In July, Phuket will reopen to international travellers and waive quarantine for vaccinated travellers. But with the end finally in sight, travellers have as many questions as answers. We’ve put together some common FAQs, along with all the latest info from the Land of Smiles.
What is the Phuket Sandbox, and when does it begin?
From 1 July 2021, Phuket will be open to vaccinated international travellers, with no need for quarantine. If successful, this scheme will be repeated in other destinations nationwide.
What vaccines are accepted?
The following vaccines are registered with Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and/or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO):
– AstraZeneca
– Moderna
– Johnson & Johnson
– Sinovac
– Sinopharm
– Pfizer
Do I have to go through quarantine?
No. If you have been fully vaccinated and have passed an RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, you will not need to go through quarantine.
Can I travel outside of Phuket to see the rest of Thailand?
Yes. But first you must spend at least 14 nights in Phuket. You can stay for less time, but will then need to head home.
What countries are eligible for entry?
Phuket is open to anyone from low- to medium-risk countries. The list of these countries is provided by MoPH here and is updated regularly. High-risk countries are not allowed entry.
Can I travel with my kids?
Yes. Children under 6 can enter, provided their parents or guardians are fully vaccinated and they pass a saliva test upon arrival at the airport. Children between 6 and 18 will also need to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival.
What documents do I need to bring?
In addition to your passport, you will need the following documents to enter Phuket:
1. Certificate of Entry (COE)
2. Vaccination Certificate
3. Proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours)
4. Medical insurance covering Covid-19 (min. US$100,000)
5. Confirmation of accommodation (min. 14 days)
6. A return flight from Phuket International Airport (if stay is less than 14 days)
What are the requirements upon arrival?
One of the first things you will need to do is register for a track and trace app. There are currently two available: “Mor Chana” and “Thailand Plus.” Officials are currently trying to streamline this service into one app, to make things easier for tourists.
How and where can I book a hotel?
You must stay in a ‘SHA Plus’ hotel. SHA is a certification for hotels and businesses who meet Thailand’s Covid-19 hygiene and health safety standards. ‘SHA Plus’ is a certification for companies who have received the SHA certificate AND had 70% of their workforce vaccinated. SHABA (SHA Plus Booking Authenticator) is the system that verifies your booking with these organizations. You will need this booking confirmed when you apply for your COE.
What are the rules to follow during my stay in Phuket?
You will be free to travel around Phuket province for the duration of your stay, but certain protocols (known as DMHTTA) must be followed:
‣ D – Distancing
‣ M – Mask wearing
‣ H – Hand washing
‣ T – Temperature checks
‣ T – Testing for Covid-19
‣ A – contact tracing application
After arrival, you’ll need to upload your SHA Plus+ hotel confirmation to the track and trace app, along with receipts for all RT-PCR tests according to your period of stay.
Can I go island-hopping around Phuket?
Yes and no. During the first 14 nights, you can visit islands in Phuket Province. This means Koh Naka Yai, Koh Naka Noi, Koh Rang Yai, Koh Maprao (Coconut island), Koh Tapao Noi, Koh Tapao Yai, Koh Lone, Koh Mai Thon, Koh He (Coral island), Koh Bon, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. You can NOT visit Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao or Phang Nga Bay during this period.
How many times will I need to get tested for Covid-19?
If you plan to stay in Phuket for the full 14 nights and then travel elsewhere in Thailand, you will need to take a test at four key stages of the trip (before travel; upon arrival; on day six or seven; and then on day 12 or 13 prior to departure). If your stay is shorter, you’ll only need three tests in total (before arrival, upon arrival and then prior to departure). You will need to upload a receipt of all RT-PCR tests results during your stay in Phuket.
How and where do I get tested during my trip to Phuket?
According to the Phuket Tourist Association, seven Covid-19 test centres will be set up across the island to facilitate tourists’ RT-PCR tests. Testing is already available at five centres:
• Maikhao, operated by Bangkok Hospital
• Laguna, operated by Bangkok Hospital Phuket
• Central Phuket, operated by Vachira Phuket Hospital
• Jungceylon, operated by Bangkok Hospital Siriroj
• Kata Center, operated by Mission Hospital Phuket
How much does it cost?
The first swab test will need to be done in your home country within 72 hours of departure. The cost of this will depend on your country’s health providers. In Phuket, you will need to pay for three more tests over a 14-day period:
• Upon arrival at the airport: 2,400 THB
• Day 6 or 7 at an official Swab Centre: 2,800 THB
• Day 12 or 13 at an official Swab Centre: 2,800 THB
The above prices are for official test centres. If visitors want to use test services from a hospital, this is likely to cost a little more – up to around 3,500 baht.
What happens if I test positive during my stay?
Anyone testing positive upon arrival will receive a full refund from their hotels and be escorted to an alternative local quarantine (ALQ) facility. Visitors who test positive during their stay will need to contact the SHA Manager at the hotel where they are staying, who will support them in reporting to a local medical facility.
Can I stay with local friends in Phuket?
No. According to Mr. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, who is president of the Phuket Tourist Association Health, authorities are “strongly opposed” to letting arrivals share rooms with residents, even in cases where both parties are related.
What airlines are flying to Phuket?
The following airlines have recently announced direct flights to Phuket:
– British Airways
– Cathay Pacific
– El Al
– Etihad Airways
– Emirates
– Singapore Airlines
– THAI
– Qatar Airways
Where can I find out more information?
As the situation in Thailand continues to change, we will continue to provide the latest breaking news regarding Covid-19 and its impact on tourism via our social media channels:
