IMPORTANT: For Thailand Travel Restrictions in 2023, please click the link below:
Thailand Travel Restrictions for 2023
========================
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, measures have been enforced to prevent and control COVID-19 from spreading in Thailand. This includes measures to keep an influx of visitors to Thailand in check.
After two years of dealing with Covid and extensive travel restrictions, international travel is finally returning to normal on the 1st of July, 2022.
From July 1st, the following changes have been implemented for all international travelers.
- Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
- All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
- Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers to enter Thailand.
- Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
- Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
- Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination or Covid test).
Read below and you can see how you can once again visit Thailand with ease.
Required Documents for Travel to Thailand
Please have the following documents ready.
- Passport with at least six month validity
- Visa or visa exemption qualification
- Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
- Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
- Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
- Note: Vaccination record no longer required
Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.
[button style=’red’ url=’https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance’ target=’_blank’ icon=’icon-entypo-basket’]Buy Your Insurance Now[/button][/infobox]
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
It is important to start your travel plans to Thailand by checking your eligibility. After July 1, you will need to check on what to do depending on your vaccination status, and what type of visa you will use when visiting Thailand.
For a general traveler, you may opt to enter Thailand without a visa under the Visa Exemption program. If you are entering Thailand for a holiday, you may be eligible to receive a “Visa on arrival”.
For those entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa from their local Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to coming to Thailand.
In the next step of the process, you may check the available visas for you.
Step 2 – Apply for the Visa
Thailand Elite Visa
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
Visa Exemption
Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Upon arriving in Thailand, most nationalities who are part of the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to stay for 30 days. Certain nationalities can arrive as part of this program but for a shorter period of time. It is best to check the country exemption list and confirm how long you can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a Visa.
Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)
Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV) which can be extended for two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for a potential 9 months.
Non-Immigrant Visa
Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:
- Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
- Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
- Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand as well as their Parents or Legal Guardians
- Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
- Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for long stay (it is different from type O visa)
Stay on track with your travel plans to Thailand. Download your Complete Thailand Pass Guide HERE! 
Step 3 – Book a Flight, Hotel, and COVID-19 Insurance
There are many changes for how to enter Thailand after July 1, so it is important for a traveler to know what is required before departing their country and entering Thailand.
Flights to Thailand
At present, most airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon, Finnair, Thai Airways, and other major airlines are now permitted to operate flights to Thailand whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.
Vaccinated travelers are required to have their vaccination certificates on hand. Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK 72 hours before departure from their home country.
Though Thailand Pass has been removed from July 1, and travelers no longer need to upload proof of vaccination or Covid Test, Airlines will do random checks and if travelers do not meet Covid requirements they will not be allowed to board their flight.
Before booking flights to Thailand with the airlines, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of Thai visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel. Please note that having plane tickets does not guarantee entry to Thailand, non-Thai travelers must have the correct Covid documents to enter Thailand.
Since all mandatory quarantine conditions have been removed, travelers no longer need to worry about booking “sealed” flights if they wish to transit directly to a domestic flight.
Hotel Updates
From July 1, travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Travelers can enter the Kingdom and travel freely, booking any of the many wonderful hotels in Thailand.
Unvaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of a hotel booking as mandatory quarantine measures have been removed for all travelers.
It is recommended to browse hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com before arriving as it is easier to organize transport to your first night’s rest if pre-booked.
Travelers are free to travel anywhere in Thailand when they arrive and do not need to worry about any testing or Province restrictions.
Book Your Insurance
Having Travel Insurance was a good practice before the world had to deal with Covid. During the Covid pandemic it was mandatory.
It is recommended for all visitors coming to Thailand to purchase travel insurance. Testing positive for Covid is still a possibility, and though people hope for an incident-free holiday, injuries and illness can happen.
Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand. If the worst happens, a traveler could have expensive medical bills. Having a quality insurance policy can save a traveler potential medical expenses and allow them to enjoy a worry-free holiday.
A good insurance policy will also cover incidents like delayed flights, damage to personal possession, and loss of luggage.
Step 4 – Do I Need to Apply for the Thailand Pass?
From July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass before entering Thailand. The system is still in place but is now a platform where visitors can notify the Thai authority and medical facilities, and seek advice if they are diagnosed positive for Covid during their stay.
If you need to access the Thailand Pass system while in Thailand, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page.
Step 5 – Prepare the documents for your flight
Once you have booked your flights and ready to travel, it is recommended to prepare some documents for your holiday.
- Valid Thai visa in your passport or electronic visa approval (if applicable)
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate in case you are asked to present it to the airline or Passport Control for a spot check on arrival.
- RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result if you are asked to present it for a random Covid check before boarding or on arrival.
- Travel insurance for Thailand is recommended by the Thai Government
Get a Copy of the Complete Thailand Pass Guide. CLICK HERE!
[infobox title=’ALERT’]
Siam Legal has received reports from potential clients that some hospitals are creating difficulties for them until full payment is made for their medical expenses. Also, foreigners have allegedly been threatened with lawsuits for not settling their medical bills before being discharged. Using out-of-country policies can be problematic. We recommend using insurance providers headquartered inside Thailand with proper cover to avoid any undesirable outcomes.
Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, recommends purchasing the proper insurance and so endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE
- Please review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate cover. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability, and scenarios where policy holders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out-of-pocket medical expenses have been reported. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
- These policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Best to pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
- AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
- AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation, which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.
Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA cover, which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.
You can buy your Thailand Travel insurance today at:
https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
[/infobox]
List of Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:
- Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
- Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
- AstraZeneca or Covishield
- Sinopharm or COVILO
- Moderna
- CoronaVac or SinoVac
- Covaxin
- Sputnik V
- Medigen
- Sputnik Lite
How to Obtain COVID-19 Insurance
Though COVID-19 travel insurance is no longer mandatory for entry to Thailand, it is recommended to have comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay. Good travel insurance covers not only medical expenses relating to Covid, but also accident cover, personal damage or loss of possessions and missed or delayed flights.
It is best to purchase insurance before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of cover that you can present to authorities or medical professionals if you need to make a claim.
You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you onboard. It’s quick and easy to do online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand as foreigners are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand and insurance companies will not cover claims for existing conditions.
You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.
You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand
Siam Legal offers and provides aid for a smooth and hassle-free way to open up a Thai bank account.
- You will receive help in opening a saving/current bank account
- You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
- Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)
Requirements
- Passport
- Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
Process
- The applicant may book for our service online.
- Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
- The applicant will collect the application form and documents from Siam Legal Bangkok office and proceed to the specific bank branch. Opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.
Service Fee
Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.
City Travel Guide
- How to Travel to Bangkok
- How to Travel to Phuket
- How to Travel to Pattaya
- How to Travel to Chiang Mai
- How to Travel to Samui
- How to Travel to Hua Hin
Useful Links
- Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners
- Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
- How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide
Download the Complete Thailand Pass Application Guide. CLICK HERE!
472 Responses
Hi,
If I arrive in Thailand on Feb1, can I use my current Thai-pass but update AQ hotel from 7 days to 1 day due to the new announcement?
Dear Aom,
At the moment, the information that was given is that, you need to apply for Test and Go Thailand Pass if you wish to have the 1 night quarantine on Day 1 and Day 5.
Thank you.
Hi there,
I would like to know all requirements for US citizen and Vietnamese to travel to Bangkok 1 week in the last week of Feb 2022. Both of us were full vaccinated, which else of requirements do we need to have before booking a flight to Bangkok?
Dear Jenny,
These are the following requirements 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.
– Hotel Booking
– Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery
For more information you can visit this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2022
Thank you.
Can I travel to Phucket for less than 5days, perhaps 3 night and 4 days/
Dear Yewon,
Yes, that is possible. Just make sure that after your stay, you will fly out of Phuket to another international destination (no stopping in Bangkok).
Thank you.
Hi,
My sister is traveling from Switzerland to Manila and would like to make a layover in Bangkok, are there any types of restrictions or preparations required? She is also wondering if she will be allowed to make a short tour of the city while waiting for her transfer?
And are the shops on the airport operating as well?
Dear Doc K,
Your sister is able to transit in Bangkok Airport only if she’s not required to clear immigration and customs. She only need to have a negative RT PCR test and COVID insurance. If she wishes to leave the airport, she needs to apply for Thailand Pass.
For more information on Thailand Pass, please visit: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I already booked a flight from Germany to Bangkok but due to some issues my plan has changed. I will just be transiting in Bangkok airport for few hours and then check in again to a flight bound to Manila.
Since I won’t be going out of the airport. Is RT-PCT and insurance enough.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Marie,
Yes, that is enough. Please make sure that you do not need to clear passport control or customs. If you need to clear immigration and customs, you might reconsider your itinerary as Thailand may require you to do a mandatory quarantine for a couple of days before you can take the next flight.
Thank you.
I booked flights to Phuket through Ethopian Airways. I afterwards noticed the flights are connecting in Bangkok and that the Phuket sandbox only applies to direct flights to phuket. Is this still the case or can we connect via Bangkok? Thanks
Dear Nico,
Unfortunately, you will be stuck in Bangkok and quarantined for 7 nights. I recommend for you to change airlines and make sure you do not transit in Bangkok. You can transit in other countries but not in Bangkok.
Thank you.
I booked flights with Thai Airways from Italy to Bangkok. At the Suvarnabhumi airport I’ll have to transit to go to Vietnam with Vietnam airlines. I’m full vaccinated, have a PCR test less than 72 hours, my transit less than 12 hours, travel insurance covering up to 100,000$. Will my transit be ok?
Dear Francesco,
You are able to transit in Bangkok Airport if you are not required to clear immigration and customs. You only need to have a negative RT PCR test and COVID insurance.
Thank you.
Can you provide some more information about the Samui Sandbox Resumption. I understand that I can only transit through Bangkok on certain flights but how can I confirm this? As long as I book my international flight and the recognised Bangkok – Samui flight in the same booking will this be ok? Thanks
Dear Eleanor,
Good day.
You can do a domestic transfer in Bangkok as long as the domestic flight is one of the flights of Bangkok Airways: PG5125, PG5151 or PG5171 which is booked together in the same ticket with your international flight.
Thank you
Hello. How soon after a person receives their second vaccination shot can they travel to Thailand?
Dear Tony,
At least 14 days from the second vaccination.
Thank you.
Is the Thailand Plus App stiil required on arrival to Thailand?
Dear Rick,
The Thailand Plus mobile app is not required. You only need the Thailand Pass QR code.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I have got Thailand Pass to land in Thailand on 2 Jan already, but the flight is delayed (Thai Airways) for 48 hoursm so the flight will be delay to 4 Jan 2022 instead. Can I use the current Thailand Pass (2 Jan) for the landing? Or I will have to adjust all the accommodation booking and do the quarantine and re-apply for Thai Pass?
Dear Tannie,
Good day.
In case of flight cancellation or flight delays, the Thailand Pass can still be used within 72 hours from the original flight of arrival.
Thank you.
Hi,
Is it correct that travelers with an approved Thailand Pass/ QR code can enter Thailand up until January 10th? After the 10th it is not possible unless you are entering Thailand via Phuket Sandbox Programme?
Dear Michelle,
Good day.
That is not correct. You can still arrive on the date that was approved on your application or as stated in your Thailand Pass. For example, if you said you are arriving on January 20, then you still can use the Test & Go QR Code, stay for one night in the Test and Go hotel and wait for the test results; after which, you can travel to other parts of Thailand.
Thank you.
Good afternoon.
I am seeking some clarity for my girlfriends entry to Thailand.
She is Vietnamese has had single dose of vaccine 5 October 2021 and has certificate.
Then she has recovered from covid 19 November and has medical certificate.
Do these two things satisfy Thailand pass requirements?
We hope to travel 5 January 2022 .
Please advise ASAP so we can apply Thailand Pass
Kind regards Brad
Dear Brad,
Yes, this will satisfy the requirement for Test and Go program which she can apply for on the Thailand Pass system. To learn more about the Thailand Pass, please go to http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-pass
Thank you.
Hello, does anybody know if you can enter Thailand with a vaccine exemption? If so what quarantine rules?
Thank you
Dear Roman,
Good day.
It means you will fall under category 3: Quarantine Program for 10 nights. You may apply for Thailand Pass under this program, you need to book a quarantine hotel for 10 nights before you are allowed to go out of the hotel or travel to other parts of Thailand.
Thank you.
sir
i want to travel phnom penn to india via bangkok airport on thaiairways
9 hours at bangkok airport tranist.do i need thailand pass or medical insurane or another pcr test to stay for 9 hours at bangkok airport
Dear Sami,
Good day.
You do not need a Thailand Pass since you are not entering Thailand. Your transit in Bangkok only required RT PCR test before flying and the COVID insurance.
To know more about the insurance, please visit: http://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
Thank you.
Hi,
Can I visit Thailand without quarantine, with just a medical recovery certificate? Or do I need the first dose/ full vaccine?
Many thanks,
Dear Alina,
To be qualified for the Test and GO and the Sandbox program, you need to be fully recovered and you need to have 1 dose of vaccination.
Thank you.
Hello,
I want to travel to Thailand next year. I had the virus in October. Is it possible to go without quarantine with 1 dose of vaccine and certificate of recovery? (Or only with the recovery certificate)?
Many thanks,
Dear Alina,
To be qualified for the Test and GO and the Sandbox program, you need to be fully recovered and you need to have 1 dose of vaccination. Otherwise, you will only qualify for the 10-night quarantine program.
Thank you.
Hello,
My friend and I will be travelling from Singapore to Phuket. However, the current VTL flights from Singapore are only direct to Bangkok. Would we still need to quarantine in Phuket if we take a non-VTL direct flight to Phuket? We’re thinking of doing that and then travelling upwards to Bangkok for the VTL flight back to Singapore.
Brgds.
Dear Susan,
Yes, you still have to do a one night Test and Go stay in Bangkok before you are allowed to fly to Phuket. I see Air Asia and Singapore Airlines flying direct to Phuket, if you fly with these airlines, you can do the test and Go in Phuket.
Thank you.
I’m not vaccinated but I have an exception letter from the ministry of Health can I enter?
And what about the children under 18
Dear Hamda,
Good day.
Yes, you can still enter Thailand. You can enter under Quarantine Program. You and your child will quarantine for 10 nights in a quarantine hotel.
Thank you.
Hi, my husband and I want to travel to Singapore for 3 days and then Phuket and Koh Samui in April 2022. It’s unclear if this is possible. Any insight would be super helpful. We reside in the United States and are both fully vaccinated.
Thank you
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
Yes that is possible. You are exempted from quarantine but must stay for one night at an AQ/SHA+ hotel in your first destination in Thailand to await your RT-PCR test results upon arrival.
Thank you.
I am a Philippine Passport holder (visa exempt for 30-days in Thailand). Is it safe to say I can fly directly to Phuket for the Sandbox Programme (considering I’ve got all the tests, paperwork, and insurances)? Or would I have to travel to Thailand the conventional way (Bangkok Airport + 14 Day Quarantine… then move around Thailand)?
Dear Joseph,
Good day.
The Philippines is not an eligible country for the Sandbox program. You still need to quarantine in a quarantine hotel. If you are travelling in October, we will wait for the confirmation of the quarantine being reduced to 7 nights.
Thank you.
Hi good evening, i just want to know if can enter to Thailand ? Im a Filipina and i leave on Philippines , what should i get so can enter on Thailand? im fully vaccinated, and i just want to know if i can stay 45days. Ihope you can help me thank you.
Dear Chelle,
Good day.
The Philippines is not an eligible country for the Sandbox program. You still need to quarantine in a quarantine hotel. If you are travelling in October, we will wait for the confirmation of the quarantine being reduced to 7 nights. You can stay for 30 days under visa exemption.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
Currently I am in Thailand and having a valid Non-Immigrant visa and a Thai work permit and already got 2 shots of Sinopharm .
I am planning to go India in October End and return in November .
Do I need to reenter back in Thailand by Sandbox program or I can enter normally with no quarantine .
Dear Sam,
Good day.
In November, you can choose Phuket Sandbox or Bangkok Sandbox.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I am a Filipino citizen and have been fully vaccinated and is currently based in Ireland. I will be flying home for a vacation and will transit through ( 3 hours lay over) BKK Int Airport. Other than negative PCR Test result for the last 72 hours prior to travel. Is there any other document/s I need?
Dear Jay,
Good day. You may be required to have a COVID insurance. Please call your airline about this as we do not have the information for transit passengers.
Thank you.
Hi iam an Indian citizen and I am vaccinated , currently I live in Qatar. Actually iam planning to go India by end of October it is possible for Indian citizens to enter Thailand without quarantine
Dear Kadhar,
Good day.
If you have a Thai visa in your passport and you are living in Qatar, yes, you can apply for COE or Certificate of Entry under Phuket Sandbox. Please call the Thai Embassy in Doha for more information.
Thank you.
Dear Rex
I have a valid working visa and work permit but I have to fly to Qatar for 2 weeks, can you please tell me what I need before leaving Thailand and what I need on returning? Do I have to quarantine when I return to Thailand in November 2021?
Dear Jacques,
Good day.
First, you need to have a re-entry permit. Secondly, you need to apply for the COE for your return to Thailand. If you are fully vaccinated, you can return to Thailand via Phuket Sandbox. If you are not fully vaccinated, you can return to Thailand via Bangkok Quarantine of 2 weeks. You also need to have COVID 19 insurance that will cover the whole duration of your working 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.
Good day
I am a South African currently living and working in Thailand with a valid visa and work permit, but I need to fly to Qatar in October 2021 returning in November 2021, I have already had my 1st Astra zeneca vaccine and was wondring what I need to do before I fly to Qatar and What I need to do on returning from Qatar back to Thailand. Will I have to Quarantine? your feedback is highly appreciated.
Dear Jacques,
Good day.
First, you need to have a re-entry permit. Secondly, you need to apply for the COE for your return to Thailand. If you are fully vaccinated, you can return to Thailand via Phuket Sandbox. If you are not fully vaccinated, you can return to Thailand via Bangkok Quarantine of 2 weeks. You also need to have COVID 19 insurance that will cover the whole duration of your working 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.
Hey Rex thanks for all the information, as a not vaccinated Turkish citizen I understand that;
I can enter the country by providing following list,
1. Certificate of Entry (COE)
2. Declaration Form
3. PCR Test
4. Insurance
5. ASQ Hotel booking
6. Flight booking
7. T8 Health form
8. Thailand plus app
and how about fit-to-fly certificate, and is there any more requirements?
Big thank you.
Dear Kay,
Good day.
You do not need the Declaration Form (2) and Fit-to-Fly Certificate.
Thank you.
Please clarify for me. I have received the single shot vaccine by Johnson and Johnson however in my readings of various websites it refers only to the two-shot vaccine are eligible to enter Thailand. Is the single shot vaccine acceptable for entry?
Thank you,
G. Bartlett
Dear Gregory,
Good day.
Do not worry. When you apply for the COE, the system will accept the Janssen vaccine and one shot or dosage will be enough. Yes, it is acceptable for entry to Thailand under Phuket or Samui Sandbox program.
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.
Hi
I’m a Sri Lankan and I’m fully vaccinated.i would like to come to Thailand end of October or beginning of November.should I quarantine 14 days?? Can I get a visa ?
Dear Chaki,
Yes, you need to do a mandatory quarantine. You cannot qualify for the Sandbox program. For the COE application in Sri Lanka, please contact the Thai embassy in Colombo.
Thank you.
What do Chinese citizens need to enter Thailand under sandbox? Do you have any advice for a chinese citizen applying for a tourist visa to enter thailand?
Dear Wabag,
Good day.
The Chinese national must apply for the TR tourist visa from the Thai Embassy. After that, you can apply for the COE under Phuket Sandbox if you will are coming from an eligible countries and you are fully vaccinated.
Thank you.
I am a US citizen and hold a valid retirement visa (Non-O, long stay). I returned to the USA on 1 August, 2021, to have surgery, dental work and to get the Pfizer vaccine. I would like to return to Chiang Mai as soon as I am finished here, preferably sometime in November, December or the latest January. I seem to be locked out of Thailand and my retirement home in Chiang Mai. Are there any exceptions made for people like me and what can I anticipate over the next few months for travel options back to Thailand? I have had both jabs.
Dear Robert,
Good day.
if you are fully vaccinated and you can obtain a COVID 19 insurance, you are qualified to apply for the COE or Certificate of Entry under Phuket Sandbox Program or the Bangkok Quarantine Program for this month. However in October there may be Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok Sandbox where you can also come to travel with your retirement visa and you do not need to do a mandatory quarantine. 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.
I have a family member living in Phuket that I can stay with. Do I have to book hotel reservation or can I stay with family while visiting Phuket
Plan on trip either Oct or Dec 2021
Dear Karen,
Good day.
At the moment we do not have any new guideline for the Phuket Sandbox for the month of October or December. At this time, the requirement remains the same. You need to stay in an SHA+ hotel for 14 nights before you can checkout and stay in an accommodation of your choice. 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.
Hi thanks for the post, is there any way to enter Thailand for not vaccinated people who could meet any other requirements?
Hello John,
Good day!
If you are not vaccinated, you may still enter Thailand through Bangkok under Quarantine Program. You will be be under quarantine for 2 weeks in an AQ hotel in Bangkok.
Thank you.
Dear sir/maam,
I am a filipina philippines and working here in jeddah saudi arabia but my work here in jeddah saudi arabia will end this september. before i go home to the philippines i want to take a vacation in thailand and i chose phuket because phuket is not quarantined if fully vaccinated.
I was fully vaccinated by Pfizer. my question is okay or will i be allowed to travel jeddah saudi arabia to phuket?
thank you.
Dear Michelle,
Saudi Arabia is not an eligible country therefore you cannot participate in Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you!
Hiya! Thanks for all the information above. I’d like to enquire about whether or not vaccinated South Africans travelling from South Africa can enter Phuket through the Sandbox programme and holiday in Phuket for 14 days (or less) without issue. Please do let me know! Thanks.
Dear A,
Good day.
Fully vaccinated South African flying from South Africa to Phuket (through Qatar or UAE) is not eligible for Phuket Sandbox. Because South Africa is not an eligible country as a point of departure. If you are a fully vaccinated South African who is staying in Dubai for more than 21 days, you can travel to Phuket under Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you.
Hi there,
Regarding the COE, coming from South Africa, what can I put as address in Thailand, the site of quarantine or hotel I will staying after?
Also, regarding the visa information, if I plan on entering on 45 day visa on entry, what can I put as it asks me to supply visa info.
COE states “Copy of Thai visa or re-entry permit (if any). If the applicant does not have a valid visa or re-entry permit, the applicant must submit visa application in requesting the issuance of an appropriate visa directly to the Embassy / Consulate-General (if required).”
Dear Dale,
Good day.
For the COE application you can put the address of your ASQ Hotel. You have chosen the wrong category. Do not choose TR visa or STV. You must choose the Visa Exemption.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I am flying to Thailand in November. To see my mom in Maha Sarakham, When I get to Bangkok and do my 14 day quarantine. Would I have to quarantine again in Khon Kaen?
Thanks!
Jannadean
Dear Jannadean,
Good day.
That will totally depend on the Khon Kaen provincial government. Bangkok is a dark red zone so they might require quarantine. But since you have been tested already after you leave Bangkok and it is negative, you may be able to avoid the provincial quarantine. I recommend for you to ask your family to check with the local office in Khon Kaen.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I booked a flight to bankock airport to go to pattaya back in feburary. I don’t want to do the 14-day quarantine. I’d like to catch a conecting flight in bankock airport to phuket, when I arrive in bankock. Is this possible or once I land in bankock airport, I’m stuck doing quarantine? Am I able to do the Phuket sandbox and no quarantine? I’m from the U.S. and have had both shots.
Thanks,
Jack
Dear Jack,
At the moment, the current travel restriction is that any arrival in Bangkok from abroad, you need to quarantine. This will change next month. I recommend for you to sign up in our Weekly Update. You can find the form on this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021
Thank you.
My daughter is 9 years old, does she require a PCR test prior to boarding?
Dear Georges,
Good day.
Yes, she has to do COVID 19 RT PCR test. I believe that the clinic may allow her to do saliva sample collection instead of nasal.
Thank you.
Hello Rex
We are uk citizens with Thai retirement visas and double vaccinated. We are hoping to come back to Phuket in November. I’m slightly confused. You replied to Kamal saying we did not need to quarantine. I thought we did. We plan to travel to Phuket via Middle East. On arrival into Phuket do we have to stay at an asq hotel or can we stay at our apartment.
Thank you
Dear Bruce,
Good day.
If you are flying from the UK to Phuket via Middle East and you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Phuket without quarantine. But you must stay in a SHA+ Hotel for 14 nights. You cannot sleep in your apartment. SHA+ Hotel is not Quarantine Hotel. SHA+ Hotel will allow you to go travel around Phuket during the day.
To know more about Phuket Sandbox program, please refer to this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-guide-travel-to-thailand-without-quarantine
Thank you.
hi,
I am flying to Bangkok next week from China. I just wanted to check that there is no need to apply for FIT to FLY document, as I saw this was removed from the list on April 1st 2021.
thanks
Dear Vishnu,
Yes, that is correct. Fit to Fly certificate is no longer needed. You only need the COVID 19 RT PCR test result/certificate taken within 72 hours before the flight.
Thank you.
Hi, I am a Filipina with a regular PH passport. Me and my fiance are planning about meeting in Phuket and spend almost 4 weeks together by the end of October-November. I am flying from the Philippines which is not on the list and he is flying from the US. I would like to know if it’s possible for me to enter Thailand or Phuket and if I still need a visa? If so, May I know how and what are the other requirements? Do we still need to quarantine even if we are fully vaccinated? Thanks in advance.
Dear Jelaine,
Good day.
You can avail the 45-day Visa Exemption. However, you need to get a COE or Certificate of Entry and in your case, it is COE with Quarantine. You can enter Bangkok and spend 14 nights mandatory hotel room quarantine.
Thank you.
Hi Rex
We’re flying out from London to Phuket via Dubai on the 19th February 2022. I have a British passport however the other two passengers have Romanian passports…. Will we need to quarantine or will there be any restrictions
Many thanks
Dear Ali,
Good day.
You may check with us in January 2022. I cannot give you any information right now because I have no knowledge of what will be the COVID situation in Thailand next year.
Thank you.
Are transit passengers required to purchase Covid insurance?
Dear Camila,
Yes, they are required COVID insurance when transiting Thailand.
Thank you.
I see.a.lot of place not recquiring a covid test if you have had two jabs .but some people are saying thailand asking for a test b4 u leave and also covid test when you get there is this true
Dear Russell,
When you leave Thailand, the Thai airport does not require COVID test. But countries in Europe and USA will require the COVID test if you come from Thailand because Thailand is not a low risk country.
Thank you.
Hi Sir, do I need a Tourist Visa? I will go to my sister this August 15, 2021 in Min Buri Thailand. I’m from the Philippines. And my staying is for 25 days only. I’m fully vaccinated, do I need a quarantine? Sorry for many questions. Thank you!
Dear Sai,
Good day.
You do not need a visa. You can get a COE under Visa Exemption. This will allow you to stay for 45 days. The 15 days will be in quarantine in Bangkok and you have remaining 30 days to stay outside the quarantine. Please call the Thai Embassy in Manila for the issuance of COE given that there are no flights from MNL to BKK.
Thank you.
Hello, my sister-in-law(Laos-nationality) needs to travel to Bangkok coming from Laos for Biometrics at Canadian Embassy in Bangkok.
She is double vaccinated and will fly in and out just for the biometrics appointment. Does she need to undergo 14 days quarantine and apply for COE? Thank you!
Dear Jacly,
Yes, Both Thais and foreigners who come to Bangkok from abroad must undergo 14 nights quarantine. There is no exception to this rule.
Thank you.
Hi there,
I am an unvaccinated person living in Bangkok. I want to travel to Chiang Mai or Phuket. I just wonder what requirements I have to go through.
Regards,
Shay
Dear Shay,
Good day.
Yes, you can travel to Chiang Mai as long as you will quarantine for 14 nights.
No, you cannot travel to Phuket because no one from Bangkok is allowed to enter Phuket for this month.
Thank you.
hi Rex,
im an Australian working in Guinea, west Africa. i have been working here for 4 months (2x AZ vaccine) and plan to visit my long term GF in Thailand, am i able to go to Phuket sandbox? also with my GF meeting/staying with me there if she is also on the Hotel booking? if not i will do the 14 days in BKK. i would be travelling late next month (August).
thx in advance.
Simon
Dear Simon,
Good day.
Unfortunately you will only qualify for the Phuket Sandbox if the country of departure is on the listed countries and unfortunately Guinea is not included. You can still enter Thailand through quarantine. You can quarantine in Bangkok or Phuket.
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.
Hi Rex,
I’m from the UK (London) I wish to visit phuket as a holiday destination for 2 weeks. I am fully vaccinated ( 2 dose). Do I need to quarantine upon arrival? And other restrictions please advise.
Thank you.
Dear Kamal,
Good day.
To answer your question, if your flight departs from the UK and arrives in Phuket directly or with transit in Middle East, yes, you do not need to quarantine. You can qualify for Phuket Sandbox. However, depending on your nationality, you can choose visa exemption for 45 days or you can choose the 60-day TR visa from the embassy.
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.
Hi Rex,
Thanks in advance for taking the time to review my question.
I am from France (french national) and my partner is coming from Philippines (filipino national). We would like to go on vacation together in Thailand. I understand that we are not eligible for the sandbox programs as Philippines is not on the authorized country list.
We are thinking of doing AQ in Bangkok instead. Here are my questions:
– My partner si not fully vaccinated, does this have any impact?
– Will we be able to stay in the same hotel room being that we will arrive from different flight and we are not legally married?
Thanks!
Dear Arthur,
Good day.
1. Your partner will not have a problem coming to Thailand under visa exemption for 45 days and stay in quarantine for 15 days and the rest of the 30 days will be outside quarantine. Vaccinated or not vaccinated, it is alright.
2. No, only married couples can stay in the same room.
The problem she may face is that the flight from the Philippines to Thailand may be limited due to travel ban imposed by Philippine government. She can fly through Singapore and enter Bangkok or Phuket and quarantine in the hotel, separately.
Thank you.
Good day,
I have a question, my cousin and I are planning to visit Bangkok and Phuket in September from Los Angeles, CA, USA for about 7 days. We both are fully vaccinated. We have our Vaccination Cards. What documents do we need? Are we allowed to walk around and explore or are we going to be quarantined for 14 days? Do we need to take the covid-19 test 3 days before flying to Thailand and 3 days before leaving Thailand? Sorry I have a lot of questions, I just want to make sure we have everything we need for a smooth fast process. Thank you!
Dear Eric,
Good day.
You do not need to undergo quarantine. You can apply for COE under Visa Exemption of 45 days. You need to have return flight, COVID insurance and SHA+ Sandbox Hotel, pre-booked COVID test in Phuket. Yes, you are free to travel around Phuket during your 1 week in Phuket.
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.
I have just recovered from COVID-19 the Delta variant. I have also been vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. I believe I’m pretty much is immune as you can get from Covid at the moment. But I’m afraid I’m probably not allowed to travel to Thailand because I cannot pass the Covid test requirements. Is this true or is there a method for entering
Dear Gary,
Yes, you can still travel to Thailand but you need to quarantine for 14 nights, You will not be able to qualify for the Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you.
When will the 10 Day Quarantine starts?
Dear Mathew,
At the moment there is no 10-day quarantine. The general quarantine is 14 nights when you arrive in Bangkok or when you arrive in Samui or Phuket unvaccinated.
Thank you.
I am a norwegian preparing a holiday in Phuket.
My outbound flight from Phuket will be on the 31th day after arrival, at 00:30 am (30 minutes after midnight).
For my coe, can I buy an insurance for 30 days with my 30 minutes of overtstay, or has it to be 60 days?
Dear Kjell,
Good day.
Right now, the visa exemption is 45 days. Therefore there is no overstay for you. However, you must arrange a COVID insurance that will cover your whole stay in Thailand. Better to buy 60 days.
To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
Thank you.
Hello, I am in the US and my father is a resident of Thailand and is currently in the hospital in Bangkok in the ICU and it looks like he might pass in the next few days. I was looking into the possibility of traveling from the US to see him, but it appears that I would have to quarantine for 14 days even though I have already had Covid19 and have also received 2 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Am I correct in this?
Dear Jason,
I am sorry to hear that. Yes, if you arrive in Bangkok, you must quarantine for 14 nights. If you arrive in Phuket, you do not need to quarantine but you have to stay in Phuket for 14 nights before you can go to Bangkok.
Thank you.
hi,
i am a pinay, my questions is i have a boyfriend who is a foreigner and he wants us to meet in thailand and this is our first meet.and what are the requirements we do and what requirements we needed.
thank you
Dear Mildred,
Good day.
You can enter Thailand under visa exemption of 45 days. You only need to apply for the COE and you need to book a return flight, COVID insurance and quarantine hotel.
To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
To book a quarantine hotel, please check: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/alternative-state-quarantine-asq-in-thailand
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.
Hello! I have entered to Thailand on July,3 with STV-visa. I’m going to extend visa for 90 days twice (270 days at all). Yesterday I found an information that aliens who entering in Thailand from July,3 2021 will not be permitted to extend visa. Is it true? How can I extend my STV-visa after 90 days?
Thank you!
Dear Ann,
It is true. You can only extend it for 1 time only before September 30.
Thank you.
I am traveling with kids to Phuket, their age is 3 years old. Do they get tested again in Phuket as well.
Thank you.
Dear Migon,
Yes, adults and children will be required to undergo RT-PCR tests for COVID 19 upon arrival and during their stay in Phuket. For the kids below 6 years old, they may opt to do the saliva sample test instead of the nasal sample test.
Thank you.
We have reservations for Phuket the 2nd week of August. At this time our departure from BKK is scheduled at 08:05 am however our flight from HKT to BKK has us arriving the evenig before around 11:00pm. Is there a quarantine area in the BKK airport for us to wait or will we need to go to an AQL hotel for the 7 hours we are there?
Also, our inbound flight to HKT connectes through Bengaluru, India. Is that going to pose a problem on arrival?
Dear MJ,
Firstly, I am not sure if there are flights from India to Phuket directly. The flights that are eligible for Phuket Sandbox are usually from UAE, Qatar, Singapore and London.
As for your flight from Phuket to Bangkok, you can only take that flight if you have completed 14 nights in Phuket. If you do not complete 14 nights in Phuket, you must fly out of Phuket without transit in Bangkok.
Thank you.
I am holding a O visa to travel to family. I am travelling on a NZ passport and living in the Kingdom of Tonga. I have a Covid Test already and am fully vaccinated. Is there any other form that would be required to enter Thailand.
Dear Lupe,
Good day.
Yes, you need to apply for the Certificate of Entry or COE. You can do the application online through Thai Embassy in Canberra.
You need a COVID insurance, ASQ Hotel booking if you arrive in Bangkok and COVID test prior to coming to Thailand.
Thank you.
My wife is a Thai citizen and has a valid current Thai passport. She is fully vaccinated. She needs to go back home to visit her parents. What are the travel restrictions / requirements for a citizen returning home traveling from the USA?
Dear Jesse,
Good day.
If she enters Thailand through Bangkok, she needs to quarantine for 14 nights. If she enters Thailand through Phuket, she needs to stay in Phuket bubble for 14 nights before she can return to her hometown. She needs to apply for the COE for Bangkok Quarantine or COE for Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you.
If I plan to travel to Bangkok for business but do not plan to leave my hotel, can I travel for less than 14 days?
Dear Angelica,
Good day.
The mandatory quarantine is still in place. I am not sure if you can do meeting in your quarantine hotel room since guests and other people are not allowed. You need to quarantine for 14 nights before you can move around the hotel or outside the hotel room.
Thank you.
Hello, thank you for the article
I will be entering Thailand WITHOUT a visa (my country is listed on the visa exemption program – 9 days).
Will i able to convert my visa EXEMPTION into an EDUCATION visa without leaving Thailand?
Thanks!
Dear Fran,
Good day.
Due to the fact that schools are closed, I am not sure if Thai Immigration offices will change visa exemption into a Non Immigrant ED Visa.
Thank you.
Hello. I was just wondering if tourists are allowed in Phuket after July 1st if they have vaccinated with Pfizer? Because I recently saw a list of accepted vaccines and Pfizer was not on the list. Thank you so much.
Dear Luliana,
Yes, Pfizer-BioNtech is one of the listed brands of vaccine for Phuket Sandbox.
Thank you.
Are the card records given at the time of vaccination sufficient proof for visa application?
Dear Peter,
Good day.
For USA yes. For Europe, you have an EU Vaccination Letter or certificate.
Thank you.
Are there any restrictions for Indians travelling to Thailand. My husband is an expat working in bangkok, so can i get dependent visa for myself to go to thailand ?
Dear Candy,
Good day.
Yes, the flights from Indian are banned from entering Thailand and the Thai Embassy in India has suspended the issuance of any visa and COE for non-Thai nationals.
Thank you.
Thank you for this helpful information. One question:
If I am planning on flying to Bangkok in early August, can I apply for my COE now? Is there any reason for me to wait?
Thanks!
Dear Thomas,
Good day.
The earliest you can apply for the COE is 6 weeks before the trip. The reason for that is the abrupt changes on the government’s entry requirements.
Thank you.
I agreed with Adam this information post very valuable to me as well!!
Dear Rex
I am planing in traveling to Thailand in July from the US as a tourist
I plan in going to koh Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai
I have been vaccinated with the Johnson Johnson vaccine which is only
one dose. Does the reduce quarantine only apply for people who have taken 2 doses vaccine and does it still apply has they changed back to 14-day mandatory quarantine starting May 6, 2021.
will it still be the 14 day mandatory quarantine in July?
Where can I check updates in quarantine time frames?
will I need to apply for a visa or just a COE before departure?
Thank you so much!!
Dear Marcelo,
Good day.
At the moment there is no reduced quarantine period. It has been posted that unvaccinated and vaccinated travelers are required to undergo mandatory quarantine of 14 days starting May 6th. I am unable to confirm if this will be the case in July 2021. We have to wait and see around June. You may constantly check this page for further updates or sign up for our weekly updates. If you will be using the 45-day visa exemption, you do not need to apply for the visa, you only need to apply for the COE which will only take 3 working days to process.
Thank you.
Hello Rex – can you please share the full details of the vaccine certificate that is required for 7 day quarantine? What we have in the Philippines is just a vaccination card that has our name, birthday, address, vaccine details. No mentions of Passport.
Dear Pat,
Good day.
Yes, the vaccination card is acceptable. However, right now April 30, that is no longer relevant for entering Thailand because starting May 1, all travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days regardless of your nationality, country of origin and vaccination status.
Thank you.
This information posted has been so valuable for me…thank you!!
My question is – How long does the Non-immigration O Visa take for approval once all the documents are received?
Our flight is booked for July 8th. Traveling with my Thai wife (has Canadian PR), myself and child who are both Canadian.
I am waiting for my daughter’s Canadian passport to be renewed which I’m told will be received in the mail by April 30th.
I will apply for the VIsa by May 3rd. Will that be enough time to received approval before June 16th when I will apply for the COE.
Thank you!
Dear Adam,
Thank you for your kind words we are glad that you find this page valuable.
Regarding your question, the approval and issuance of the non-immigrant O visa depends on the current situation in your country. Usually the Thai embassy will process the visa within 3 business days upon receiving your application. You and your child may apply for the Non Immigrant O visa for having a Thai spouse and parent. You may apply for the visa as early as 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel to Thailand. This will give you plenty of time to apply for the visa and the COE. The application for COE takes around 1 week and it is done online. Yes, anytime in May is perfect time to apply for the visa and apply for COE in June as you might have changed in your flight schedule due to cancellation etc.
Have a good day.
Hello,
We are planning to travel to Phuket in July for 2-3 weeks from the US.
Family of 5 -2 adult – vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna, 3 kids (3,9,12) without vaccine-like all kids on the planet.
We are planning to stay at Marriott Phuket for 9-10 days and then go to Bangkok for another week.
Questions:
1. Kids – Should children be within the quarantine? yes/ no /how long ?
2. Bangkok – can we travel to Bangkok or other places after 7 days in Phuket?
Thanks,
Zack
Dear Zack,
Good day.
For your trip to Phuket, you can use the 45-day visa exemption and you only need to apply for the COE or Certificate of Entry.
For the quarantine, you and your wife does not need to quarantine but your children are required to quarantine for 10 days. Since your children cannot be left alone on their own in quarantine, you must also quarantine with them.
Yes, after 1 week, you may travel out of Phuket.
Note: Since there is a 3rd wave of COVID 19 in Thailand right now, please check the news on what would be the plan of the government for July 2021.
Thank you.
When applying for a tourist visa, I read this on the website of the Thai embassy:
“You must be able to present a bank statement with adequate funds for your stay in Thailand when applying for a COE.”
What exactly does that mean, “adequate funds”? How much money would I need?
Dear Rudi,
Good day.
You need to have at least 700 to 1000 USD bank balance in your bank account to apply for the TR Visa (60 days) and COE or the 45-day Visa Exemption and COE.
Thank you.
Hi, I have a question regarding my visa and the COVID19 Insurance. Since my visa is Non-Immigrant B visa and my employer will offer their health insurance after 3months of my probationary period, so what insurance plan do I need to get? I mean there are different coverage period of insurance and I don’t know what to purchase. And my probationary period of my work will end around August, then I’ll be a regular employee after that.
Dear Roselle,
Good day.
The validity of the insurance normally is based on the visa that you have. So if you have a 90-day Non Immigrant B visa issued by the Thai Embassy, you only need to show a 90-day COVID 19 insurance. However, at the Thai Embassy in Manila, they require that your insurance is valid for 6 months if you are going to work in Thailand.
For insurance to Thailand, please refer to this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
Thank you.
Hi I am an Australian citizen, currently on a tourist visa in the Philippines. I plan to return to Australia in July and spend 3 weeks in Bangkok prior to traveling on to Australia. I understand the documents required from me to enter Thailand are. 1. COE, 2. Health Insurance certificate , 3. Negative Covid PCR test certificate , 4. Onward Airline ticket, 4.Pre booked hotel quarintine reservation. 5 Passport. 6.Thailand Plus App. I believe I do not require an entry visa, as Australia is on the exempt list of countries exempt from requiring a visa. Can you please confirm if the above documents are all I require. Regards Wayne
Dear Wayne,
Good day.
Yes, you are correct and you can use the visa exemption and you can directly apply for the COE.
You may also download the How to Enter Thailand in 2021 Guide on this page:
https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2021-guide.pdf
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
Do you know if we quarantine in Bangkok for 7 days will we need to quarantine again if we head to Phuket? Thank you!
Dear Thuy,
Good day.
At this time, there is no quarantine when you travel from one province to another province. If you are fully vaccinated and you stayed in quarantine in Bangkok for 7 days, there is no need for another quarantine when you travel to Phuket as long as your last COVID test result in Bangkok is negative.
Thank you.
Family in Thailand have told me that when I am fully vaccinated that I would be able to travel to Thailand. (we had both recovered from C19 and later took the Phizer vaccine). However, I see on this webpage, that the quarantine is still active. This would kill our idea of visiting this summer/fall. What is the current policy? If the quarantine is still active, then, has there been any discussion when it will end?
Dear Darius,
There is a proposal that in July 2021, if you are arriving on an international flight to Phuket, you do not need to do a quarantine if you are vaccinated. However, you have to stay in Phuket for 7 days before you can travel to other provinces.
Thank you.
Dear Sir/Madam,
As a foreigner, I want to travel to Vietnam with Thailand Transit like Yangon-Thailand-Vietnam. Can someone please advise me the process?
Dear Thu,
Yes, Thailand will allow transit passengers as long as you will not disembark the plane and you had a COVID 19 test prior to your flight to Thailand.
Thank you.
Dear Rex. I have a couple of questions.
1.I am an American volunteer teacher living in Mandalay,Myanmar for 4 years now. Will I be able to get a STV visa in Yangon(which may be closed) or can I apply online to the Thai embassy in America?
2. Can my travelling assistant(I am partially blind in my right eye) who is a
native Myanmar person also obtain an STV visa?
Dear Tommy,
Good day.
Please see my comments below:
1. Yes, you can apply for the the STV at the Thai Embassy in Yangon, if it is open. It is not possible for you to apply online in the USA because you are not physically located in the US.
2. Both of you can apply for the STV as long as both of you are qualified and both of you have the required documents.
Please call the Thai Embassy in Yangon for more information.
Thank you.
Hi
I’m Thai, my husband is foreigner. We are planing to go to Thailand for medical reason, not related to COVID-19. We both will be completely vaccinated by time of traveling.
We were interested to fly straight to Chiangmai, in May,2021. We had an appointment with Chiangmai hospital.
I saw that there is a ALQ hotel listed in Chiangmai. Can we book 10 day quarantine with this hotel? Can we fly straight/ domestic transfer to CNX?
Thank you for your answer
Dear Na,
Yes, you can book for ALQ in Chiang Mai if your international flight lands in CNX airport. If your flight arrives in BKK airport, you must do the ASQ in Bangkok or Pattaya only.
Thank you.
I am here in Bangkok at an ASQ for my 45 day stay. I traveled from the USA using the visa exempt status and i have a COE with supporting documentation. I also have Health insurance for 90 days. Am I allowed to apply for an extension to stay longer?? Maybe another 30 days if possible? What would I need to do for an extension.
Dear Lawrence,
Good day.
Yes, you have two options to extend your 45-day Visa Exemption stamp. First, you can extend for 30 days normal extension at your local immigration office for a fee of 1900 THB. Second option, you can extend for 60 days based on COVID 19 extension, for the same fee of 1900 THB at your local immigration office on or before May 29, 2021.
Thank you.
Hi,
I have non-B visa and I am planning to travel for Saudi Arabia next week and for 1 month.
Is it easy to return back and what are the requirements and the documents to return back?
Dear As,
Yes, if you decide to leave Thailand, please make sure you have a return flight, you have an insurance policy covering COVID 19 and a work permit. You will also undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine upon your return. A COE has to be issued by Thai Embassy Riyadh.
Thank you.
I’m in Thailand now. I have a non-B visa and work permit . Would like to go home and be back at the end of the April holidays. What are the quarantine requirements and the type of documents needed.
Dear Mike,
Good day.
The current quarantine requirement is 10-12 days. You need to get a COE when you plan to return to Thailand, purchase COVID insurance and book ASQ hotel. Please refer to the content of this article for more information:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions
Thank you.
Hi,
To change TR visa to Non-immigrant -ED for student and guardian after arrival in Thailand- do we need to exit Thailand and re-enter with non-immigrant visa?
Thank you
Dear Pem,
Good day.
Yes, normally the initial non Immigrant ED visa and Non O Guardian Visa must be issued by a Thai Embassy abroad. However, if you are in Thailand already, you may change into a Non Immigrant ED and O visas as long as you have more than 15 days remaining in your permit to stay. If you are still abroad, please apply for the Non ED and O visas from the Thai Embassy and the COE after that.
Thank you.
I’m married to a Thai national who is living in Thailand. I know I can enter Thailand with an ‘O’ visa (family) but under current UK COVID legislation, I’m not sure whether I will be permitted to travel to Thailand. I do not intend to return to the UK for at least 2 years
Dear Terrence,
As far as the Thai visa and requirements to enter Thailand, you can use the Non Immigrant O visa and you may extend your visa into 1 year within Thailand. Whether you will be permitted by UK government to exit the UK, I believe you can apply for an exit permit for the reason that you need to travel to your Thai wife. Should you need assistance in getting the Visa and COE in London, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/how-to-travel-to-thailand-2021.php
Thank you.
Hi and thanks for the information on this website.
First, have the rules changed if vaccinated (rumour of 7 vs 10 day quarantine as well as able to go around hotel facilities on day 4 of quarantine)?
Also, as I am an APEC card holder, can I now enter on this again?
Otherwise if entering on a passport that is “visa free”, can I extend once in Thailand ?
Dear Jim,
Yes, you can use the APEC card to enter Thailand. You only need to apply for the COE under APEC card/membership and you will be given 90 days permit to stay upon arrival. You may also enter Thailand under visa exemption and you will be given 45 days. Please be reminded that you are still required to undergo mandatory 10-day quarantine starting April 1 and you must also provide COVID 19 Insurance.
Thank you.
On the web site to apply for a VISA (prior to request for COE) there is a difference between category TR and STV. Am I correct that these are the differences?
For the initial request TR is for 60 days while STV is for longer stays.
Both require $100000 Covid-19 coverage but STV also requires medical insurance from Thai insurers for other medical problems (inpatient/outpatient) while TR does not.
STV requires actual proofs of residence after quarantine while TR just requires contact information.
Thank you so much for your website and information.
Dear Scott,
Yes, you are correct. The STV allows you to stay for 90 days and it can be extended for another 90 days. The TR visa is valid for 60 days and it can be extended for 30 days. The STV cannot be changed to any visa and TR visa can be changed to Non Immigrant visa inside Thailand. The TR visa only requires COVID insurance but STV required COVID and personal health insurance. STV requires ASQ and long term accommodation but TR visa only requires ASQ hotel.
Thank you.
Is it necessary to have the ASQ if i am a home owner in Koh Samui?
Dear Andrew,
Good day.
Yes, the ASQ or quarantine is required for all Thais and foreigners who are entering Thailand. No one is exempted. Right now if you are entering Thailand from abroad (except UK and Africa) the quarantine is only 10-11 days depending on your ASQ hotel package.
Thank you.
Hello,
if you have been vaccinated do we still have to mandatory quarantine and for how long and stay at only ASQ Hotels?? Can I also travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and must do PCR test again and have to quarantine in Chiang Mai as well?? Any other additional information would be greatly appreciated, we are arriving on April 5th, 2021.
Dear Terri,
Good day.
Yes, you must quarantine for 10 days in Bangkok. If you will travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai after the quarantine, you do not need to do a quarantine since there has been low domestic cases on COVID 19.You may check this page for your reference:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions
Thank you.
Hello: My wife and I would like to visit family in Chiangmai in late spring or early summer. We both have US passports. Both vaxed in February. I also have medical work to be completed at a dental clinic in CM. We have previously flown from SFO to CM via Taipei on EVA. Im confused regarding general entry rules. I know the quarantine rules are changing, but are we now eligible to enter as general tourists; or do I need to make the case for a family or medical visit? Thank you, Jon
Dear Jonathan,
Good day.
If you are staying less than 45 days, you can get visa exemption and if you are staying for 2 to 3 months, we recommend for you to get the 60-day TR visa. Right now, the current mandatory quarantine is 10 days (starting April 1, 2021) and 7 days for vaccinated tourists (no specific starting date).
You may check the updated information on this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions
Thank you.
Hello Mr. Rex,
I’m Vietnamese, I’m going to Thailand on the 27th of Mar.
I had got the COE and the Insurance. Do I need the statement bank?
Thank you ^^
Dear Nga,
If you already have a COE, ASQ, Insurance, PCR test result and fit-to-fly certificate, you do not need the bank statement for your entry to Thailand.
Thank you.
Can I extend my Visa exemption for another 30 days at the immigration office in Thailand? I´ve heared different opinions and it´s confusing. Thank you for the answer.
Dear Monika,
Good day.
Yes, the 45-day Visa Exemption can be extended for additional 30 days. If you apply for the extension on or before March 30, 2021, you may be able to request for 60 days extension.
Thank you.
Good day! I am planning to travel. to Thailand for vacation purpose but it will only be for a week, do I still have to be quarantine?
Dear Roze,
Good day.
Yes, you need to undergo a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. You can book an ASQ hotel for 10 days and spend one week on normal hotel rooms after that.You need to apply for COE and choose the 45-day visa exemption.
Thank you.
Thank you once again Mr. Rex. I contacted the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, SA about that but the Embassy said since my nationality is accredited to the Thai Embassy in Nigeria, I have to get the visa there.
That is the problem now.
Mr. Rex, I read in your response to someone’s comment about his reading the news of a possible reduction of the qurantine days.
You replied that the respective committee would meet on March 19, 2021 on that. Has the coommitee met and what is the update about the quarantine?
Kind regards.
Dear Osman,
Yes, it is correct. Travelers from most countries may undergo the 10-day quarantine. However for some 11 African countries, the quarantine is still 14 days.
Thank you.
Thank you once again for your timely reply to my message.
As there is no Thai Embassy in Ghana( and rather accredited to the Thai Embassy in Nigeria), I enquired about the visa application process at the Thai Embassy in Nigeria and I was told I have to apply for the visa in person.
This means I have to travel to Nigeria from Ghana to put in the application for the visa, something I find inconvenient at the moment as far as travelling to Nigeria is concerned.
I know a lot of Thai Embassies across the world allow applicants to submit their documents via courier, including the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
I want to therefore know whether a different Thai embassy such as the one in South Africa can seek approval from the Immigration Bureau to issue the visa to the applicant after accepting for the documents to be sent to it via courier, even if the applicant’s nationality is not accredited to the Thai embassy in question( such as the one in Pretoria, South Africa that accepts visa application documents via courier and which Ghana is not accredited to)
Thanl you.
Dear Osman,
Thank you for your message. I would recommend for you to contact the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. You may email the following:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Have a good day.
I am a Ghanaian and a teacher in Ghana of many years’ standing.
I want to join one of the volunteer organisations for a volunteer teaching program in Thailand this year, 2021. I have seen a volunteer organisation known as VolunteerSolutions, and therefore want your outfit to give me a list of accredited volunteer organisations that are recognised by the Thai government and that can provide an invitation letter to applicants to apply for Non-Immigrant Visa to volunteer in Thailand.
Also, can I change or convert this visa to Non-Immigrant B visa for work purpose if I find a teaching job with a school or language centre without travelling back home and applying for the Non-Immigrant B visa to entre Thailand again? And what is the process, duration and cost involved in converting my original visa type to Non-Immigrant B Visa?
Thank you
Dear Osman,
Good day.
This article serves as a guide for those foreigners who wish to enter or travel to Thailand. For the step 1 checking your eligibility, we cannot give you more information about these organisations for your volunteer visa non immigrant O or companies for a Non immigrant B visa for employment. You must do the due diligence or search on your own capacity or perhaps you may check some friends who were able to find schools to teach at.
Thank you.
Hello,
I am a Canadian national and Permanent Resident of Japan. Since Canadians do not require a visa for Thailand, an I apply for my COE at the Thai embassy in Tokyo?
Thank you,
KM
Dear Kent,
Yes, you can apply for the 45-day visa exemption and COE online. Should you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you.
Hi there,
I was in Thailand two weeks ago but had to fly back to Spain for s family emergency. I have a vigent non immigrant o visa and a re-entry stamp. Can I ask for a CoE with copy of this without applying for another visa? Do I ask for the visa exemption?
And, sorry to ask more questions but shall I need to submit flights back and forth and bookings of all my stay in Thailand?
Thank you for your help
Dear Nuria,
Good day.
I am not sure what exactly type of visa that you hold right now with a re-entry permit. Is that a non-immigrant O visa for having a Thai wife? Is that for retirement? is the for a volunteer visa?
Yes, you may apply for the COE using that visa and re-entry permit, however, the only issue will be the COVID 19 travel insurance because the validity of the insurance must also coincide with the validity of the non-immigrant O visa that you have right now.
Thank you.
Thank you a lot for the information on your website. I read that STV cannot be changed or converted to other types of visa. I would want to know whether the ordinary tourist visa issued for an initial 60 days can be converted to work visa while in Thailand? If not that is there any short stay visa that can be converted to work visa or work permit, say teaching in Thailand?
Dear Osman,
Good day.
You are correct that the STV or special tourist visa cannot be changed to any type of visa. As for the normal 60-day TR visa, yes, it is possible to convert or change it to a Non Immigrant O visa under Thai marriage and retirement. For some immigration offices they would not allow the 60-day TR visa to be changed to a Non Immigrant B visa.
Right now, there is a COVID extension that you may get, it will give you 60 days extension until you are ready to go home to your country of residence.
Thank you.
Hi there guys and gals, i noticed in an article that the Thai Govt is looking at reducing the quarantine period to 7 days if someone is vaccinated against Covid19 within 3 months of travelling to the Kingdom.
” Thailand’s Health Minister Monday announced that starting next month, all visitors who have been vaccinated within three months prior to arrival to Thailand will now be required to quarantine for 7-days. Previously, the country had been requiring a 14-day quarantine.
If that is the case what about people who say got the vaccination say for 4 or 5 or 6 months before travelling ? . Would they still need to do the Quarantine or would it be possible to find out what the Government might do in that situation .
All be it, i’m still hoping to win lottery here and retire on a Thai Elite Visa lol .
Dear Steven,
That is in the news, however, nothing has been agreed on, approved nor published on the Royal Gazette so this is not official. We have to wait until end of March 2021 in case there will be great news about it.
Thank you.
If I have been vaccinated, do I still need to undergo the quarantine in the ASQ hotel?
Thank you for providing this great information your website go I can learn how to travel to Thailand during COVID.
Dear Fred,
Thank you for your message. Yes, at this time, you are still required to undergo the mandatory quarantine. However, there will be a CSSA meeting on March 19, 2021 to discuss the possibility of reducing the number of days for the quarantine for vaccinated travelers. There has been no final decision about the proposal. We have to wait for further updates.
Have a good day.