This Weekly Update was originally posted on October 15, 2021. For the most recent update, click here.
To sign-up for our Weekly Updates, please click here.
November 2021 Reopening
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced earlier this week that there will be no quarantine for fully vaccinated air travelers from five countries from November 1, and destinations in more provinces will also be opened to foreign travelers. This has been resolved on Thursday, October 14, to allow in fully vaccinated visitors from the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, and China if they pass an RT-PCR test before arrival – for an initial period from November 1 to December 31. The number of destinations opened to tourists would also expand to 17 provinces of economic significance. This would include all of Bangkok, Samut Prakan (only via Suvarnabhumi airport), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin district), Surat Thani (Samui included), and all of Krabi and Phang-Nga.
ATTENTION: At present, there is no official confirmation or confirmed list of guidelines such as COVID tests before traveling, upon arrival, hotel booking, COVID insurance that may be required regarding this program. We will publish the updates as soon as they are officially confirmed.
Thailand Pass To Replace the COE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand has just announced that they will replace the Certificate of Entry (COE) system for international air travelers from November 1, 2021 and replace it with “Thailand Pass“.
Required information for the app to produce an entry code will be:
- Passport Information
- Vaccination Certificate
- COVID-19 Health Insurance Coverage
- SHA+/AQ Hotel Booking
We will publish the updates regarding Thailand Pass as soon as we have further details.
Siam Legal YouTube Channel
To get more information about the travel restrictions, requirements, and processes when entering Thailand, visit our Youtube channel. Please like and subscribe. Don’t forget to click the notification bell to get more of our news update videos.
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 the 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 or 60-day COVID extension 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.
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 click the Qatar Airways link below:
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.
The Nai Harn boasts stunning sea views and a beachfront location. It is nestled in a tropical hillside overlooking the beautiful Nai Harn Beach. Comfortable rooms and suites offer a spacious balcony that looks out towards the ocean. Free WiFi is available in public areas. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen satellite TV. They are equipped with a minibar, a sofa seating area, and outdoor furniture. The en suite bathroom offers a shower, bathtub, and free designer toiletries. Private barbecues on the balcony are available for certain room types.
To book this hotel, please click the link below:
https://www.agoda.com/the-nai-harn/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
Choose 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:
