This Weekly Update was originally posted on September 27, 2021. For the most recent update, click here.
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Thailand Travel Restrictions Updates
Starting October 1, 2021, the government proposed the new travel restrictions and Thailand’s proposal to reopen the country to vaccinated foreign tourists or returning residents, and the plans to reduce the mandatory quarantine stay. These new entry requirements will be published in the Royal Gazette to be official. We will send another weekly update on Friday, October 1, 2021.
Fully Vaccinated from Eligible Countries
Travelers who are fully vaccinated and are traveling from one of the 78 eligible countries may enter Thailand without quarantine. They may travel to Thailand under Phuket Sandbox or Samui Plus Sandbox programs. You must have stayed in the country of departure for at least 21 days to be eligible for the Sandbox program and you must travel to Phuket without any transit in Bangkok. If you have a transit in Bangkok, you will be subjected to a quarantine stay in Bangkok. It is unclear if the 14 nights required to stay in Phuket and Samui will be reduced to 7 nights. We are awaiting an official announcement and guidelines.
Fully Vaccinated from Non-listed Countries
Travelers who are fully vaccinated but are traveling from non-listed countries or not eligible for the Phuket and Samui Sandbox programs may enter Thailand under the quarantine program and you will be required to stay for 7 nights in a quarantine hotel facility. This also includes fully vaccinated travelers (from eligible countries) who are entering Thailand through Bangkok, you will be required to undergo a 7-night quarantine in Bangkok. Quarantine Hotels are mostly available in Bangkok, nearby provinces such as Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi, and Pattaya. You may also book in Phuket and Samui but the number of quarantine hotels is limited.
Non-Vaccinated from All Countries
Travelers who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated may enter Thailand under the quarantine program and you will be required to stay for 10 nights if traveling by air or sea, 14 nights if traveling by land. You may book Quarantine Hotels in Bangkok, nearby provinces such as Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi, and Pattaya. You may also book in Phuket and Samui but the number of quarantine hotels is limited.
Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai Sandbox
The government’s plan to introduce the Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai Sandbox programs for vaccinated foreign tourists will be postponed to November 2021. The standard operating procedures and official guidelines should be finalized before the end of October and we will let you know as soon as it is available.
New Eligible Countries for Phuket and Samui Sandbox
On September 22, 2021, the CSSA and Tourism Authority of Thailand published the new list of countries and territories eligible to enter Thailand under Phuket and Samui Sandbox as follows:
Book Your Flight to Thailand
At present, certain airlines such as Qatar Airways and other major airlines are permitted to operate semi-commercial flights to Thailand whether it is on a daily or weekly basis. Before booking flights to Thailand, you should ensure that you understand which Thai visa and entry program you are qualified for in order to determine the possibility of travel. To book your flight to Thailand please visit Qatar Airways through this link:
Phuket Sandbox Hotel of the Week:
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from, we feature some of the best SHA+ Hotels in Phuket for your Phuket Sandbox stay.
Patong Resort Hotel is located in the very heart of Phuket’s Patong Beach, just a short stroll from the water and the bustling shopping and nightlife spots. From here, you can easily enjoy all the water sports on offer, head out for dive trips, head out shopping, or go for a game of golf. The on-site tour desk can help arrange several activities including island hopping. To book this hotel, please click the link below:
What is the Best COVID Insurance for Thailand
Based on experience, the common problem for COE applications being rejected is that some insurance policies are not properly worded. Your COVID 19 insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 100,000 USD medical expenses including the COVID-19. We recommend purchasing the AXA Insurance Plan 2 as it offers not only the normal coverage on medical expenses (including COVID 19), loss of life, or accident, it also features additional coverage on a flight delay, baggage delay, and loss or damage of personal effects. To purchase the most reliable, based on our experience, insurance that has never had any problem with the Thai Embassy or Consulate, please click the link below:
COE Application Service by Siam Legal
Application for the COE is free of charge and you do not need any assistance to apply for the COE. However, there may be instances where some individuals voluntarily choose a paid service provider such as a law firm to assist them to prepare their documents and submitting them on their behalf. Individuals may encounter problems with their documents that are not being uploaded properly or some information or documents that are deemed unacceptable to the Thai embassy or consulate that may cause delay or rejection of your COE application, so it may be helpful to retain a service provider to assist you with the application. These paid services offered by Siam Legal are listed below.
Siam Legal Visa and COE Application Assistance
Sandbox Package 1: 200 USD
- Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in COE application
- 3 to 4 weeks process
- Available in the US, UK, and Canada visa applications only
Sandbox Package 2: 100 USD
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in COE application (including Visa holders and Visa Exemption)
- 5 to 10 days process
- Available in eligible countries only
- Available for Thai and foreign nationals
For the latest information, weekly updates, and guide about How To Travel to Thailand in 2021, you may check of PDF Guide here:
