. Fully Vaccinated
      Thank you.

  27. Hi,

    I am a Permanent Hong Kong resident but looking to travel to Phuket after a short trip to the UK, before re-entering Hong Kong. However, I will only have been in the UK 10 days before travelling to Phuket. As both Hong Kong and the UK are on the safe country list for Sanbox is this OK as in the 21 days prior to travel I will have been in Hong Kong and then the UK – not one country for the full 21 days.

    I also presume that I put my country of departure as UK, and go through the London office rather than Hong Kong one (where I am resident). For reference I am flying to Phuket via Turkish Airways, with a short transit in Istanbul. My flight to the UK from Hong Kong is a direct one with Hong Kong on the green list for arrivals to UK.

    Thank you for your help.

    1. Dear GF,
      The Thai embassies might require that you have stayed in the UK for 21 days before you will be issued a COE for Phuket Sandbox. Also, the officer at the Phuket airport might put you to quarantine if you have not stayed for 21 days in the UK. There has been a case about this. I recommend that you check with the Thai Embassy in London and your airline to make sure you will not be placed in quarantine.
      Thank you.

  28. Does a 27 months old infant need to be tested as well if both parents are vaccinated and tested ?
    Or is there an exception for children below the age of 6 as in most European countries ?

    regards
    Robin

    1. Dear Robin,
      Yes, the infant will also undergo RT PCR test before your flight, upon arrival (Day 1) and during your stay in Phuket (Day 6 and 12).
      Thank you.

  29. i am from philippines and i want to meet my bf from germany in phuket thailand but im not fully vaccinated should i allow to enter phuket thailand??

    1. Dear Archi,
      Yes, you can still enter Phuket under quarantine conditions. Yes, it will be an AQ hotel room for you. Your BF who is vaccinated can stay in SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights and you can stay in ASQ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights. After you are released from quarantine, you can see each other.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Karen,
      The Phuket Sandbox requires that the first 14 nights must be spent in an SHA+ hotel only. there will be a nightly check so you cannot really escape it.
      Thank you.

  30. Hi, I am holding mainland Chinese passport and living in Hong Kong for the last 2 years (without travelling out of HK). Do I need to apply a visa for travelling to Phuket? And am I eligible to the Phuket sandbox program?

    1. Dear Mandy,
      Yes, it is possible for you to travel udner Phuket Sandbox as long as you have all of the following:
      1. Applied for TR visa from Thai Consulate in HK
      2. Applied for COE under TR visa and Phuket Sandbox at the Thai Consulate in HK
      3. Fully Vaccinated
      Thank you.

  31. I have a plan to travel phuket, Thailand in the month of Nov from kuwait . I have a query that is “ can i stay together with my Thai girlfriend (she not yet vaccinated from chiang mai) at Phuket..

    1. Dear Debasish,
      As of today, only vaccinated people can enter Phuket from within Thailand. This rule is in place until August 2. What will happen in November, I do not know and I cannot predict it. Please contact us again sometime in October.
      Thank you.

  32. Good Day
    We are 4 people, we want to use the sandbox program and travel to Phuket from Spain on August 1st for a month trip! 3 of us are vaccinated, one no!
    I understand that one of the requirements is booked in the hotel for 14 days! My question is, for vaccinated people we still can go out normally around in the village with no restrictions at all, right? Around Tambon Kamala, Chang Wat Phuket Area!?
    Also What Visa should I use? Much Appreciate it
    Thank you!

    1. Dear Eva,
      Yes, you need to book an SHA+ Hotel for 14 nights. Yes, you are free to travel around Phuket island. You can use Visa Exemption when you apply for the COE.
      To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
      Thank you.

  33. HI REX,
    I HAVE AN OA VISA, AND A HOUSE IN HUA HIN. I HAVE GOTTEN 2 PFEIZER SHOTS,
    CAN I BOOK A FLIGHT ON SINGAPORE AIR TO PHUKET FROM LOS ANGELES IN AUGUST, AND A HOTEL IN PHUKET ?

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUY A TICKET TO BANGKOK AND ANOTHER TICKET TO PHUKET, DEPARTING ON THE SAME DAY AS ARRIVAL ?

    WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET APPROVAL OF THE COE FROM THE CONSULATE IN L.A ?
    THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY
    BO

  34. Hi, How quick is the test result released after taking the Covid test in Phuket airport upon arrival?

  35. I’m vaccinated with mixed doses. 1. AstraZeneca then 12 weeks after 2. Pfizer. Can I enter Phuket with quarantine in a hotel room for 14 days?

  36. Hello,
    we want to use the Phuket Sandbox Programm for a christmas trip. We are a family of 3 from Austria, all vaccinated. We want to stay in Phuket for 14 nights (SHA+ Hotel) and then stay in Thailand for another 8 days. Do we have to a apply for a visa ahead? Last time (2019) we just entered Thailand without any Visa. If yes – can you tell us which visa we need to get to apply for the COE?
    Thank you and best regards

    1. Dear Petra,
      Good day.
      You do not need to apply for a visa because you can qualify to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption program. You will be allowed to stay up to 45 days.
      You only need to apply for the COE in case the COE is still required at that time. It is too early to do any application right now. Please check back with us in the end of October 2021.
      Thank you.

  37. Hi there

    We are supposed to travel from Ohio, USA to Phuket in November where we’ve lived and stayed much longer than 21 days. We have a layover in Hong Kong on our way to Phuket because there are no direct flights, but we will not be leaving the Hong Kong Airport whatsoever and immediately boarding a plain to Phuket. Are we still allowed to come to Phuket (no where else) for 10 without quarantine if we are fully vaccinated? We are not going through BKK.

  38. Hi Rex!

    I got a note from the embassy saying we need an I94 as well. However I was unable to locate my travel history from the gov site. Is there other documentation I can upload that is acceptable?

    1. Dear Thuy,
      If you are not a resident of the US, yes you need to either show your green card or your US visa and I-94.
      Thank you.

  39. I own an apartment in Phuket and my wife and I are trying to stay there in August for 20 days (unable to do this for over a year) but according to the latest regulations I have to stay at an appointed SHA hotel. An alternative arrangement was to stop in our selected hotel on Surin Beach (but this is not a SHA hotel). We are both fully vaccinated and have the NHS certificate to confirm the details, why are we being rejected by the latest official Sandbox proposals.
    I started visiting Thailand in 1982 and have been there more than 100 times that is why I decided to purchase an apartment but it looks like that was a wrong decision.

    1. Dear Mike,
      Good day.
      When you bought your apartment, I believe that you did not anticipate that there will be COVID 19, that there will be quarantine, that the world will be in lockdown at some point. It is an unfortunate time right now. You always have an option to delay your trip to Phuket until the COVID 19 is fully eliminated or you can visit Phuket now and undergo or follow the protocols.
      Thank you.

  40. Hi!
    After 14 nights in Sandbox Phuket, are we allowed to go to Hua Hin by bus? We will stay in our own private house in Hua Hin.

    1. Dear Tore,
      Good day.
      Yes, if your COVID test result is negative, you will be allowed to leave Phuket and drive to Hua Hin. In Hua Hin, please check for the local rules and regulation should there be any as it changes every week.
      Thank you.

  41. Dear Rex,

    I am italian and living in Italy on the border to Austria (both Schengen) but my nearest airport from which I would also like to fly is in Innsbruck – Austria.

    Can I use that airport as both countries are in Schengen area or do I have to drive to an italian one (which is a way longer trip to reach) because of that 21 days rule?

    1. Dear Timo,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can use that airport and apply using Thai Embassy in Austria. You will be required to provide an Austrian address when you apply for COE.
      You can also apply using Thai Embassy in Italy, provide an Italian address and still use the Innsbruck airport.
      Thank you.

  42. Hello,

    I am traveling from USA ( citizen) but not vaccinated ( and due to personal health issues will not be getting it). Can i still use Phuket-sandbox with mandatory 14 days quarantine?

    1. Dear Yunus,
      Good day.
      Yes, if your last COVID test result is negative, you will be allowed to leave Phuket and drive to Chachoengsao. In Chachoengsao, please check for the local rules and regulation should there be any as it changes every week.
      Thank you.

  43. Have a good day i am from Philippines and we plan to travel to meet my bf,he was from USA and i am from Philippines, is there a possible way?thank U

  44. Hello! Can i go to Phuket from Bangkok in a domestic flight? I did the 14 days querentine in Bangkok (ASQ HOTEL) and i have a COE. Im already in Thailand, but i would like to confirm if i can take a domestic flight to Phuket from Bangkok. Once in Phuket, on this conditions, do i have to stay at SHA Hotel or complete another 14 days of quarentine?
    Thank you very much!

    1. Dear Larissa,
      Since you have completed the ASQ in Bangkok, yes, you can travel to Phuket as long as you have a COVID test. You are not required to stay in SHA+ Hotel. In Phuket, you can stay in any hotel, Airbnb or private homes.
      Thank you.

  45. I hold an Irish passport but I live in the UAE and am a resident of the UAE. I am currently in Ireland on vacation at home. I have been here for 21 days. I am due to fly back to the UAE on the 21st of July and then flying to Phuket on the 23rd July from UAE. Will i still be allowed to enter Phuket considering both countries are on the low risk list. Also for COE application, do I say my departure country as Ireland or UAE?

    1. Dear Niamh,
      Yes, you can apply for the COE in the UAE if you are a resident of the UAE. You will apply for COE using the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai since you are technically going to Thailand from there. If your transit in the UAE is less than 12 hours, you can get your COE in Ireland (to be processed in London).
      Thank you.

  46. I am flying to Phuket on 23rd July, how do i book the pre approved PCR tests required? Are they booked through the SHA plus hotel you are staying in or do I have to book them myself?

    1. Dear Niamh,
      Good day.
      There is a proposal where you can book using a third party company. However right now, the best thing to do is to book it and pay for it to your SHA+ hotel.
      Thank you.

  47. Hi, im from a country not included in the list who can avail the Phuket Sandbox program. Can i still enter Phuket directly? Will i undergo 14day quarantine? If yes, what if i will just stay in Phuket less than 14days?

    1. Dear Valerie,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can still enter Phuket but you must complete a 14-night quarantine before you can leave your hotel. You cannot enter Thailand if you don’t book 14-night quarantine.
      Thank you.

  48. I read that to qualify for the Sandbox entry you must be in one of the authorised countries for 21 days prior to entry to Phuket. I plan to fly from London to Phuket transiting through Singapore. Clearly i wont be in Singapore for 21 days, just a few hours. Will this be allowed? Of do flights have to be direct from London to Phuket (currently there are none hence the need to transit through Singapore).

    1. Dear Leigh,
      Good day.
      Singapore is not a high risk country so it is not a problem. Also, you are only transiting, so that is also not a problem.
      Flight to Phuket with transit flights in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha are all allowed for the Phuket Sandbox. Please refer to the content of this page. We have listed the airlines.
      Thank you.

  49. Hi,

    I have two questions.

    1. Some countries in the list of pilot countries are marked with * . What this “*“ indicates for those countries?

    2. Can foreign travelers visit other cities in Thailand if we enter Phuket as the first stop? What’s the requirement to enter other cities in Thailand from Phuket?

    Thanks!

    1. Dear Kelly,
      Good day.
      1. The asterisk (*) indicates that the country is not low or medium risk country, but it is included because this country is recommended by the Tourism Office to be included because there’s a notable number of tourists coming from that country. In case of Japan, it has an asterisk (*) which means only business travel is allowed for the Phuket Sandbox.
      2. Yes, you can travel to other cities only after you have completed the 14-night stay in Phuket. The requirements in each provinces changes almost every week so I am not sure. For Bangkok, there is no requirement. For Chiang Mai, if you come from Phuket, it is not a problem but if you enter Chiang Mai from Bangkok, you will be required self-isolate.
      Thank you.

  50. We fullfilled all requirements for the sandbox, but the people in Phuket airport assigned us as ALQ and we have to stay 2 weeks in Quarantine.

    1. Dear Noemi,
      Good day.
      I can only determine two reasons. First, one of the passengers has tested positive for COVID 19. Second, you have been recently in a high risk country before coming to Thailand. That you did not stay for 21 days in a low-medium risk country before the trip.
      Thank you.

  51. We intended to fly from London to Phuket. Can we take any transit flight to Phuket, for example via Doha or Singapore, and still be good for the Sandbox program?

  52. Hi,
    Can I move between the countries from the list during the 21 days before I enter Phuket?

    Thanks,
    Kris

    1. Dear Kris,
      Yes, it is possible especially if you are in the Schengen area.
      Thank you.

  53. Hello there,
    Can I fly to Bangkok, transit and then fly to Phuket to quarantine? I had already booked tickets from Bangkok-UK-Bangkok with KLM in June before the ‘sandbox’ opened up.

    Thanks,
    Fiona

    1. Dear Fiona,
      Good day.
      No, you need to quarantine in Bangkok. It is not possible to travel domestic from Bangkok to Phuket without completing your quarantine.
      Thank you.

  54. I plan on traveling to Phuket on September 11 – October 9. I already purchased my airfare to Phuket. Do you recommend that I book my hotel and purchase my insurance now? In addition, can I complete my COE application now once I book my hotel and purchase insurance?

    1. Dear Mark,
      Good day.
      You cannot apply for the COE earlier than 30 days before the flight. You can apply after August 12th. You can book SHA+ Hotel now and purchase insurance. To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page:
      https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
      Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page:
      https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php
      Thank you.

  55. Greetings, I plan to be in Phuket for more than 14 days at SHA +2 hotel. If I travel to Chang Mai from Phuket, do I need to stay in an ASQ Hotel, Or, can I stay in regular hotel in Chang Mai?

    1. Dear Robert,
      Good day.
      Right now, if you are coming from Phuket to Chiang Mai on direct flight with a COVID test, there is no need for quarantine in Chiang Mai. You can stay in a regular hotel.
      Thank you.

  56. Hi Rex,
    I would like to travel to Phuket for retirement. I understand I can apply to change or extend my visa to 12 months retirement when I am actually there but I am unsure which visa to apply for to first enter Thailand from UK. Non immigrant 0, or O-A, or another? 3 months? 12 months?

  57. I want to meet my girlfriend from Philippines in Phuket (she will go Singapore Airlines “Manila-transit Singapore-Phuket” if this helps). Because Philippines is red list is she still allowed to quarantine in Phuket 14 days in ASQ hotel before I arrive 2 weeks later from London and she can join me in the SHA+ for an extra 2 weeks. Will the Thai Embassy issue COE from Manila to her ?

    1. Dear Thomas,
      Yes, the Thai Embassy in Manila will issue the COE for Alternative Quarantine. You need to make sure she is flying with Singapore Airlines only and book for a quarantine hotel in Phuket. After completing the quarantine she is free to travel around Phuket or Thailand.
      For her, to purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
      Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page:
      https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php
      Thank you.

  58. Hi Rex. We are arriving from the UK to Phuket on 1st August. Our CEOs have been pre-approved. How likely is it that the UK status would change and we wouldn’t be allowed to use the sandbox? How regularly do the pilot countries change? Many thanks

    1. Dear Oli,
      Good day.
      There has been no country that was removed from the list since June 30th. There has been few additions on July 9th and July 12th.
      Thank you.

  59. say for instance with the list of countries, if i have been in Dubai for the past 3 weeks, then want to travel to Greece for a short time before entering Phuket is that still eligible as their both on the list, or would i have to stay in Greece for another 21 days?

  60. Hello!

    1. Can I use the Phuket Sandbox program if I am from Russia, I have been vaccinated with Sputnik V, but now I have been living in Rwanda for three months or I need to undergo quarantine?
    2. Can I go to quarantine for 7-10 days since I am vaccinated?

    Thank you!

    1. Dear Maria,
      Good day.
      The list did not say nationality. The list says coming from these countries. It means if you fly from the listed countries and you have stayed in those countries for the past 21 days, you can do the Phuket Sandbox. In your case, you do not qualify because you are not flying from Russia.
      There is no 7 or 10 days quarantine. It is 14 days only.
      Thank you.

  61. Hello
    I want to fly from HK to Phuket and spend a week in sandbox and then fly to Europe. Do I need to stay 14 days? Or can I leave after a week with a direct flight from Phuket?
    Thank you

    1. Dear G Rouch,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can stay in Phuket for less than 14 nights. You only need to show an international exit flight to any country. You cannot fly to Europe with transit in Bangkok. I recommend you fly out of Phuket to Europe via Middle East or Singapore.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Alina,
      Good day.
      You should direct this question to your SHA+ Hotel.
      Thank you.

  62. My daughter lives in Bangkok. Can she fly to Uk and then return to Phuket alone and meet her dad who will fly in from Bangkok and stay with her for 14 days in Phuket? They will return back to Bangkok on time for her school. She is not vaccinated. Is it possible?

    1. Dear Kat,
      Good day.
      Children under 18 years of age who are not vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is vaccinated in order to be eligible for the Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

  63. Hi there,

    I am traveling to Phuket to complete the quarantine at Sandbox and planning to do 7 nights in 2 hotels before traveling to Bangkok. I am flying in from U.A.E.
    My husband is a Canadian resident with a work permit currently living in Bangkok, is he allowed to join me at the sandbox for my 14 day quarantine? Can we share a room at the hotels since he has already completed his quarantine in Bangkok a few months ago?

    1. Dear Divya,
      Good day.
      Since he is already in Thailand, he can visit you and stay with you in Phuket as long as he is eligible to enter Phuket under the certain requirements such as having an RT PCR test before he travels to Phuket.
      Thank you.

    2. Thank you. Will he need to quarantine with me for the full 14 days and do 3 PCR tests as I will have to?

    3. Dear DP,
      If you are entering Phuket on Sandbox Model, there is no quarantine. The 14 nights stay and 3 RT PCR tests are applicable to those coming from abroad.
      Thank you.

    4. Can I do the sandbox but my family visit or stay with me in same hotel my wife and my self vaccinated my 4 year old son hasn’t

    5. Dear Lee,
      As of now, they can only visit you in Phuket if they are vaccinated with negative RT PCR COVID test.
      Thank you.

  64. I would like to chat with someone to determine what service to use,,,I am planning a mid August trip and not sure when to start the process.

    Thank You,

    Thomas

    1. Dear Hendrik,
      Good day.
      The current setup for COE application does not allow it. Perhaps you can give it 1 or 2 months until the system is updated to allow travelers who are in the same situation as you. But for now, it is not possible. The current system won’t allow it.
      Thank you.

  65. Can an Indian national, who is a long term resident in the United Arab Emirates enter visa the sandbox scheme, without arranging a visa in advance?

    1. Dear John,
      The answer is no.
      The Indian must obtain a Thai TR visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate first before he/she can apply for the COE under Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

  66. Are recovered COVID-19 traveler are eligible to enter Thailand under sandbox program ?
    a recovered patient cannot get 2 vaccine shots –
    Are recovered COVID-19 traveler that got a single vaccine shot are considered as “fully vaccinated” ?
    from my understanding WHO and Thailand Health department recommend only a single vaccine shot to recovered COVID-19 (after 90 days).

    1. Dear Ben,
      Good day.
      The current setup for COE application does not allow it. Perhaps you can give it 1 or 2 months until the system is updated to allow travelers who are in the same situation as you. But for now, it is not possible. The current system won’t allow it. It only allows those with 1 or 2 doses of vaccinations.
      Thank you.

  67. I live in USA i can not transfer in Bangkok from SFO going to Phuket. This is a problem because i bought my ticket in April. Do you think they will start receiving direct flights soon.

    1. Dear Garrett,
      Good day.
      You can still arrive in Bangkok and quarantine in Bangkok for 14 days and after that you can travel to Phuket or Chiang Mai.
      If you want to avail the Phuket Sandbox, you can get a ticket SFO-Singapore-Phuket.
      Thank you.

  68. How can I depart from Muscat, Oman to Phuket by “Phuket Sandbox Program” ? do I need COE in Oman first? I have Chinese Passport, taken Chinese Sinopharm Vaccine November 2020.

    1. Dear Huang,
      Good day.
      The Thai Embassy in Oman cannot issue the COE under Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

  69. Hi there! Can I share my hotel room with people I am traveling with? Or we must all have different rooms?

    1. Dear Thuy,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can definitely share rooms with your family or friends. It is like a normal hotel. The only difference is that there is a nightly check and there are COVID tests.
      Thank you.

  70. My fiancé and I are wanting to meet In Phuket. I am from the USA and she is from the Philippines. I understand that she would need to quarantine. Do you know if I can stay with her and we BOTH quarantine TOGETHER or would she have to stay in a separate room? Thank you in advance for your assistance!

    1. Dear Jason,
      Good day.
      It is not possible for unmarried couple to quarantine together in one room. You can quarantine in the same hotel and perhaps you can meet each other in the common area once you have completed your first or second COVID tests.
      Thank you.

  71. My first vaccination was with AstraZeneca, the second with Moderna. Is a mixed vaccination accepted?

    1. Dear Hugo,
      Good day.
      For the COE application under Phuket Sandbox, unfortunately it is not acceptable as of today July 22nd.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Nathalie,
      You can still visit Phuket but you need to do two things:
      1. Apply for the tourist TR visa from Thai Embassy.
      2. Apply for the COE or certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy (enter Thailand under Alternative Quarantine for 14 nights).
      Thank you.

  72. If my girlfriend who is coming from the Philippines will quarantine in Phuket, canI stay with her if I’m from the USA? And is it an ASQ hotel?

    1. Dear Rob,
      Good day.
      Only legally married couples are allowed to quarantine in the same room. Yes, it will be an AQ hotel room for her. You can stay in SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights and she can stay in ASQ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights. After she is released from quarantine, you can see each other.
      Thank you.

  73. I’m from Philippines ??. What requirements I need to go to phuket. I am able to entry phuket even I am unvaccinated?

  74. If we enter under the visa exemption list, for 30-45 days, will we still have to provide accommodation confirmation for the entire time (30-45 days)? Or only the SHA proof for 14 nights (we are fully vaccinated)?

    1. Dear Robert,
      Good day.
      Yes, she can meet you in Phuket but she needs to do the mandatory quarantine first. The quarantine will be in Bangkok if she arrives in Bangkok from Manila or she can quarantine in Phuket if she arrives Manila-Singapore-Phuket. She cannot use Phuket Sandbox because the Thai Embassy in Manila cannot issue a COE under Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Oleg,
      Good day
      It means these are countries that are considered high risk but because of tourists coming from that countries, they are allowed to obtain a COE under Phuket Sandbox.
      Thank you.

  75. Hi! The Philippines is not included in your pilot countries for Phuket Sandbox. Does that mean that travelers from the Philippines are not allowed to enter Phuket?

    1. Dear Lani,
      Good day.
      Travelers from the Philippines can still travel to Phuket but they can only obtain a COE with mandatory 14-night quarantine.
      Thank you.

  76. Dear Rex
    Is it possible to pick up the rental car after arrival at Phuket international airport to drive to the booked SHAplus hotel directly?
    Best
    Jaycee

    1. Dear Jaycee,
      Yes, it is possible as long as you are done with your RT PCR test at the airport and the rental company has SHA+ certificate also.
      Thank you.

  77. Can I Fly into Phuket and leave from Bangkok, when I am staying more than 14 days? Will a ticket booked that way be ok at the checkpoint?

    1. Dear Marcin,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can enter through Phuket and you can exit through Bangkok. You must show both flights. You must also book a SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for at least 14 days before you can travel to Bangkok.
      Thank you.

    2. I know that filipino are not qualified for sandbox programs. What are the requirements needed for Filipinos to go to phuket? I will only stay for less than 45 days. Thank you

    1. Dear Blair,
      Good day.
      That’s the plan back in May. You can fly with Qatar or Emirates. It is acceptable to have transit in Doha and Dubai.
      Thank you.

    2. Yes you can fly with BA they operate a flight from Heathrow and Gatwick to Doha and then the flight from Doha to Phuket is operated by Qatar. It is on the ba.com website

  78. How many days in advance can we apply for the COE?
    If returning to Thailand early September, could we apply in July?

    1. Dear Bo,
      Good day.
      It would best to apply around 15 to 20 days before your flight to Thailand, the earliest. Or apply 5 to 7 days before the flight at the latest.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Luna,
      Good day.
      Yes, as much as possible, it is better to avoid connection in Bangkok as you may be required to do a mandatory quarantine before going to Phuket.
      Thank you.

  79. About COVID-19 travel insurance. Do i need to apply only with AXA? or can i use with other insurance i have?

    1. Dear Chris,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can use other insurance companies as long as they would provide a letter or certificate stating that your insurance coverage is at least 100,000 USD and it will cover COVID 19 medical expenses. It must have a starting date and expiry date.
      Thank you.

  80. I have resident permit to stay in Thailand and plan to go France in July. And when be back Thailand, my resident permit is allowed to join this scheme? or this scheme only tourist.

    1. Dear Chris,
      Good day.
      The Phuket Sandbox program is also available for returning Thai nationals and returning non-Thai nationals as long as they are traveling from low or medium risk countries and they have stayed in that country or regions for at least 21 days prior to returning to Thailand. They must be fully vaccinated as well. You need to apply for COE to return to Thailand.
      Thank you.

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