The traveler's guide to Thailand's Phuket Sandbox Program

Thailand will be welcoming back international tourists to its southern resort island of Phuket starting Thursday. They don't need to stay in quarantine for 14 days.

The traveler's guide to Thailand's Phuket Sandbox Program

If you plan to visit the rest of Thailand, it is necessary to stay at least two weeks. During this time they can roam the island unassisted. Shorter stays are possible for those who travel to other countries.

Visitors can travel freely within Thailand after a 14-day stay, subject to the same restrictions as Thai tourists.

Visitors from 63 countries, and three territories that have been rated low or moderate risk by Thailand for COVID-19, can visit the "Phuket Sandbox" program. Additional requirements beyond nationality can be more complex and require a lot of paperwork. They also may be subject to change.

You can find the most current and complete information on the Tourism Authority of Thailand's website at www.tatnews.org or at the nearest Thai Embassy.

Many nationalities do not require visas for stays up to 30 consecutive days. There are many airlines that fly direct to Phuket: Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. El Al, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Before you travel to Phuket, here are the essential requirements:

-Must be in an approved country for at least 21 consecutive days before you leave.

-You must obtain a Certificate d'Entry from the Thai Embassy or Consulate.

-Must have all vaccines at least 14 days prior to departure. Travelers aged under 18 years are exempt from the requirement to be vaccinated if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian.

-Must submit a negative RTPCR test for COVID-19 within 72-hours of departure. Travelers under 18 years of age must also have a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19.

-Must be covered by COVID-19 treatment with a minimum of $100,000 in medical insurance.

At your arrival:

-Must be able to pay for a RT-PCR test for COVID-19 on their arrival or the sixth or seventh days of stay, and the 12th or thirteenth day.

-To travel to Thailand, you must stay at approved "SHA+" hotel for 14 days. Before you arrive, the booking must be confirmed. SHA+ certifies safety standards and health standards, including the requirement that at least 70% have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

To track your health and whereabouts, you will need to install the Thailand Plus and Morchana app.

-All must have proof of negative COVID-19 results during the 14-day period of stay in order to travel to other parts Thailand.

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