Currently, there are multiple travel restrictions present for anyone wishing to travel to Thailand, and before you can board a plane to the land of smiles you need to obtain a Thailand pass.
This involves gathering numerous required documents and plenty of time and patience to complete the required process.
What is the Thailand Pass?
The Thailand Pass system is a web-based system designed to make the documentation process of travelers entering Thailand more efficient than the Certificate of Entry application.
Just like the Certificate of Entry, it will collect data for entry forms required, but what makes it better than the Certificate of Entry (COE) is that it collects both travel and health information like vaccine certificates and it will help facilitate the filing of the arrival card and address registration
The Thailand Pass is required for all travelers whether Thai or foreigners based on the following travel restrictions:
Fully Vaccinated from the Listed Countries
Fully vaccinated travelers, both Thai and foreigners will be allowed to enter Thailand without mandatory quarantine or sandbox stay. They only need to stay for 1 night in an ASQ or SHA+ Hotel while they wait for the COVID 19 RT-PCR test result that was taken upon arrival.
Fully Vaccinated under Sandbox Program (for all countries)
Fully vaccinated travelers who are coming from non-listed countries are eligible to enter Thailand without quarantine. They must enter Thailand under the Sandbox Programs such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Samui Sandbox. They are required to spend a minimum of 7 nights in an accredited SHA+ Hotel in these Sandbox areas. Just select your preferred hotel and contact them to make the booking. They will confirm if the dates are available and then you just pay as you would normally. The hotels generally include everything in the price (accommodation, food, PCR tests etc).
Please note that as per the new directive issued on 27th November, visitors from the following countries are banned from entering Thailand: South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe. Anyone travelling from other countries in the African region must now pay for 14 days of alternative quarantine.
What are the Requirements for the Thailand Pass
- Passport
- Vaccination Certificate or Card
- COVID-19 Health Insurance Certificate (with a minimum value of $50,000 and of course Covid19 cover) depending on the length of your stay the cost varies but typical costs are around 3000 THB upwards.
- Confirmed ASQ hotel booking or Confirmed SHA+ hotel booking (with pre-booked RT PCR test)
- Flight Booking
- Copy of Thai Visa (if required)
How to Apply for Thailand Pass
The Thailand Pass System is a QR code generating system.
To obtain a QR entry code or Thailand Pass ID, travelers will have to:
- Register at Thailand Pass web portal
- Input personal details
- Upload the required documents
- Receive a confirmation email after registration
- Wait for the Thailand Pass approval
You will receive an email of your QR Entry Code or Thailand Pass ID which you will use upon entering Thailand.
Some additional useful info on obtaining a Thailand Pass
It can take literally only a few seconds for the confirmation email and attached Thailand Pass QR code to be returned to you. It can sometimes take a day or so, depending on how the vaccination proof was added. The easiest way is if you’re issued a QR code by the country vaccination department, just attach a jpeg or pdf of that.
PCR Test Time. Make sure you get a PCR test done within 72 hours of departure. The results should be emailed to you within 12 hours at a cost of around 3000 THB.
Arrive at the airport early. At check in they will ask to see your PCR negative test. Then they will check you in as usual.
When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, you will follow the staff to be seated in a designated area where they check your Thailand Pass and Negative PCR result.
Then you continue to the next section to have your hotel confirmation documents checked and insurance documents.
Finally, you move on to Immigration, where we completed the biometric check, passport stamp and your photo will be taken.
Last thing to do is collect your bags, then pass through the door to be greeted by staff allocating transport to the relevant pre-booked hotels.
Most of the SHA+ hotels are well equipped with comfortable rooms and everything you need, meals are usually included in the hotel package but you can also make use of the local food delivery services such as “Grab” and “Food Panda”.
If you have any questions about the Thailand Pass or visa requirements for returning to Thailand then don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.