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22 April, 2021

Phuket opens to vaccinated foreign tourists, rest of Thailand to follow from December

scenery aerial photography sunrise at Phuket big Buddha. Phuket Big Buddha is one of the island most

The Thai government has approved the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT’s) three-stage roadmap to reopen six major tourist provinces to vaccinated foreign tourists.

This development follows the Thai government’s decision to reduce quarantine for international arrivals from 14 days to seven days for vaccinated international arrivals from the 11 groups of people currently permitted to enter Thailand.

The TAT’s reopening roadmap will take place in stages in the second, third and fourth quarters of this year, specifically for vaccinated foreign tourists arriving in the six specified provinces – Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Surat Thani (Ko Samui), Chon Buri (Pattaya) and Chiang Mai – which are Thailand’s major tourist destinations.

Stage one, from April to June, vaccinated foreign tourists will be allowed to undergo quarantine in government-approved hotels or other facilities under a ‘0+7 nights + designated routes’ model.

After completing the first seven nights, they will be allowed to visit other destinations in Thailand.

The ‘0+7 nights + designated routes’ model means that during quarantine, vaccinated foreign tourists will be allowed to engage in leisure activities within the premises of their hotels or other accommodation establishments.

They will also be allowed to engage in outside travel activities within designated areas in their selected destination of arrival.

During stage two, from July to September, Phuket will be the first destination to lift quarantine requirements for vaccinated foreign tourists under the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ program.

However, they will be restricted to travel activities within designated areas in Phuket for seven days and will then be allowed to visit other Thai destinations.

Vaccinated tourist arrivals to the five other major tourist destinations will still be required to undergo quarantine under a ‘0+7 nights + designated routes’ model.

Stage three, from October to December, will see all five other major tourist destinations join Phuket in lifting quarantine requirements for vaccinated tourists.

Image source: iStock/Ruxandra Arustei

Upon arrival in all stages, vaccinated tourists will be required to undergo a COVID-19 screening, including RT-PCR tests, and download the specified alert application.

In order to be eligible to enter Thailand, vaccinated foreign tourists still need to have all of their advance arrangements in good order for arrival and entry.

These include a valid visa or re-entry permit, a Certificate of Entry issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $130,000, confirmation of Alternative State Quarantine hotel booking, and a medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result showing a negative result.

For more details, enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.

TAT is constantly providing updates on the tourism-related COVID-19 situation in Thailand HERE and on their Twitter HERE or Facebook HERE.

You can also learn more about the destination’s safety measures and wellness offerings at the Amazing Thailand Product Update next month.

Hear from over 20 Thai suppliers, airlines, accommodations and attractions, as well as gaining valuable destination and product updates from TAT and experience exquisite Thai culinary delights.

The event will be in hybrid format, with an in-person event to be held at Doltone House Hyde Park in Sydney on Thursday 20 May, which will also be broadcast live for those who would prefer to participate virtually.

Enjoy networking, mingling and hearing all about TAT’s latest updates – and maybe even winning some exciting prizes!

Having been forced to postpone the event in 2020, the demand for this year’s program is higher than ever and, as such, expressions of interest are now open.

So, for those keen to attend the Amazing Thailand Product Update, go HERE.

Featured image source: iStock/Thaisign

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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