Following the start of the Covid-19 Phuket Sandbox on 1st July, Koh Samui is now launching a similar scheme, Samui Plus, from 15th July. This will allow for double vaccinated foreigners to travel to the island without quarantine.
In essence, you need to stay in a designated hotel for 14 days, of which the 1st 7 are on Koh Samui only and the 2nd 7 days could also be on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Everthing you need to know is below:-
Criteria for Entry to Samui Plus Sandbox
Vaccination Details
- Full vaccination (2 doses) with vaccine approved by the Thai FDA – currently Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Sinopharm – or one certified by the World Health Organisation (i.e. Pfizer/BioNTech but presently NOT Sputnik).
- Full vaccination at least 14 days prior to your departure to Thailand and not more than 12 months before.
- Vaccination certificate/proof of vaccination.
- Children under 18 do not require prior vaccination but can only enter if accompanied by vaccinated parents or guardians.
- Have been in a low or medium risk country for at least 21 days before flight – check your local Thai Embassy for your country’s standing but also the list is here at TAT News.
Flight Details
- Must show proof of return flight.
- At the start of your trip, you can either fly on a direct flight to Koh Samui or if via BKK Suvarnabhumi, you can only transit using these sealed Bangkok Airways flights, PG5125,5151, 5171. You must booked these transit flights at the same time as the International flight.
- If you are leaving the country from Samui via BKK Suvarnabhumi, again you can only use the sealed designated flights – PG5126,5152, 5172.
- If you travel around Thailand after your 14 days in the Samui Plus scheme (as is permitted), you can leave on any flight but must show this return flight booking on the initial application. Thai residents and expats not intending to leave the country will need to check with their Embassy if this applies to them or not?
Hotel Details
- Proof of hotel booking Samui Extra+ designated hotel for at least 7 nights and SHA+ hotel for further 7 nights (see details below).
- Working list of hotels here.
Covid Tests, Insurance and Visa
- Proof of prior payment for Covid tests on Samui or neighbouring islands (Day1, 6/7 and 12/13).
- Health insurance coverage (including Covid-19) of minimum $100,000.
- Visa or visa exemption – the standard tourist visa, the 30 days exemption (currently extended to 45 days), all Non Os are available – part of the application process with the Certificate of Entry (CofE) .
Certifcate of Entry
Provided you can submit all the above together with the completed T8 form, your localEmbassy issues a Certificate of Entry (CofE) – details here at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/.
All passengers must provide a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departure. This includes children. No test, no boarding, no exceptions.
On Arrival in Thailand
On arrival at BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport, all passengers are met by the authorities and taken through health checks and Immigration to the appropriate boarding gate. You must install the Mor Chana app on your phone
On arrival at Koh Samui Airport, the procedure is the same as above – health check, Immigration, app. After registering with the Samui Health Pass, you travel to your designated hotel by a specially assigned vehicle.
How the 14 Days Work
- You must stay in a Samui Extra+ designated hotel for 7 days
- On arrival at your hotel, you take one the 1st of your pre-paid RT-PCR tests and then are not allowed to leave your room until the test comes back negative. ***If you test positive at any stage – arrival, Day6/7 or Day 12/13, you must move to an approved hospital for treatment (at your expense). All members of your party will also be quarantined.
- After your Day 1 test has come back negative, you can leave your room but not the hotel until Day 4.
- From Day 4 to 7, you can travel in Samui according to designated routes and assigned tour programmes only.
- After your negative test on Day 6 or 7 (at hotel), you can then freely move about Koh Samui or travel to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. If travelling to either of these islands, you can only stay at an SHA hotel (check listings) – proof or 7 day booking required.
- After your negative test on Day 12/13 (at hospital), you can then travel around Thailand by providing proof of at least 14 nights stay and 3 negative PCR tests and meeting all provincial entry requirements.
- It will be mandatory to follow all local Covid-19 rules and regulations such as mask wearing and social distancing.
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