This Weekly Update was originally posted on September 3, 2021. For the most recent update, click here.
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Thailand Travel Restrictions Updates
The Phuket Sandbox program has welcomed more than 27,216 travelers since it started on July 1, 2021. Fully vaccinated travelers visiting Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox are not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. For travelers who wish to avail of this program, please see some of the updates and travel restrictions this week:
Updated Domestic Flights
For Sandbox travelers who have completed their Sandbox stay in Phuket or Samui and foreigners who completed their quarantine stay in Bangkok, you may travel to other provinces, subject to entry requirements. Here is an updated list of domestic flights for the month of September:
Thai Airways
- Bangkok to Phuket: TG922 (Thursday) and TG916 (Friday)
Bangkok Airways
- Bangkok to Phuket: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Bangkok to Samui: 3 flights daily
Nok Air
- Nok Air is back in service at Don Mueang International Airport from 1 September 2021 to Buri Ram, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Lampang, Loei, Mae Sot, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Ranong, Sakon Nakhon, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.
Thai Smile
- Thai Smile Airways has announced the resumption of some of its domestic flights (round trip) from 1-30 September 2021. These are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Phuket, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.
Updated List of Countries/Territories Eligible for Sandbox
On August 20, 2021, the CSSA and Tourism Authority of Thailand published the new list of countries and territories eligible to enter Thailand under Phuket and Samui Sandbox as follows:
Book your SHA+ Sandbox Hotel
For travelers who are entering Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus Sandbox, or the Phuket Sand 7 + 7 Extension (Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani) are required to book their accommodation in a SHA+ certified hotel. The Confirmation Letter and the SHABA ID (for Phuket) from the hotel are required when you apply for your COE or Certificate of Entry. To make sure that your hotel has been properly booked and you can request the SHABA ID or certificate, we recommend that you book through the link below. After booking, you will receive a confirmation voucher which you can use to request the SHABA ID from your hotel.
How to book your COVID Test in Phuket
Travelers who are arriving in Phuket through the Sandbox program are required to arrange the RT-PCR COVID 19 test before applying for the COE or Certificate of Entry. You have to book a test for Day 1(date of arrival), Day 6 or 7 and on Day 12 or 13. You may book this through your SHA+ Hotel or for convenience, you may book and pay in advance your RT-PCR tests in Phuket through the website:
Book your 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 COVID 19. To purchase the most reliable and, based on our experience, insurance that has never had any problem with the Thai Embassy or Consulate, please click the link below:
Domestic Tourists Can Now Travel to Phuket
Starting 8 September 2021, domestic travelers (Thais and foreign expats) will be allowed to visit Phuket for tourism purposes. However, they must have documentation proof including a copy of proof of vaccination, COVID 19 test result, and the payment confirmation for hotel accommodation. Further information about this plan and an updated list of requirements will be published in the coming days.
Bangkok New COVID-19 Restrictions
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced the latest Order No. 41 that allows venues and businesses to resume operations during the month of September such as shopping malls, flea markets, foot massage shops, and dine-in services, but the night-time curfew remains in place. For tourists who wish to stay in Bangkok after completing your Sandbox stay or Quarantine stay, you may book your accommodation through this link:
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 and daily updates about Thailand Travel Restrictions, you may check:
