This Weekly Update was originally posted on October 1, 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.
Thailand’s Sandbox Programs are now open to all countries
As of October 1, Thailand has lifted the listing of countries per the level of COVID-19 transmission risks for Sandbox tourists. This means Thailand is now welcoming fully vaccinated travelers from any country in the world to the Sandbox program in Phuket, Samui, Krabi, and Phang Nga.
New Sandbox Update
For fully vaccinated travelers coming to Thailand who are eligible for Phuket, Samui, Phang Nga, Krabi Sandbox programs:
- The Sandbox stay will be reduced from 14 to 7 nights unless travelers have proof of return tickets leaving Phuket (to another country) before 7 days.
- 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 sandbox stay 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 their Sandbox stay are required to complete their stay for a total of 10 nights (instead of 14 nights). You may contact your SHA+ hotel about this.
New Quarantine Update
For fully vaccinated travelers arriving in Bangkok who are not eligible for Sandbox programs:
- The quarantine period will be reduced from 14 to 7 days for fully vaccinated travelers, and 10 days for unvaccinated/partially vaccinated travelers, subject to terms and conditions.
- 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).
- For unvaccinated children who are arriving in Bangkok are subject to mandatory 10-night quarantine accompanied by their parents who are also required to complete 10-night quarantine regardless of their vaccination status.
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 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.
Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach is located directly next to the white sands of Kamala Bay and with uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea. It offers a little slice of paradise for visitors to Phuket. With its unique and quiet beachfront location, along with its close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Patong just 15 minutes away, this modern hotel provides the best of both worlds.
To book this hotel, please click the link below:
V Villas Phuket – MGallery, located in Panwa Beach, 1.4 km from Panwa Beach, provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has pool views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. The accommodation offers room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
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:
