If you want to travel to Thailand, you’ll be glad to hear that after months of travel restrictions, Thailand is open for tourists and Thai nationals once again. From November 1, 2021, as long as you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can now apply for the new Thailand Pass system. This new system will give Thailand’s tourism industry a significant boost from its ongoing economic difficulties. The Thailand Pass has been designed by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Digital Government Development Agency to replace the Certificate of Entry or COE.

Thailand Is Open For Tourists 

There’s no doubt that Thailand took travel restrictions seriously in order to combat the spread of COVID-19, and rightly so! Thanks to the strict Thailand travel restrictions that have been in place for over 18 months, Thailand is open for all tourists from November 1, 2021.

If you are hoping to travel to Thailand in the next couple of months, or perhaps visit your loved ones over the holiday season, here’s how to easily apply for the new Thailand Pass.

Who can Apply

Thailand Pass for Fully Vaxxed Travelers

By being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you’ll be able to apply for the new travel pass and avoid the frustration of extended quarantine when visiting from overseas. This applies to both fully vaccinated tourists and Thai nationals who came from the 63 low-risk countries on the list. Take note that you must have stayed in these countries for at least 21 days. You will be under the Test-and-Go program that only needs 1 night of stay in an ASQ or SHA+ hotel while waiting for your PCR test result which was taken upon arrival.

Thailand Pass for Fully Vaxxed Travelers under the Sandbox Program

Fully vaccinated travelers who came from outside the “low-risk” nations are still allowed to enter Thailand. They will be under the Sandbox Programme when applying for the Thailand Pass online. Under the Sandbox Programs, travelers can enter Thailand and are required to spend a minimum of 7 nights in an accredited SHA+ Hotel in these Sandbox areas such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Samui. After staying in a SHA+ hotel, they will be allowed to travel to any place in Thailand. Unvaccinated children who are 12 to 18 years old may travel with their parents without quarantine.

Thailand Pass for Unvaxxed Travelers Under the Quarantine Program

Unvaccinated travelers and those who only have their first dose of the vaccine are still allowed to enter Thailand, but they will have to do the 10 nights mandatory quarantine at any accredited ASQ or AQ quarantine hotel. They will be under the Alternative Quarantine when applying for the Thailand Pass online.

Thailand Travel Restrictions

Starting November 1, 2021, Thailand is opening its international borders to all travelers. Whether they will have to do the mandatory quarantine or not, it will be based on their vaccination status and their point of origin.

No quarantine is offered to those fully vaccinated travelers who came from the 63 listed low-risk countries. Whilst, the sandbox programs are offered to those fully vaccinated travelers who came from countries not listed in the low-risk category. A 7-day quarantine is required before they can freely travel to other places in Thailand.

Alternative Quarantine Program is offered to those unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers. They will have to go through the 10 days of mandatory quarantine in any accredited quarantine hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Samui. After that, they can freely travel to other places in Thailand.

Required Documents For The New Thailand Pass 

If you are fully vaccinated and will travel to Thailand from one of the listed countries eligible to apply for the new travel pass, you’ll need to provide the following documents;

• Passport
• Vaccination Certificate
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance Certificate
• ASQ, SHA+ Hotel Booking (1 night)
• PCR Test Booking
• Flight Information
• Thai VISA (if applicable)

Here are the countries currently listed as safe and able to apply for the Thailand Travel Pass.

Thailand Pass Application Process

The Thailand Pass involves a QR code system. You’ll first need to register at the Thailand Pass web portal and provide relevant personal and travel information, as well as upload your key documents and evidence. You’ll then receive confirmation of your application. You must now wait for the Thailand Pass to be approved. When approved, you’ll receive the QR entry code via email. 

Please note that the application process can take up to 5 to 7 working days, so it’s always best to apply in advance. 

Thailand Pass Legal Support

While it is free to apply for the new Thailand Pass, travelers who require assistance and support can do so. At Siam Legal, we assist clients and foreign nationals by preparing the required documents and paperwork needed to start and complete the Thailand Pass application process. 

Our legal experts can help you save precious time by working on your behalf and minimizing the risk of VISA-related issues or rejections. In some cases, if travelers upload documents that are in poor condition, or provide inaccurate or misleading information as part of a VISA application process, the embassy or consulate may reject your application, and therefore you won’t be able to travel to Thailand.

There is also a lot of confusion regarding the new travel pass and tourists who have recently received approval for or are in the process of applying for the Certificate Of Entry (COE). In this case, you may feel the need to speak with a legal expert regarding your VISA application. Pre-approval COE applicants must submit all required documentation by November 7, or your request will be automatically rejected. You must also apply for the Travel Pass to travel to Thailand. So, rather than run that risk of rejection, it may be wise to seek legal advice and support.