This Weekly Update was originally posted on October 8, 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 both foreign travelers and returning residents:
Thailand Travel Updates Summary From October 1
- All travellers are now eligible for Sandbox Programs (Phuket & Samui) regardless of their country of origin.
- Travellers under the Sandbox programs are now only required to stay for 7 nights in their chosen SHA+ Hotels after which they may travel to other provinces or to their homes.
- Quarantine period for travelers not eligible for the Sandbox programs is reduced from 14 to 7 days for fully-vaccinated travelers, and 10 days for unvaccinated/partially vaccinated travelers, subject to terms and conditions. Home quarantine is NOT possible.
- Those arriving in Thailand from 1 October 2021 who have been issued COEs under the old system (i.e. before 28 September 2021) may use their old COEs (no need to apply for new COEs); their quarantine period will be determined based on their vaccination documents upon entering Thailand.
- Those who arrived in Thailand before 1 October 2021 and are still in quarantine are required to complete their quarantine for a total of 10 days (instead of 14 days).
- Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme is extended until 30 September 2022, issued by the Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad.
- The requirement for travelers to download Thailand Plus Mobile Application has been removed.
- Alternative Hospital Quarantine (AHQ) has been resumed for those traveling for medical purposes.
Visa Exemption Converted Back to 30 Days
Since October 1, 2021 the permit to stay for travelers under the Visa Exemption Program has been converted back to 30 days from date of entry. It was noted that from December 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021, the program had allowed travelers from Visa Exempt countries to stay up to 45 days. For travelers under the 30-Day Visa Exemption Rule, you may extend your permission to stay for another 30 days at the local immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB. For the list of countries and territories eligible for the Visa Exemption scheme, please click this link.
Visa On Arrival Has Been Resumed
Since October 1, 2021 the Thai government has resumed the Visa on Arrival program. It was noted that from March 13, 2020 to September 30, 2021 the program has been temporarily suspended. As Thailand is starting to reopen, the government plans to attract Chinese and Indian tourists to visit Thailand and help revive the tourism industry. Travelers under the Visa On Arrival Program are allowed to stay in Thailand up to 15 days for tourism purposes only. This entry visa cannot be extended inside Thailand. For the list of countries and nationalities eligible for Visa on Arrival, please click here.
Thailand To Be Removed from UK’s Red List
The UK government said it will remove Thailand from its “COVID Red List” starting on Monday at 4 AM October 11. This means that fully vaccinated travelers from Thailand will no longer be required to undergo expensive hotel quarantine upon their arrival in the UK.
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.
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 Hotels 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.
My Beach Resort is a seafront resort overlooking Panwa Beach, allowing guests to experience breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The outdoor infinity swimming pool is featured in this property. The rooms at the resort are fitted with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bath. Each room is fitted with a kettle, while some rooms come with a balcony and others also offer pool views.
To book this hotel, please click the link below:
https://www.agoda.com/my-beach-resort/hotel/phuket-th.html?cid=1897011
Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas, located just meters from the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea and just next to Sirinath National Park. It is also a short drive from nearby landmarks including Splash Jungle Water Park and Blue Canyon Country Golf Club. Driving to Phuket Town will take around 30 minutes. All villas and suites at Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas are fully air-conditioned. Villas offer a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and bathtub. Suites come equipped with a kitchenette and balcony facing the pool.
To book this hotel, please click the link below:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/phuket-sandbox-hotels/dewa-phuket-resort-and-villas
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 this page here:
