Thailand Suspends Quarantine-Free Visa, Adds More Sandbox Destinations

Thailand has suspended its Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme indefinitely. However, those already approved to enter the country under the quarantine exemption scheme&nbspcan enter under the Test & Go programme over the next few days, uptil January 15. 

Meanwhile, some more destinations have been added under the Sandbox entry programme, along with Phuket &ndash Krabi, Phang Nga and the trio of islands off the Surat Thani coast (Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao).

From January 11, 2022, international travellers will be able to travel to Thailand under the Sandbox programme, and can choose to undergo their mandatory 7-day stay in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, or Surat Thani (only Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao).

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, all travellers must make sure that they arrange everything in order before applying for the Sandbox Thailand Pass. This can include, but not limited to, a vaccination certificate, a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result, prepaid 7-night&rsquos accommodation in an approved hotel, prepaid RT-PCR tests for when in Thailand, and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.

Travellers must stay at least the first 7 nights within a Sandbox destination if planning to continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand. If staying less than 7 nights, the traveller must leave Thailand to another country immediately. 

As per government reports, overseas visitors who have already received valid visas for the Test & Go quarantine waiver will still be allowed to enter the country, albeit with some rules and restrictions in place. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, these are the protocols to follow for Test & Go travellers who have obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before December 22, 2021

They must undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (not ATK self-test) at government-designated facilities on day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (at no additional cost).

The travellers must also complete the TM6 Immigration Form (while on the plane).

Upon arrival in the airport&rsquos terminal, travellers must complete and sign the Quarantine Form before proceeding to the Health Control screening point. Children under 12 years of age can use the same form as their parents/guardians.

Travellers will have to present the required documents, including the Thailand Pass, arrival date and RT-PCR test results to the Communicable Disease Control officers to carry out the checks. Provided that all documents are in order, the officers will then affix the Quarantine Form with the official seal of Thailand&rsquos Department of Disease Control, along with instructions on either to under a quarantine or mandatory stay, and the 2 required RT-PCR tests.

Travellers will receive a copy of the affixed Quarantine Form, along with a QR code indicating the list of government-designated hospitals/lab centres for their second RT-PCR test (no additional cost). They can then proceed to the Immigration. As well as going through the Immigration procedures, travellers must also present their copy of the affixed Quarantine Form and passport to the Immigration officer to carry out the checks. Provided that all are in order, travellers will then be allowed to proceed to a prearranged transfer to the reserved hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, travellers must present their copy of the affixed Quarantine Form to the hotel staff to carry out the checks on the type of entry scheme permitted to the travellers. The travellers&rsquo information will then be registered on the COSTE system. Afterwards, travellers must undergo the first RT-PCR test (except for those who have already taken the test at government-designated hospitals/lab centres prior to their arrival at the hotel.)

If receiving a negative RT-PCR test result, travellers must inform the hotel staff of their intended accommodation on Day 5-6 to be registered on the COSTE system.

On Day 5-6, travellers must go to their appointment at the government-designated hospitals/lab centres to undergo their second RT-PCR test, and must bring along their affixed Quarantine Form.

Travellers will have to give their copy of the affixed Quarantine Form to the hospitals/lab centres for billing. (There will be no additional cost for travellers who have obtained their Test & Go  Thailand Pass before December 22, 2021.)

For more updates, check here.