Thailand Pass

With so many travel restrictions and procedures in place, the Thailand Pass is another major step in making Thailand more accessible to visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic instituted difficult though necessary travel precautions to prevent the spread of infection. These precautions are not only confusing but also restrictive in how and where travelers may visit. Over the last two years, Thailand has released several procedures that slowly allow visitors back into the country while minimizing risk. These procedures include the Sandbox programs, Certificate of Entry requirement, SHA+ Quarantine Hotels, and an approved origin of departure list. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Digital Government Development Agency of Thailand created the Thailand Pass system as a partial replacement for the Certificate of Entry. This makes travel and vacation to Thailand smoother. The faster Thailand Pass is effective November 1, 2021. 

What is the Thailand Pass?

The Thailand Pass is a web-based application system that makes documentation easier for travelers. The online system collects standard legal travel information and health data (like vaccination cards) to speed the filing of TM6 and T8 Forms. 

Travelers upload documents directly to the Thailand Pass website. The Thailand Pass is now required for both foreign and domestic travelers traveling via air. 

The Certificate of Entry system is not yet completely obsolete. There are still some exceptions for travelers who will need the Certificate of Entry. We’ve listed those exceptions further down.

How Does The Thailand Pass Work?

The Thailand Pass system compiles your documents and checks them for accuracy. Then it verifies your information against current regulations. If your documents are valid, they will email you a QR code which you will use when traveling. The QR code allows travel attendants, customs officials, and others to verify your travel eligibility and access the forms they need while you travel. 

What Do You Need To Apply for The Thailand Pass?

The Thailand Pass system has fewer travel requirements than the Certificate of Entry system. All requirements are mandatory to get the QR entry code. They are as listed below:

• Active Legal Passport
• Active Thai Visa (as required)
• Valid Vaccination Certificate or Vaccination Card (on select Thailand Pass plans)
• COVID-19 Health Insurance Certificate 
• A confirmed booking for SHA+ or ASQ hotels 
• Pre-booked RT-PCR Covid Test (for hotel stay)
• Flight Booking Information
• Negative RT-PCR Covid test was taken within 72 hours of travel (for certain programs) 

How to Apply For The Thailand Pass

Once you have all your required documents, visit https://tp.consular.go.th. The Thailand Pass system is relatively strait-forward. They require you to submit your Thailand Pass registration at least 7 days before your intended travel date. 

1. Select whether you are Thai or Non-Thai, then choose your language. 
2. Select which Thailand Pass application option you will use. There are three, which we’ve detailed further down.
3. Register in the Thailand Pass web portal.
4. Input all personal and travel details.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. After registration, check your email (sometimes in SPAM) for confirmation.
7. Wait for Thailand Pass approval. 

If they approve your Thailand Pass, you will receive an email containing your QR Entry Code or Thailand Pass ID, which you will need to use for travel to and arrival in Thailand. Keep the QR code in a safe place and make or save multiple copies of it. You are responsible for providing the QR code for travel. 

The Three Thailand Pass Plans

Exemption from Quarantine (Test and Go)

Conditions:

• Travelers must be from eligible countries or territories.
• Travelers must depart from an eligible country or territory after having been in that country or territory for at least 21 days. 
• Travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before traveling.
• Travelers must receive a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test given within 72 hours of traveling. A physical copy is required. 
• Travelers are exempted from quarantine after a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken upon arrival in Thailand.

Sandbox Programme

Conditions:

• Travelers can come from any country or territory.
• Travelers must stay in the Sandbox area for 7 days but are free to travel to other areas of Thailand after. 
• Travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before traveling.
• Travelers must receive a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test given within 72 hours of traveling. A physical copy is required. 

Alternative Quarantine (AQ)

Conditions:

• Travelers can come from any country or territory.
• Travelers must stay quarantined in AQ hotel for 10 days but are free to travel to other areas of Thailand after. 

Document Exception:

• Under this scheme, full vaccination is not required.

Thailand Pass Questions and Answers

How Long Does It Take For the Thailand Pass to Process?

They usually process the Thailand Pass application within 5 to 7 days. You are required to submit your Thailand Pass application at least 7 days before your intended travel date. 

What Causes Delays In Thailand Pass Processing?

The most common reason for Thailand Pass application rejections is improper insurance policy wording. If your application is rejected, the airline will not let you board your flight. Your COVID-19 insurance policy must explicitly state that it covers up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses, including COVID-19. It must also state that it covers you for your entire stay in Thailand. The Thailand Pass application system only allows for a single insurance attachment, so the entire Certificate of Insurance and applicable information must be covered on one page. 

Who Is Still Required to Use the Certificate of Entry System?

• Anyone traveling through the Alternative Hospital Quarantine (AHQ).
• Anyone traveling by sea or by land.
• Anyone who got a Certificate of Entry before 1 November 2021 (you will need to use your provided web link to download an updated Certificate of Entry.) 

How Much Money Does It Cost To Apply for the Thailand Pass?

There is no cost associated with the Thailand Pass application, though many choose to hire a legal assistant to review documentation beforehand to avoid application delays or rejections.

Is Thailand Safe To Travel To?

Despite media and foreign government concern over COVID-19 infection rates, Thailand’s designated areas are safe. Those areas in Thailand currently open for travel have astoundingly low COVID-19 presence because over 90% of residents have received the COVID vaccine. The additional travel precautions and restrictions (though sometimes confusing) eliminate nearly all risks of infection. 

Can I Change Travel Dates After Receiving My QR Code?

If you change your travel dates or registration details, the QR code will not work and you will need to re-register on the Thailand Pass System.

Can I Submit Multiple Thailand Pass Applications?

Yes. You can submit multiple applications through Thailand Pass at one time. You will receive a different QR code for each accepted application. This is for those who have multiple trips planned to Thailand. Resubmitting your application multiple times for the same trip will not increase processing time. Unless there you know absolutely of an error, we do not recommend re-submitting your Thailand Pass application. 

How Do I Use Thailand Pass With Multiple Travelers?

Through the “Exemption for Quarantine” scheme, each traveler 12 years of age and over must submit an individual application through Thailand Pass. You can add children under 12-years-old onto their parent’s registration in the “Personal Information” section.

Through the “Sandbox Programme” scheme those 18-years-old and older must submit their own registration, while those under 18 can be added to their parents’ registration in the “Personal Information” section.

Each traveler (even in the same travel group) will receive their own QR code. 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines Does Thailand Approve?

Thailand recognizes the following vaccines for travel:

• CoronaVac (Sinovac)
• AstraZeneca
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• COVILO (Sinopharm)
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Moderna
• Sputnik V 

Is Thailand Pass Safe To Use?

Yes. Thailand Pass encrypts all personal information. 

Can I Use Thailand Pass If Traveling By Land Or Sea?

No. Currently, Thailand Pass is only available for those traveling via air. 

If Traveling By Land Or Sea, Do I Still Have To Use Thailand Pass?

No. Thailand Pass is only for those traveling via air. Those traveling by land or sea must contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General of their area for a Certificate of Entry. 

What Are Thailand Accepted Sandbox Areas?

 Thailand accepts the following areas under the Sandbox program: Bangkok, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Krabi, Loei, Nong Khai, Phangnga, Phetchaburi, Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Surat Thani, Trat, Udon Thani.

What Do I Do With My Pre-travel COVID-19 Test Results?

 Test results are not submitted in Thailand Pass. You will need to provide them to travel officers at the airport unless you are a Thai national using the “Alternative Quarantine.” Failure to provide your COVID-19 test may cause you to be denied entry to Thailand. Thailand requires COVID-19 test results in a physical (not digital) form. Copies and print-outs are okay. Results must be in Thai or English language only. 

 What If I Don’t Have A Phone For The QR Code?

 You may print a physical copy of the QR code and present it to the airport officers. If this is your plan, you will need to register for Thailand Pass on your PC.

Category: Travel to Thailand