SAMUI
INTRODUCING
SAMUI+sANDBOX
PREPARING FOR TRAVEL
01
Q: What do foreign travellers planning to visit under the Samui Sandbox
programme need to know/do before they travel?
A: They should make sure they have covered all the necessary requirements and
have all the required documentation. This includes:
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A passport with at least 6 months validity;
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Have been in a Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved country for 21 days or more;
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Been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organisation (WHO);
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Have booked and purchased return air travel;
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Have booked and paid for accommodation, and required one RT-PCR test/s at a SHA Plus hotel; THB 2,200
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Have purchased medical insurance with COVID-19 treatment coverage of at least US$50,000. TAT recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation. The policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand;
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Have tested negative for COVID-19 no longer than 72 hours before travel.
02
Q: Does the required documentation need to be in English?
A: Yes, all documentation must be in English only. If the paperwork is not complete, the visitor will be placed in ALQ for 10 days or until they can leave Thailand, the expenses of which the visitor must cover.
03
Q: What countries/territories am I allowed to travel to Thailand from?
A: All countries are now allowed access to the Kingdom of Thailand, however the following list of countries are exempt from quarantine (Test & Go). See the updated list here
04
Q: If I am travelling with a child under the age of 18, does he/she need to be fully vaccinated?
A: Children under 18 are not required to be vaccinated if travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians, but must have tested negative for COVID-19 no longer than 72 hours before travel.
Countries illegible for Test & Go, children under 12 are not required to be vaccinated, but still require the PCR test.
05
Q: If I am a Thai national or foreign resident of Thailand who is returning from overseas, do I need to have been in a CCSA-approved country for 21 days or more?
A: No, it is not necessary to be in a CCSA-approved country for 21 days or more, as long as you are travelling from an approved country. However, in the last 21 days before your travel date to Thailand, you must not be travelling to or staying in country outside of the CCSA-approved list.
06
Q: What flights can I take to Samui?
A: From 1 August, 2021, you can fly to Samui on a direct international flight or international flight via Bangkok and connect with the approved twice daily ‘sealed route’ flights operated by Bangkok Airways between Bangkok and Samui as per the details below.
The following two flights are the ONLY connections you may take to enter Samui.
Bangkok Midday flights:
Flight PG5125 which departs Bangkok at 12.00 Hrs. and arrives at Samui at 13.30 Hrs.
Bangkok Evening flights:
Flight PG5171 which departs Bangkok at 17.10 Hrs. and arrives at Samui at 18.40 Hrs.
Singapore flight:
Flight PG962 which departs Singapore at 19.30 Hrs. and arrives at Samui at 20.35 Hrs.
For the flight via Bangkok, the ticket must be issued on the same booking with the international flight in conjunction with such approved Bangkok-Samui-Bangkok flights. Any flight reservations booked separately will not be allowed.
07
Q: Does this mean that, likewise, after 1 nights in Samui, I can travel to other Thai destinations?
A: If you qualify for the Test & Go program, after 1 night you a free to travel throughout Thailand. However If you are on the Sandbox program want to visit other Thai destinations, you need to first complete 7 nights in Samui, Phangan, or Ko Tao.
Travelers need to stay one night in Sha+ hotel on Koh Samui; then, after the first result is out, they can move to SHA+ hotel on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. During the stay, you can move a maximum of 3 properties.
08
Q: May I change hotels within the 7 day sandbox programme?
A: Yes you may change to up to 3 different SHA+ hotels after your first negative Covid test results.
Applying for the Samui Plus Sandbox Programme
09
Q: How can I apply for the programme?
A: Providing you meet all the above points, you can go to https://tp.consular.go.th/ to apply for the new Thailand Pass.
10
Q: Will I be notified of the application result?
A: Yes, if you have provided a valid email when you register.
11
Q: Do I need to apply for a visa?
A: Yes, if required.
Day of Travel
12
Q: Do I need to bring all the documentation that was required for the Thailand Pass with me?
A: Yes, including the issued QR code.
13
Q: Will I have to undergo exit screening at my point of departure?
A: Yes. Please note that if your temperature exceeds the safe limit, you will be denied boarding.
Arrival in Samui
14
Q: What is the procedure after disembarking from my flight?
A: You must pass through health and control and Immigration procedures, and then travel directly to your hotel.
15
Q: After I clear health control and Immigration, do I need to proceed directly to my hotel?
A: Yes. You will need to go straight to your hotel where you must wait for the test result.
16
Q: Can I stop enroute to the hotel for any reason?
A: No, this is not permitted.
17
Q: Can I take public transportation for the airport-hotel transfer?
A: No. The transfer is pre-arranged by your hotel in a SHA+ approved transfer
18
Q: How long will I have to wait for my test result?
A: The result will be available within 12 hours of your arrival. Your hotel will notify you as soon as your results are processed.
19
Q: If I test positive, what will happen?
A: You will be sent to a hospital for appropriate treatment, and will need to pay the expenses which should be covered in your insurance.
We recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation. The policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand.
20
Q: Where can I go in Samui?
A: After waiting for the test result in your hotel room on first arrival (Day 0) and the result is negative, you can travel freely within Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha-ngan
At all times, visitors must strictly follow the DMHTTA precautions: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.
Masks must be worn at all times in public areas and in any vehicle with two or more people.
Visitors must also abide by the measures put in place by Surat Thani province during their stay.
21
Q: How do I count the days?
A: If you arrive during 00.01-18.00 Hrs., the day is Day 1.
If you arrive during 18.01-00.00 Hrs, the day after is Day 1.
We recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation. The policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand.
22
Q: What transportation, tours and excursions, and restaurants should I use while in Samui Plus Sandbox Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao?
A: During their stay, visitors must use approved transportation and tour companies only. Renting of private vehicles is allowed.
For island travel between Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, only approved boats at approved ports can be used.
For dining, it is recommended that you use SHA Plus restaurants although this is not compulsory.
23
Q: Can my friend/family member who is already in Samui, Ko Phangan or Ko Tao join me at my hotel?
A: If your test results are returned negative, family and friends are allowed to visit so long as they are fully vaccinated and will require a PCR test on day of visit. Tests will be at the guests own cost.
24
Q: How many more tests must I do during my stay?
A: As of 1 November 2021, only 1 PCR test will be required.
25
Q: Where can I get an RT-PCR test done in Samui?
A: At Samui International airport. The cost for your required RT-PCR test/s must be prepaid when booking for accommodation at your SHA Plus hotel.
26
Q: Must a test be prepaid?
A: All required testing must be booked and prepaid through your first hotel.
27
Q: What should I do if I feel unwell, or suspect possible COVID-19 infection?
A: Any person experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must immediately get a test done. If the person is travelling in a group, every person in the group must undergo a test.
28
Q: What happens if I test positive?
A: In the case a traveller tests positive for COVID-19 in Thailand, he/she will be responsible for the medical expenses, which should be covered by the required insurance.
Leaving Samui
29
Q: I plan to visit one or more other destinations in Thailand after my Samui visit. Will I face entry requirements at these other places?
A: Yes, of course, provided you've completed either Sandbox or Test and Go program. Some areas could be restricted depending on current and recent circumstances, please check regularly.
30
Q: What about entry requirements of the country/territory I will fly to after my stay in Thailand?
A: It is up to you to make sure you meet the requirements of your specific international destination. Thailand is not responsible or able to assist on this matter.
GUIDELINES
