Phuket Sandbox

Phuket Sandbox Program (Phuket Sandbox) is a travel program that provides travel to the resort island of Phuket from countries that are recognized by the Thai government as low/medium risk areas.

The Phuket Sandbox Extension 7+7 program allows travelers after staying in Phuket for 7 days and passing the second PCR test to go to the following destinations: Surat Thani province – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, Krabi Province – Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay Beach, Phangnga Province – Khao Lak, Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai (Koh Yao-Yai).

What Is Phuket Sandbox?

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has provided general information on the reopening of visits to Thailand without the need for quarantine, starting with Phuket as a pilot destination from July 1, 2021. The program for visiting Phuket without quarantine was called “Sandbox” or “Phuket Sandbox“. And also from July 15, 2021, the program for visiting Koh Samui without quarantine was called Samui Plus (Samui Plus), which covers certain areas and routes in the province of Surat Thani on the 3 islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The officially approved directives of the Royal Thai Government were published in the Royal Gazette on June 29, 2021.

Traveler Requirements for the Phuket Sandbox or Phuket Sandbox?

Travelers must have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Thai Ministry of Health at least 14 days prior to departure. Travelers are required to present a vaccination certificate issued by a government agency.
Children under the age of 18 traveling with their parents are eligible without proof of vaccination.
Those flying from countries that the Thai government considers to be low/medium risk areas and travelers must stay in the respective countries for at least 21 days

Below are the conditions that you need to fulfill before traveling to Thailand

• You must purchase Travel Insurance for Thailand covering COVID-19 treatment and medical expenses with a minimum coverage of $20,000.
• Book a hotel that complies with “SHA +” standards for at least 7 days if the traveler does not have tickets from Phuket (to another country) for up to 7 days.
  Hotel SHA+ Booking Confirmation must be in SHABA (SHA Plus Booking Authentication System)
• You must stay at the same hotel for at least the first 7 days.
• After 7 days they can go to other parts of Thailand. Departure earlier than 7 days is only possible for destinations outside of Thailand.

Persons vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization or the Ministry of Health of Thailand at least 14 days prior to departure. They must have an authorized vaccination certificate approved by the government agency of the respective country.

A certificate of recovery or the result of a laboratory test for antibodies will not be accepted.

List of vaccines approved by WHO and the Ministry of Health of Thailand:

• ASTRA ZENECA / COVISHIELD;
• CoronaVac/ Sinovac;
• Janssen (Johnson&Johnson)
• MODERNA;
• Vero Cell, Inactivate COVILO (SINOPHARM);
• COMIRNATY VACCINE (PFIZER);
• Sputnik V (since September 1st, 2021).
• Children under 18 traveling with their parents are admitted without proof of vaccination.

FAQs

What should foreign travelers planning to visit Thailand as part of the Phuket Sandbox program need to know/do before traveling?

They must ensure that they have completed all required requirements and have all required documentation, which includes:

• Passport valid for at least six months;
• Be in a country approved by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Management (CCSA) for 21 days or more prior to arrival;
• Must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Thai Ministry of Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organization (WHO) at least 14 days prior to departure. Guests must be in possession of an authorized Certificate of Vaccination approved by the government agency of the respective country.
• Booked and paid return flight;
• Booked and paid accommodation and 3 RT-PCR tests at the SHA Plus hotel;
• Health insurance with coverage for COVID-19 treatment of at least $20,000;
• A negative test result of COVID-19 not earlier than 72 hours before travel.

What is the Sandbox Extension 7+7 Program?

After travelers have spent 7 days in Phuket, those who pass a second COVID-19 PCR test can choose to travel to one of the following destinations (SHA+ hotel only)Travelers must take a third PCR test at the second destination where they will be staying.

• Surat Thani Province – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao – travel ONLY by plane Phuket-Koh Samui
• Krabi Province – Koh Phi-Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay Beach – travel ONLY by boat from Ao Por
• Phang-Nga Province – Khao-Lak – travel ONLY by road.
• Phang-Nga Province – Koh Yao-Noi OR Koh Yao-Yai – travel ONLY by boat from Ao Por, Ao Por Grand Marina ) or Bang Rong Piers.

Where can I get an RT-PCR test in Phuket?

Each hospital can provide an RT-PCR test. The cost varies from 2500 to 4000 baht per person and is at your expense.

Do I need to pay in advance for the covid test In Phuket?

All required tests must be booked and paid for through your hotel; the number of tests depends on the length of your stay.

What should I do if I feel unwell or suspect a possible COVID-19 infection In Phuket?

Any person showing symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested immediately. If a person is traveling in a group, each person in the group must take a test.

What happens if the result is positive In Phuket?

In the event of a positive COVID-19 test result in Thailand, the traveler is responsible for medical expenses, which must be covered by the compulsory insurance.

If the result is negative, can I travel freely to Phuket?

Yes, you can go anywhere in Phuket. But you must strictly follow the precautionary measures: social distancing, wearing a mask everywhere, washing hands, checking temperatures, testing for COVID-19, and an alert app like Thailand Plus. Masks must be worn at all times in public places and in any vehicle with two or more people (including motorbikes).

What tours and excursions, transportation, and restaurants are available while in Phuket?

It is recommended to use certified SHA Plus operators for tours and transportation and SHA Plus restaurants for dining, although this is not required.

Why should I stay at SHA Plus Hotel?

This is for your added safety as the SHA Plus certification shows that the hotel is in compliance with COVID-19 safety measures and that 70% or more of its employees are fully vaccinated. You can book your Phuket Sandbox hotel from this list.

I plan to visit one or more other destinations in Thailand after visiting Phuket. Will I encounter requirements to visit other locations?

Yes of course. Every destination in Thailand has entry requirements and you should check them beforehand to make sure you meet them.

What are the entry requirements for the country/territory I will be flying to after my stay in Thailand?

You must ensure that you meet the requirements of your specific international destination. Thailand is not responsible and cannot help in this matter.

How can I apply for the Phuket Sandbox program?

If you meet all of the above requirements and have all the required documents, you can apply for a Thailand Pass.

Are there other programs available in addition to the Phuket Sandbox program?

Yes, there are two other programs: 1. Test and Go Program and 2. Alternative Quarantine Program.

Category: Travel to Thailand