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Thailand Pass: Test and Go Application Resumes on February 1
From February 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers from any country around the world can apply for a Test and Go Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance. Under the Test and Go program, travelers are not required to undergo a 7-night quarantine. They are only required to stay in a government-approved hotel on the day of arrival (1st Day) and on the 5th Day in Thailand.
For the new applications for Thailand Pass Test and Go Program, you can apply via: https://tp.consular.go.th/
*The system will reopen for new Test and Go applications from February 1, 2022 (09.00 Hrs. Thailand Time)
Test and Go Requirements
- COVID-19 Travel Insurance
With an insurance policy coverage of no less than US$ 50,000 - Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery
Travelers below 18 years of age are not required to present proof of vaccination if traveling with a parent or legal guardian - Hotel Confirmation Letter for Day 1
The letter confirms pre-paid accommodation, airport transfer and RT-PCR test and issued by an AQ or SHA Plus+ hotel - Hotel Confirmation Letter for Day 5 or 6
The letter confirms pre-paid accommodation and RT-PCR test and issued by an AQ or SHA Plus+ hotel
*Travelers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room waiting for the RT-PCR test result.
What is the difference between Test & Go and Sandbox?
With the Test and Go, you’re free to go anywhere you like in Thailand after you have passed your 1st test. But you have to stay in a SHA Plus+ hotel with a partner hospital on Day 5 while you wait for the result of the 2nd test. For example, you can have your 1st test in Bangkok and your second test in Chiang Mai as long as you stay in a SHA Plus+ hotel on your Day 5 to have your second test.
What is the point of the Sandbox when Test & Go will now be open to people from all countries?
You must understand that the global pandemic is ongoing and things can change. If there is a major outbreak or a new wave of high infections the government could suspend Test & Go again and Sandbox will be the backup plan.
I have already applied for a Thailand Pass for the Sandbox. Can I switch to Test & Go?
Yes, but you have to apply for a new Thailand Pass when registration re-opens on 1st February. Although some people may get the QR Code straight away, it can take up to 7 days. In some instances, the health officer at the port of entry may also change your Sandbox Thailand Pass (or Quarantine Thailand Pass) to be Test and Go if you have met the requirements.
I have a home in Thailand, do I really need to book a SHA Plus+ hotel for the 2nd test?
Yes, there are no exceptions to this. The 2nd hotel can be anywhere, but it must have a partner hospital and you must wait in the room for the results like you did for the first test.
I applied for Test & Go before the December 22 deadline and I have a Thailand Pass. Do I need to book a SHA Plus+ hotel for the 2nd test?
You are an exception as you can do the second test at a government designated facility for free. So far, the government has not stated if you must book a hotel for your RT-PCR test on Day 5.
Bangkok Airways to Operate Sealed Flights for Phuket Sandbox
Starting February 1, 2022 Bangkok Airways will start offering two special sealed-route flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) to Phuket Sandbox per day.
Schedule:
PG5275
Departure: 12:00hrs (BKK) and Arrival:14:05hrs (HKT)
PG5279
Departure: 17:10hrs (BKK) and Arrival: 19:15hrs (HKT)
It is important to note that the Bangkok to Phuket flight must be included in your international flight booking. Transfer through Bangkok is possible only with sealed routes flights which are booked together in a SINGLE BOOKING issued by the airlines only. Those who book domestic flights from Bangkok to Phuket separately will not be allowed to travel to Phuket, and will be required to enter 1-Night Quarantine or Test and Go in Bangkok.
Pattaya and Koh Chang Sandbox Programs to Reopen
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the reopening of Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox destinations, and the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension program starting February 1, 2022.
The reopening includes Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray – in Chon Buri, and Ko Chang in Trat as Sandbox destinations.
The Sandbox Extension program will also be introduced between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), where Sandbox travelers can travel within these destinations during the first 7 days in Thailand and can change accommodation three times (can book 3 different hotels).
Current Sandbox rules remain unchanged, travelers will be required to stay in SHA Plus+ Hotel for the duration of 7 nights with the mandatory RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
- Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Carlton Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
- The Westin Grande Sukhumvit
- Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri
- Grande Centre Point Terminal 21
- Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
- Grand Hyatt Erawan
- The Landmark Bangkok
- The Peninsula Bangkok
Where to Stay in Phuket
- IBIS Phuket Patong Hotel
- Hotel Clover Patong Phuket
- The Sea Galleri By Katathani
- DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa
- Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
- La Flora Resort Patong
- The Naka Phuket Villa
- Sri Panwa Phuket
- The Nai Harn
COVID Insurance for Thailand
Based on experience, the common problem for Thailand Pass applications being rejected is that some insurance policies are not properly worded. Your COVID-19 insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 50,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19 while in Thailand. You may use your own health insurance or purchase insurance from your own country, however, it is recommended to purchase from an insurance company in Thailand such as AXA Insurance Thailand to make sure that you meet the requirement in obtaining the Thailand Pass successfully.
Some common problems with insurance documents submitted during the Thailand Pass process that will cause an application to be denied:
- Wrong coverage date. The policy must be effective before or on the date of arrival and during your entire length of stay.
- Your certificate of insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 50,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19.
- Your insurance letter or certificate must contain the policy number and date of effectivity or start date.
To purchase the most reliable insurance that has never had any problem in the Thailand Pass application, please click the link below:
https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
Apply for Thailand Pass as Easy as Possible
The Thailand Pass is required for both Thai and foreign nationals to enter Thailand. It is free of charge to obtain a Thailand Pass.
Travelers must also be aware that proper preparation is the key to the approval of their Thailand Pass application. Please do your application at least 2 to 3 weeks before your departure date. Don’t leave it for the last minute.
In case you are experiencing difficulty with the Thailand Pass system, you could also avail the professional services of Siam Legal International, a law firm in Thailand that will help you in your Thailand Pass registration and therefore make it easy for you to get to the Land of Smiles.
Siam Legal Visa and Thailand Pass Assistance
Package 1: 200 USD (Visa + Thailand Pass)
- Online Visa Consultation
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in Thai e-visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and 60-day TR visa)
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application
- 3 to 4 weeks process
- Available in the US, UK, and Canada visa applications only
Package 2: 100 USD (Thailand Pass)
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including Visa holders and Visa Exemption)
- 5 to 7 days process
- Available for Thai and foreign nationals
For the latest information, weekly updates, and guide about How To Travel to Thailand in 2022, you may check this page here:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2022
