Are You Loooking for Phuket Sandbox programme expanded

The ‘Phuket Sandbox’ allows international travellers to visit Phuket province without having to undergo quarantine on arrival. Once you receive your first negative RT-PCR test result you can enjoy travel and leisure activities throughout Phuket. After the first seven nights in Phuket province, you are permitted to travel to other areas of Thailand. Under the current rules, vaccinated Thai nationals and any foreign travellers can visit under the Phuket Sandbox programme. From 11th January, also travellers coming from South Africa and other African countries are also allowed to visit Thailand under either the Sandbox programme or the Alternative Quarantine system. It also worth noting that unvaccinated children under 18 years old while traveling with vaccinated parents, are also allowed to enter. Adults who are unvaccinated will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at any AQ Hotels in Phuket for period of 10 days.

Table of contents_ Main requirements for Phuket Sandbox.  Frequently asked questions (FAQs):  Thailand Pass, Insurance and visas, Covid vaccinations and tests, Children and young adults under 18, Flights and hotels, Phuket questions, Covid regulations for domestic travel in Thailand, Useful links, Feedback and suggestions

What does “Fully Vaccinated” mean? In order to take part in the Phuket Sandbox scheme, you must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or registered with the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). For most of the vaccines, you will need to have had two vaccines before you can travel, (apart from the Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which provides full immunisation after just one dose). Mix and match vaccines will not be accepted (for example, if you have had one AstraZeneca jab and one Pfizer jab).

You will need to show a vaccine card/certificate or adequate proof of vaccination before boarding the plane to Thailand. At least 2 weeks (but not more than one year) must have passed since you were inoculated before you can travel. If you have had COVID-19 and are fully recovered, you will still need to be vaccinated in order to travel to Thailand. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are still allowed to fly to Phuket, however, you will have to undergo quarantine in an ‘Alternative State Quarantine Hotel’ in Phuket for 10 nights and 11 days before being allowed to move around freely.

What visa do I need to enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox? All international travellers to Thailand have the same visa options as before the pandemic. While there are rumours about the Phuket Sandbox allowing new visas on arrival, this has not yet been confirmed. At present, you can either enter Thailand without arranging a visa in advance and receive the visa exemption entry-pass upon arrival (which used to give travellers 30 days in the Kingdom, but now gives 45 days). OR, you can arrange a 60-day tourist visa in advance (TR60) which you must apply for at your local Thai Embassy.

What other paperwork do I need for the Phuket Sandbox? Here is a list of all of the requirements you will need before entering Thailand: (a) Thailand Pass (previously Certificate of Entry) – To enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox scheme (or any other way) you will need to apply for a Thailand Pass, which should take no more than 72 hours to process. (See more information on this below.) (b)  SHA+ hotel booking – You will need to show proof of payment for your stay in an SHA Extra+ or AQ Hotel in Phuket.  (c)  Negative COVID-19 PCR Test – Taken not more than 72 hours before departure. (See more info below) (d) 2 x pre-booked and paid for COVID-19 RT-PCR tests – To be taken while in Phuket. Arrange your tests here.  (e) Proof of personal funds – You will need to show proof of at least 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family. (f) Travel insurance – You will need travel insurance with at least $50,000 USD of COVID-19 health insurance cover. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (affiliate link) is a good option. (g) Direct flight into Phuket – No domestic transits in Thailand are allowed.

How do I get the Thailand Pass? In order to obtain your Thailand Pass, you will need to follow these steps: (a) Book your flight. (You will need to submit your flight information to the hotel that you plan to book in order for them to authorise your stay.) (b) Book your SHA Extra+ hotel. It is best to book directly with hotels via email. Once booked, the hotel will send you confirmation of your booking and add your booking to the “SHA Extra+ Booking Authorisation” System (also known as “SHABA”) to authorise your stay in Thailand. (c) Submit relevant documentation. This includes a copy of your passport, visa (if applicable), vaccination certificate, SHA Extra+ reservation for 7 nights (including COVID-19 RT-PCR tests) and insurance policy to cover the duration of your stay in Thailand. (d) Receive Thailand Pass in 3 working days. If all of the above steps have been followed, you should receive your Thailand Pass within three working days. You will need the Thailand Pass QR code to check in on your flights and also to present at immigration when entering the country. 

Phuket questions:  

Will everything be open as usual on Phuket?Many businesses throughout Thailand have been impacted by the absence of international tourism. Sadly, some businesses on Phuket haven’t been able to survive while others are operating with a limited number of staff. Although not everywhere will be fully open, venues that are will be extra welcoming. As tourists start to return it’s hoped that more businesses will be able to reopen. 

Will I have to wear a mask? All visitors are kindly asked to observe local rules which may mean wearing a mask in public areas. Although it’s unlikely you’ll be required to wear a mask on the beach if you are adhering to social distancing, you are requested to observe any local rules that may be in place which include wearing a mask in taxis and minibuses. Please also observe any signs that ask you to scan your temperature and wear masks inside shops or malls. 

My partner lives in Thailand and wants to meet me in Phuket. Can my partner stay with me in my hotel? Your partner can travel to Phuket if they follow all the local rules regarding inter-provincial travel and entry requirements for Phuket that are in place at the time of travel. This includes having medical insurance. We also advise double-checking with your hotel for any additional information they may require.

How long do I have to stay in Phuket? Can I travel to other areas of Thailand?You need to complete a 7-night stay in Phuket before being allowed to travel to other areas of Thailand. Once you receive your first negative test result in Phuket, you are able to travel freely around Thailand’s largest island. After you receive your second negative test result and have completed a 7-night stay in Phuket, you are able to travel to any other area of Thailand.