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Thailand Travel Restrictions – Up to Date Information

Travelers the world over are keen to find out when and how they can travel to Thailand in 2022.

In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to know about the current Thailand Travel Restrictions and what you need to do to prepare for your trip.

Can I travel to Thailand now?

As of December 21st 2021 travel restrictions to Thailand have reverted to stricter measures. These measures will stay in place until at least January 4th 2022.

The reason for this, disappointingly, is in reaction to the new Omicron variant currently circulating worldwide.

Whether you have already have an approved booking, are awaiting approval, or plan to travel, here are the latest rules:

1. Travelers Approved Through Thailand Pass

Those who have already been approved in the Thailand Pass system under Test and Go or one of the Sandbox schemes will be able to travel as per their arrangements. Once in Thailand, there will be a second PCR test arranged for you at a government facility, free of charge, to ensure you are negative of COVID-19.

2. Travelers Awaiting Approval

Applicants who have registered but have not received their QR Code must wait for their Thailand Pass to be approved. Once approved, they can enter Thailand under the scheme they have registered for (be that Test & Go or a sandbox scheme).

3. New Travelers

New applicants will not be able to register for the Test and Go scheme or the Sandbox Scheme (except for the Phuket Sandbox). The Thailand Pass system will only accept those entering Thailand under the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or Phuket Sandbox Scheme.

AQ means a period of quarantine in a hotel. This will be between 7-10 days. I am awaiting an official update on the required period.

The Phuket Sandbox Scheme

The Phuket Sandbox is remaining open.

To be eligible for the scheme, proof of vaccination must be provided via a certificate of vaccination or so-called “vaccine passport”.

You must stay in Phuket for 7 days and test negative for COVID-19 before being able to leave the island and other provinces on the seventh day.

Testing will also be conducted upon arrival.

There are no restrictions on travel around Phuket during your stay.

thailand-travel-restrictions

What are the Phuket Sandbox requirements?

  • Certificate of vaccination completed at least 14 days and no more than 12 months before arrival in Thailand.
  • COVID-19 Free Certificate (obtained via a test), within 72 hours before departure.
  • Register for the “Thailand Pass” at tp.consular.go.th at least 7 business days prior to departure.
  • COVID-19 health insurance with minimum coverage of USD 50,000 (see further info later on this page).
  • SHA+ Hotel Booking Certificate*.
  • Prepaid RT-PCR COVID 19 test in Phuket (tests will happen on arrival and on the 6th or 7th day of your stay).

* The SHA scheme is designed to restore the confidence of domestic and international tourists following the COVID-19 crisis. Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, transport services and other facilities in Thailand are able to apply for SHA certification, but must strictly follow the COVID-19 control guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Health.

The SHA Plus+ certification is awarded to hotels and businesses who not only meet the SHA standards, but also have at least 70% of their staff vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Samui Plus Sandbox Scheme

The Samui Sandbox scheme is closed until further review on January 4th 2022. When it reopens, visitors can visit Koh Samui under a sandbox scheme similar to Phuket, with onward travel to the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao allowed after 7 days.
Visitors will be allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand after 14 days if they test COVID-19 negative at the end of their stay.
Travel to the island is permitted for:
  • Fully vaccinated adults from all countries.
  • Children travelling with vaccinated parents.

What are the Samui Plus Requirements?

To travel to Koh Samui, you will require:

  • Proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • A negative RT-PCR test result no more than 72 hours before departure.
  • Proof that you have spent the previous 21 days in a low or medium-risk country.
  • Confirmation of booking at a Samui Extra Plus (minimum 7 nights) hotel. Thereafter, you can stay at any SHA+ certified hotel on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
  • Register for the “Thailand Pass” at tp.consular.go.th at least 7 business days prior to departure.
  • Approved Thai COVID tracking app installed on your smartphone.
  • COVID-19 health insurance with minimum coverage of USD 50,000 (see further info later on this page).
  • RT-PCR test on arrival – for adults and children of 6 years or older – and one on the 6th or 7th day of your stay.

* Shorter stays are available for those departing on international flights.

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

Those from countries under the Visa Exemption List are not required to obtain a visa.

Due to the COVID situation, you also have the option to extend your visa at any local immigration office in Thailand for 60 days, instead of the usual 30 days.

Please note that the 60-day Tourist Visa, 90-day Special Tourist Visa, Thai Elite Visa, and other Non-Immigrant visas are also available at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate. Holders of these visas are still required to sign up for the Thailand Pass at least 7 business days before departure.

Thailand Pass

The new Thailand Pass scheme has replaced the now defunct Certificate of Entry (COE). You must sign up for this at tp.consular.go.th at least 7 business days prior to departure.

Your approval will come from the The Department of Disease Control of Thailand and not from your local embassy or consulate.

Apply for the pass in plenty of time to ensure you are approved in time for your flight.

COVID-19 PCR Test

The previous requirement of a fit-to-fly certificate is no longer required to travel to Thailand. However, you do need a RT-PCR test. This must be taken within 72 hours of your flight.

Thai nationals can choose to submit either a fit-to-fly certificate or a COVID-19 medical certificate.

Thailand COVID Insurance for Foreigners

Travel to Thailand requires a specific COVID insurance policy.

The COVID travel insurance certificate must be submitted to the Thai embassy or consulate when applying for your visa and Certificate of Entry. The insurance policy must cover 50,000 USD or more, and COVID-19 must be explicitly covered.

The insurance policy must cover your entire stay.

I have written a post with all the information you need to know about getting the correct insurance policy.

+ Read the insurance guide here.

How do I book an ASQ or SHA hotel?

If you are unvaccinated and plan to quarantine for the 10 days, I have a complete ASQ guide that walks you through what to expect during quarantine: the rules you'll have to follow, what you should consider, and the best hotel recommendations.

+ Read the ASQ guide here.

If you need to book an SHA hotel for your first night, you can do so here on Agoda. 

Health Screening & Local Restrictions

All arrivals are subject to health screening. As standard this means a temperature check and a PCR test. Results will be provided within 24 hours and you will be notified at your hotel.

Testing will continue throughout the first 14 days of your stay (see the ASQ guide linked above for further details).

International arrivals are required to present a printed copy of a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative test result, a printed T8 Health Declaration form, which lists information regarding your current state of health and a list of places visited before arriving in Thailand, and a copy of your vaccination card – if applicable.

For inter-provincial travel, some airports such as Phuket and Samui now require a COVID test – PCR or a rapid test – upon arrival.

Local restrictions also apply, with some provinces requiring everyone to wear a face mask or covering in public places. Disobeying this rule will incur a fine of 20,000 Baht.

The cost of testing is paid by the traveler.

Color-Coded Provincial System

The restrictions placed upon each province (zone) are indicated by a color-code system.

The current system in place is as follows:

  • Dark red zones for maximum and strict Covid control
  • Red zones for maximum control
  • Orange zones, classified as “controlled areas”
  • Yellow zones for high surveillance

Keep an eye on the evolving situation and the zonal changes for the provinces to which you plan to travel.

ThailandPlus App

Upon arrival you will also be required to download the ThailandPlus app. Indeed, you can do this before you travel.

After downloading the application, you must enable GPS on your phone and accept the privacy policy.

You must then upload a recent (not more than one month old) profile photo before inputting your COE number and reference ID obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General.

Once all data is verified as correct, the system will direct you to the ‘QR code’ page where you can begin using ‎the application.

You will need to use the app as you move to different locations around the country.

Businesses throughout Thailand display QR codes that are required for check-in and check-out scanning. This includes all types of accommodation, restaurants, shopping centers, and tourism attractions.

In the event that you have been in close contact with any confirmed COVID-19 cases, you will be notified and offered recommendations via the app (source).

Can Thai nationals travel within Thailand?

Domestic flights have resumed, though some operators may be flying limited routes until travel demand increases.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will allow airlines to operate domestic passenger flights out of “dark red” areas — the local classification for risk levels — with some restrictions in place.

Note that passengers flying out of Bangkok must either be fully-vaccinated and have tested negative for the coronavirus prior to departure. Inbound domestic passengers will not be subject to the same regulations.

Please check with your flight operator on the conditions for flying before you travel, as these may vary between operators and destinations.

In Summary

Travel requirements and restrictions may vary depending on your country of origin.

The best thing to do is start by checking the government website in your home country to see what travel restrictions are in place and how that affects your outbound and inbound travel.

Once you have identified that travel to Thailand is possible, you should contact your local Thai embassy or consulate and ask if there are any specific restrictions for travelers from your country.

At this point you can proceed with your booking and obtaining your visa (if required), Thailand Pass, insurance policy and PCR test prior to flying, and your vaccine certificate, if applicable.

If you have any questions regarding Thailand's travel restrictions, please leave them in the comments section below.

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  1. Denise Blake says

    Have hired a rental car from Phuket Airpirt on arrival for Phuket Sandbox I am travelling alone. Can I use the rental car as my first night hotel transfer to await covid results? Also I want to stay close to airport for my first night of SHA+ accommodation so I can return to airport next day to pick up rental vehicle, then spend the remaining 11 days of my holiday at a SHA+ hotel in Karon Beach. Is this permissible, or do the 7 days Sandbox stay have to be in the same hotel. Any info appreciated.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      As far as your first question goes: No, you have to take SHA+ transport to your hotel. The hotel can arrange that for you. Your stay can be split into multiple hotels but the Sandbox part of it has to be at the first hotel you stay at. You will be scanned daily and reported by that hotel. After your seven days you can move to another hotel. So, if your plan is to spend 10 of your 11 days in Karon your best bet is to spend all of your nights there. Car rentals are no problem and there are several in Karon and Kata as well as many others that will deliver the car to your hotel.

      I stayed in Karon for my Sandbox entry in October and even as dead as it was then it was easy to rent a car and scooter. If you want to use an international brand at the airport you can always take a taxi back to the airport or check if they'll deliver as well.
      Reply

    • Denise Blake says

      Thanks for your last advice. With Phuket Sandbox will the receipt and confirmation from Agoda be sufficient for SHA+ hotel booking for Thailand Pass Application. Or do I need a specific SHABA letter of confirmation from the hotel for first 7 days. Thanks for your advice.
      Reply

  2. Robert says

    Hello Peter, first thank you for the newsletter, it’s very informative and I look forward to it every month.
    Now for my problem, I am severely dyslexic and have considerable trouble understanding application forms largely because of the terminology used within them, the Thailand pass being a case in point.and it is stopping me from applying.
    I have no doubt that for most it is easy to understand but for me it is a complete minefield and I do not know where to start.
    Is there a simple format that I can follow when the test and go returns?
    I suppose what I really need is for someone to say download this from here, do this do that in a start to finish format whilst being mindful of big words.
    If you or another reader can help me it will be greatly appreciated.
    I am a fully vaccinated 2 AZ + Pfizer booster + flu jab, very fit 75 year old Brit desperate to get back to the GF I have not seen for 2 years
    Best wishes for the new year, and thanks for any help
    Robert
    Reply

  3. Wim says

    Hi peter
    I have already a thai pass, from the 13th of January.
    But British Airways cancelled my flight unfortunately, but I can fly and arrive at Bangkok on rhe same say (14 th)
    My question is, must I apply again for a new thaipass or the immigration officer let me enter the country.
    Because the thai pass asked me with with carrier I will arrive???
    Reply

  4. Pierre S says

    I am married to a thai lady despite being married before coming to Thailand I got a retirement visa Non OA Have since converted to marriage visa My question can I re- enter country after a visit back to my country of birth without the health insurance as I cannot get health insurance due to age and preconditions. I have yellow house book and pink thai ID card and have been living here for 3 yrs now and I meet or exceed financial requirements for stay. Appreciate any views/advice
    Reply

  6. Mike Baker says

    Is the 1 night stay on arrival from 1st November a quarantine or are you free to check in and then leave for an evenings entertainment?

    What guarantees are given that the test result will be available before check out time on the day after arrival (which is normally midday)? Do the government pay for a 2nd night if required?

    Where in all this information is the government policy of enforced confinement for 14 days for those deemed to test positive clearly advised to potential visitors?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      1. I'm quite sure you have to wait for your PCR result before walking around town. However, it may come back the same day you arrive. 2. Not seen any information on that. 3. Your guess is as good as mine.
      Reply

      • FV says

        FYI, even with the Phuket Sandbox that we returned on, the hotel advised us to stay in-room till PCR test results were available. We did, mostly due to jetlag & ordered room service. Think it’s prudent to follow the rules.
        Reply

    • JamesE says

      1) My test for the Phuket Sandbox came back in about six hours. I arrived early morning so basically got swabbed, rode to the hotel, unpacked, had a room service lunch, and then was free to go. The testing and general organization has been outstanding on the Thai side. 2) Check with prospective hotels for details. The tests are supposed to be 24 hr max turnaround and I’ve seen nothing reported for more than eight. 3) You don’t go into quarantine, you go to the hospital. Check the TAT news site for all current rules and policies.
      Reply

  8. Charles Jones says

    I am still a bit confused on "in country" travel. I plan on staying in Buri Ram province (Phutthaisong) for 45 days with friends (Thai nationals) I'm looking at mid December for travel. Is that possible now as it is outside the "Sandbox"? If so, what are the requirements, or restrictions?

    I understand the COE and Insurance is required but I'm confused as to quarantine requirements. Is that still applicable?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The plan is to scrap quarantine for double vaxxed tourists in November. So you should be able to land and transfer to Buri Ram by then without quarantine. The Sandbox in Phuket currently requires a 7-day stay before you can travel elsewhere in Thailand. There may be local restrictions in Buriram such as a test on arrival, mask wearing in public, etc. You won't know until nearer the date. I'd ask your friends what it's currently like there to gage what to expect.
      Reply

      • JamesE says

        The issue with the "scrap quarantine" narrative is that nobody knows what that means... yet. Remember Phuket Sandbox is a "no quarantine" destination and earlier talk spoke of a Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, etc., etc. "Sandbox". So you could be faced with some kind of "sandbox" restrictions. The Gov't has been announcing plans mid- to late-month with final plan approval in the last days of the month, so look for November's rules being announced in the next couple of weeks. That announcement should also include how long the rules will apply. The Oct 1 changes to AQ and Sandbox were approved for a single month with a bigger announcement slated for November. Time, as always in Thailand, will tell.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Absolutely. I've had a few people email me already saying I should update my post because there is no quarantine. But actually that is still to be finalised for November 1st, and may not happen if the cabinet does a u-turn. As of today, a 7-day quarantine is still in place, with different rules for the sandbox areas.
          Reply

  9. Nikki says

    Hello,

    I'm planning on traveling to Thailand, Koh Samui in the beginning of November and want to stay longer than 60 days. I'm now looking into how to proceed with visa application and COE and I have a few questions regarding this. 
    I got some information regarding COE and Visa that I was not happy about because it sounds more complicated than I thought, however I doubt that this information is correct.  

    What kind of ( extra ) documents are required beside the ones already mentioned in this forum and on your page, for Visa and COE? I been told by somebody I know that I will also need to get the following :

    -  Proof that I have not been convicted of a crime.

    - Booking and proof of payment for accommodation not only at a ASQ or SHA hotel for the Sandbox period (7 days) but also for my entire stay. So lets say if i get 60 days, I need to book accommodation for not only 7 days  in ASQ or SHA, but for 60 days, so i need to decide now where I'm going to stay after the quarantine/sandbox for the rest of the time I'm planning to stay in Thailand. 

    - A certificate for my "house" doctor that I'm in good health and I have no infectious diseases of any kind, so not only COVID-19 PCR Test.
    These requirements seem unreasonable and ridiculous to me and I believe that the person who gave me this information must be wrong and have misunderstood. What are your thoughts on this ? I really appreciate your help  and thank you in advance ...very worried and confused :( 
    Nikki 
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      So, much of what you mention is correct but not all at the same time. What you need depends on what kind of visa you want to come in with.

      Your best bet would be to go through your local Thai Embassy's website and look at the length or stay permitted and what the requirements for each type are.

      Then detail your plans a bit more ("more than 60 days" will require some hoops to jump through but can be done) which will get you better answers to your questions.

      One thing to keep in mind right now is that the rules on entry and quarantine just changed 1 October. There was a one-week warning. There are vague statements made that the rules are going to change again on 1 November but, in Thai Tourism Time, that's too far in the future to predict if it is even going to happen.
      Reply

  10. Bryan K says

    I'm currently back in the US having left Thailand last Aug 3rd. My return fight to Thailand is set for Oct 15th. I am now fully vaccinated with a card, I am past 2 weeks since last vaccine shot, have my Covid Insurance, have my booking at a SHA Hotel in Pattaya (pick up at airport arrainged with them), have a valid visa with permit to return. I think I am good to go to apply for the COE.

    My question is how early can I open an application for the COE with the Thai Embassy here?

    I remember hearing something about the COE having a small window to be used before expiring. It's recomended that you give the process at least 15 days but that's a bit tight for my style. I would like to start the process as early as possible to allow for any delays with the Embassy and if I have the COE in hand early so much the better. Anybody know how how long the COE is valid after being issued? Or is there really even an experation? Thanks!
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      There's a separate COE website: https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/

      Your COE is valid for only the date/flight/hotel information you used when you applied. If there are any changes before departure you have to get a new COE. I have heard that last minute changes or flight cancellations have been allowed to enter if there was no way to update the COE in time. Of course, if there are any changes make sure you document them, hardcopy is always better in Thailand.

      You can apply for the COE any time you want. My S.O. got hers 8 weeks in advance, I'm going to start applying about 6 weeks in advance. But you only have 15 days from application to get all your documents uploaded. Sounds like you have everything in order so it should probably only take a day or two.
      Reply

      • Farrah says

        Dear All,
        Thank you, Peter, for setting up this blog-v.charitable of you.
        My husband & I have returned to Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox since 5 days.
        Will tell you what I know:
        To get an ‘Non OA’ visa, you need to deposit THB 800K in a Thai Bank @ get it notorised in Thailand & sent to you to be added to the Thai Visa application. A ‘Non O’ visa is to visit family-valid max 3mths & you’ll need to extend before or leave the country. A tourist visa-is just that-& needs a confirmed return ticket with no extension. A STV is valid for max of 90 days & a confirmed return tkt….no exceptions, no change to a retirement/work etc visa as it’ll be stated on your visa.

        Our friends who’ve been in Thailand before the Sandbox have been lucky that they were permitted to extend their tourist visa or to change it to other visas. However, we were warned by the LA Thai Consulate that it’ll no longer be possible. We took that as the current norm.

        We had to apply for retirement visas as ours had expired when we were denied entry to Thailand last year. The process was v.stressful as we did everything as per the info given. We both have full health insurance coverage in the U.S. but unable to use it in Thailand. Bought a Travel insurance that covers Covid & all health-related issues, which, initially was permitted but was changed & told to purchase only Thai Covid insurance-so we did. The online portal asked us to mail our signed ‘E-appointments & Passports’. We did. One week later, the rules changed again-had to purchase Thai Health insurance as our AIG travel insurance were not bought in Thailand, hence invalid for Visa approval!!!
        It was easy for people under 60yrs old & but was a hassle for ppl above 75yrs. I received mine in 2 days BUT my husband had to go for full blood tests, X-rays, EKG & his doctor’s signed document stating tt he’s in good health. There were 24pages of information. It took the Thai insurance company 3wks to decide if they would insure him. They refused to believe that a 75 year old is as healthy as claimed.
        The only way was to sign another disclaimer document that he will not make any medical claims on 16 different ailments that may occur when he’s in Thailand (not valid outside the country) , so, he signed as, if there are any future issues, we’ll return to the U.S. to take care of them.

        We had to postpone our trip 7times! Each time, the airline imposed a penalty!

        COE: Initially booked an ALQ, thinking that we would arrive in May, then June….& cancelled that hotel (yes-paid penalty) & booked SHA hotel, postponed 3 times & the hotel cancelled as they had overwhelming bookings.
        Confirming that COE is valid for 15 days. You can make changes online but once confirmed, will have to re-apply if there are changes to flights or hotel (SHABA approval). We had to do that when we changed a hotel package by adding a half-board which changed the SHABA!!!
        Very stressfull!

        Hope what I’ve written will help others understand the procedures.

        Good luck!
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Wow. What a hassle you have been through. Thailand already has some silly hoops to jump through but the COVID situation made that worse, as the authorities chased their tails wondering how to cope. I think things will get easier from here on in, as we return to normal visa practices, though the insurance remains problematic for those over 75.
          Reply

  12. jeff says

    i came to the sandbox 10 July under visa exempt from USA. i extended it one time but found being a USA citizen I can not get a non-immigrant type-O visa and can not extend again. it looks like i am going to have to do a visa border run. before you recommend Vietnam, but that is not possible currently. what is the best country for a visa border run under the current situation? thank you.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      There is no best country at the moment. Any country you go to will have to be a place where you will be allowed to return from. Current entry requirements in Thailand stipulate that you must be in that country for a minimum of 21 days. Many countries in the area that you might choose will also have some kind of quarantine after your arrival there as well. Finally, you will have to quarantine/Sandbox again on your return to Thailand. Check out https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/ and click the link for the current list of allowed countries.

      Also, your "being a USA citizen I can not get a non-immigrant type-O visa" statement doesn't really hold water. Did immigration tell you that? Which Non-O visa were you trying for? There are literally thousands of Americans in Thailand on locally issued - and recently so - Non-Os of different types.

      Have you tried getting an extension based on COVID? I know that program had been extended but I don't remember the new "end" date.
      Reply

      • jeff says

        NOTICE: The U.S. Embassy Bangkok and U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai no longer provide the income affidavit. We will not notarize previous versions of the income affidavit. For more information, please refer to our Fact Sheet (PDF 266KB)
        the response from
        American Citizen Services

        U.S. Embassy, Bangkok
        Reply

  13. Jenny says

    Hello James,
    My partner and I have flights to Bangkok flying 1st October and arriving 2nd oct from the UK:
    1. Will we still have to quarantine for 14 days even though we have both been double vaccinated and possibly may have had a third booster in September?
    We have been together 20years but are not marries, will we be able to stay in the same room or have to book separate ASQ’s if we have to quarantine?
    3. Once we arrive in Bangkok, can we travel around the coast of Thailand - we are going for 5 weeks?
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      This is all subject to change over the next six weeks but...

      1a) Yes. It's actually a 15-night quarantine and an additional 3 tests regardless of vaccination status. This can be avoided only if you enter via the Phuket Sandbox or Samui Plus programs (Which might be an option if you haven't booked anything yet and are interested in exploring the islands.)

      1b) Maybe. The rules say no, but hotels are advertising "Unmarried couples" accomodations. Sometimes that means you share a room at the married rate and sometimes it means you have adjacent rooms with a connecting door at 2x the single rate. You can search asq.in.th for hotels offering "Unmarried couples" rooms and then contact them to find out what they mean.

      3) Maybe. Right now surface transport by private vehicle is the only way into or out of Bangkok. There are talks of interprovincial flights out of U-Tapao beginning in the near future. There is also an interprovincial travel permit required (https://covid-19.in.th/en). Reports are that this is not ever checked because there aren't any checkpoints to check it at.

      Again, things are changing all the time so keep checking for new rules.
      Reply

      • Jenny says

        Thanks for the reply James.
        I heard today from my son, who is in Thailand, that there won’t be any tourism for a while and Bangkok as it is in an emergency state. Phuket is totally shut down due to high rises in cases and boarders are shut down at certain distances. He says the restrictions are becoming even stricter in Bangkok, everything is closed and on top of that there are riots in Bangkok.
        Is this the case? will I have to cancel or change my flights in October?
        Reply

        • JamesE says

          The "riots" have been ongoing for a number of months now. More like big anti-government demonstrations than actual riots. Many tourist attractions are closed right now, most retail and restaurants as well. Phuket is closed down for domestic travel with some exemptions, but open for Sandbox arrivals. But I have friends in Thailand that are still driving down to the beach for the weekend. So, your son's description is pretty accurate, maybe a bit on the pesimistic side. :)

          As to your question; that's up to you and what your tolerance for risk is. I traveled to Thailand in January in the middle of a lockdown which ended right before I got out of quarantine. It was wonderful. No crowds, easy to get around, amazing prices. But, right now, the lockdown looks to go on longer than back in January. Some Thai friends, who are in Phuket right now, are having a great time with things to do, restaurants open, and most of the attractions open.

          I've got flights booked in October as well. Short of everything being shut down and my flights being canceled I'm still planning on going. My opinion is that restrictions will start to lift in September but everyone will still be wearing masks, using the tracking apps on their phones, and generally being safe. Which is fine by me but everybody has different expectations and reactions if things don't go as expected.
          Reply

    • Thai Tiger says

      Thank you for the info. What about taking the 17 hour bus ride? or is this disallowed, too.

      As an American expat, I find it amusing that in the State of California which is the same size of Thailand, you can travel up and down the State freely.

      But, here in Thailand Government Control is out of control.
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        To be fair, most countries are out of control with this thing, it's just that Americans accept less nonsense from their authorities. And, as I understand it, individual states have some autonomy over their governance, so there are local laws that may override central government law. Is that correct?
        Reply

        • Thai Tiger says

          Yes, that is why there are 50 states each are independent from each other, but you still have an out of Control Federal Government.

          The FED still has to worry about 400 million guns, so hopefully they won't
          try to put serious Draconian laws into place.
          Reply

  15. FV says

    My husband & I have lived in Phuket the last dozen years - with a Retirement Visa. We are now in the U.S. Due Covid, we were denied entry into Thailand in March 2020 due the inability to get a Covid-19 test. April 2021, we started our process to enter Phuket, which was allowing a 7-day quarantine.
    Unfortunately, getting Police records, Full Medical records, Thai bank statements took awhile. Then, paid for Covid Health Insurance, Travel Insurance to cover our entire stay (6mths+, as we had other commitments in December), flights & ALQ hotel.

    When Phuket allowed vaccinated people to enter without a quarantine, we were happy to hear that. After receiving an E-appointment & message from the LA Thai Consulate to send our passports to get our Thai Visa….the next week, were told that we need to pay for a Thai Health Insurance as our Travel Insurance is not recognized. My husband is over 75yrs old & we were unable to find a Thai Insurance company who would insure him. Finally, 3wks ago, LUMA increased their age limit to 80yrs old (but can’t purchase online!), so, was introduced to a Broker in Phuket who submitted his Application form + all medical records (2021) & this was completed on 24th July. Till today, he has yet to hear from LUMA. We called the BKK office, who told us that they were very busy & that the normal approval time is 3wks! I guess, that means excluding Thai holidays & weekends.

    It is strange that the Thai Govt is encouraging people to return to Thailand but the paperwork is complicated. On the Thai Visa website, it states that the approval for applications would take 15days - it took more than a month, due them being slammed with applications….then, change of policy! It also states that the COE would take up to 3 days to approve.
    We’ve paid to postponed our flights five times & had to cancel 2 hotel bookings & our Travel Insurance dates.
    We were told by friends in Thailand that they returned with a Tourist visa & then renewed their Retirement visas once in the country. Enquirer at the LA Thai Consulate - was told that it’s not true & that with the Tourist Visa, we have to show the return flight out of the country (max stay 45days) before a Visa will be granted.

    We have a house in Phuket. Gave up everything to live there.

    Hope others are not having such a tough time.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      That's terrible that you're having such a tough time getting home. But, yes, you can get a retirement visa when you enter on a tourist visa. But it's not the O-A visa it sounds like you've been using, it's the Non-immigrant O (Retirement). You get that by converting your tourist visa at the immigration office.

      For the tourist visa you will have to show a return ticket but you could also enter on a Visa Exemption and then convert that to the O (Retirement). I have never been asked to show a return ticket by immigration when entering visa exempt, just don't bother to write down a flight number on your departure card. That way you don't have to deal with the consulate at all. It sounds like you're already set up for the finance requirements at the Thai end. You would also only need to purchase insurance for the 45-day stamp on the visa exempt entry.

      Good luck!
      Reply

      • FV says

        Hello James,
        The problem is, with a Tourist Visa, we were told that it’s strictly enforced (no extensions in Thailand, unlike what we hear from friends there) & airline return flights have to be submitted to the Consulate before a Visa can be issued. It is different from pre-Covid procedures. With that, we went ahead with applying for a Retirement Visa (they already know that we had R.Visas previously -can also see them in our passports) & do not want to jeopardize our applications by being dishonest about our purpose for going to Phuket.
        Reply

        • JamesE says

          That's strange that they're telling you that. The consulate/embassy websites all say you're allowed a 30-day extension on a tourist visa. They may be talking about the COVID 60-day extension. Many people have been using that to stay long-term.

          But, enter on a 60-day TV, convert that to a 90-Day O (Retirement) and then extend that is probably the best way to stay long-term in Thailand. If Max is following maybe he can comment if he has heard if anything has changed.
          Reply

  16. JamesE says

    Just a note on the COE. The system says 15-days processing time but this has generated a lot of confusion. You get a pre-approval on your COE first wich usually comes in a day or two. You then have 15 days to upload your documentation. Then, *they* have 15 days to process it. All of those days are business days. I've talked with a couple of people who had to reschedule or cancel their trips because of the 2-week processing time advertised.

    There's also another gotcha in that, if you're trying for the Sandbox or Samui+ programs, you have to check that box the very first time you go into the system - before pre-approval - otherwise you won't get any communication nor will your COE be approved. I've also heard of some confusion surrounding the submission of documents, that it's a 3-step process Select-Upload-Submit, but that it looks like a Select-Submit interface. Apparently, there's an unlabeled arrow button that needs to be clicked before you hit Submit.

    That being said my partner just got her COE and it went very smoothly. One day to pre-approval, upload everything, and one day to final approval.
    Reply

      • JamesE says

        My partner's experience would indicate that a week is enough. But this is her third COE so she's got it down. (And she's also clinically well-organized so she had everything ready.) However, if someone is new to the game I would give it as much time as possible. There was talk way back in June the the US embassy/consulate would only accept COE applications inside of 6 weeks from the date of travel because of anticipated rule changes, even if those changes never happened.

        The other concern is, that as you get closer to your departure date, unexpected-but-common happenings start happening. My partner is now on her second airline and third itinerary for her trip. She got her first COE on the second itinerary. But she still has a few weeks to go so it's completely possible (if not likely) that she'll have to get another.

        I'd suggest at least 3 to 4 weeks for the following reason: it's very easy to change an approved COE but, reportedly, very difficult to modify one still in the approval process. If someone waits until the last minute, submits their COE documents, and then their flight gets cancelled or changed; then you'd have to wait until your approved COE comes through and then go back in and upload the changed documents. And then wait for another approval.

        For me, being way less-than-well organized, I'm going to start the process six weeks out. I'll have all my flights and hotels booked, my insurance in order, and forms completed. If it all goes smoothly, then no problem. If I screw something up then I've got plenty of time to fix it.
        Reply

    • JamesE says

      You'll need all of the documentation TTL detailed in the post for re-entry. Plus, if you don't already have it you'll need a reentry permit on your current visa.

      What you'll need to leave depends entirely on where you're going. Some places require an RT-PCR test even for transit. Some destinations require a test of any kind (PCR or antigen). It just depends.
      Reply

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