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Thailand reopens for Tourists from this July 2021

If you are missing International travel, here is some soothing news. In bid to rebolster Tourism more countries are allowing travellers but with certain restrictions and conditions.

Some countries will welcome you, but only if you agree to their quarantine norms. Other countries require a negative RT-PCR test before arrival even if you’re fully vaccinated. This will add extra items to your pre-departure to-do list.

Image by H-J Philipps from Pixabay

Thailand is all set to welcome tourists again. However the international tourism will be limited to Phuket only for the time being as part of Phuket Sandbox plan

Only fully Covid 19 vaccinated travellers will be allowed in the island nation. The final dose of a vaccine must have been administered at least 2 weeks before the arrival.

The TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn says if the pilot project goes well, it will be expanded to nine additional tourist destinations in the coming months: Krabi; Phang-nga; Koh Samui; Pattaya; Bangkok; Buriram; Cha-am; and Hua Hin.

Image by Pitthaya from Pixabay

Can Indians travel to Phuket?

The tourists from Indian sub continent have to wait as they are still in the RED LIST, even if they are fully vaccinated. But, the list will be updated based on the coronavirus situation in India.

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As per a message from the TAT Governor, “ Given the situation in India is improving, we sincerely hope India will be on the consideration list soon. Therefore we request you to please await further announcement in this regard. Thailand is anxiously looking forward to welcoming Indian visitors soon.”

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The Non-vaccinated travellers from non-red-zone countries can still travel to Phuket, but must stay in an alternative local quarantine hotel for 14 days upon arrival. A list of these hotels can be found here.

Travellers who have received a full dose of a Covid-19 vaccination can fly to Phuket from Thursday, July 1, from most destinations around the world. The final dose of a vaccine must have been taken at least 14 days before arriving.

Image by ellaa12345 from Pixabay

What vaccines are recognised for travel to Phuket?

Authorities are recognising all of the major Covid-19 vaccinations in line with the latest guidelines of the Thai government.

This includes Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Covishield (Serum Institute of India), Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, SK Bioscience-AstraZeneca, Moderna and Sinopharm.

thailand reopens for Tourists from July 2021

Things to do before you fly to Phuket?

All Travellers must complete and submit a Certificate of Entry form. The process for can be found here.

Here’s quick check list

Vaccine Certificate/proof of vaccination
ThailandPlus alert application on mobile phone
RT-PCR test before arrival and during your stay in Phuket
COVID-19 Insurance
Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by Thai Embassy/Consulate
Stay at SHA+ Hotel in Phuket

PCR tests are compulsory before travelling, and need to be taken no more than 72 hours before departing for Phuket. Children aged 6 to 17 can undergo a Rapid Antigen Test upon arriving at Phuket airport instead of taking a PCR test. This costs upwards of $40. Children under 6 do not need to undergo testing.

Tourists also need to download the ThailandPlus app from the Google Play or Apple Store, and register their details there.

Finally, Covid-19 travel insurance with coverage for at least $100,000 is required, with policies offered by airlines not accepted.

Where to stay in Phuket?

It is mandatory to stay in an accredited SHA+ Hotel in Phuket. A minimum of at least 14 days in an accredited SHA+ Hotel is required to be eligible for allowed to visit other destinations in Thailand.

If the stay is less than 14 days, then the traveller is required to fly out of Phuket to an international destination.

Click here for the list of SHA+ Hotel in Phuket

Which airlines are flying to Phuket?

At present, only few airlines such as British, Cathay, Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, THAI, and Singapore Airlines operate flights to Phuket on a daily basis.