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Thailand Reopens More Sandbox Locations
Thailand will reopen 3 more Sandbox destinations from 11 January 2022, after the nation has agreed to extend the ban of the Test & Go system. After making travel easier in late-2021, Thailand has paused the scheme which allowed travelers to skip mandatory quarantine.
Thailand plans to treat the virus as endemic in 2022 as it looks to rebuild its tourism economy. In 2019, Thailand attracted almost 40 million visitors. However, visitor numbers have flatlined since March 2020.
The New Sandbox Schemes
From January 11, 2022, travelers can travel to Thailand under three new Sandbox schemes: Krabi, Phang-Na, or Surat Thani, as well as the Phuket Sandbox scheme. Travelers must ensure they’ve arranged everything before applying for the Sandbox Thailand Pass.
Travelers will require:
- A vaccination certificate
- A pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result
- Prepaid 7-nights accommodation in an approved hotel
- Prepaid RT-PCR tests for when in Thailand
- An insurance policy with coverage of no less than $50,000
Travelers must stay at least the first 7 nights within Sandbox destinations. However, if travelers need to leave their accommodation before the 7-night-period, they must leave the country.
Travelers need to complete their 7 nights in hotel quarantine before traveling to other destinations within Thailand.
The Suspension Of The Test & Go Thailand Pass Applications
The CCSA has also approved the measure to suspend the Thailand Pass system for new registrations. However, the CCSA is currently reviewing entry measures for travelers who’ve obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December 2021 with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from December 24, 2021.
Travelers planning to enter Thailand can apply for the Thailand Pass under one of the Sandbox programs or the Alternative Quarantine system.
The Current COVID-19 Situation In Thailand: 10 January 2022
COVID-19 cases have dropped in Thailand in recent weeks. That said, cases have spiked again in recent days. The current 7-day case average is 5,713; that’s a small increase from the 7-day case average of 2,618 on December 19, 2021. Although COVID-19 cases are still way behind the 21,784 7-day case average in August 2021.
Of course, this will create concern for many travelers planning to visit Thailand. The nation changes its COVID-19 entry policy continually.
As we’ve seen in the previous two years, anything can happen in Thailand regarding COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The End Of The Africa Travel Ban
From January 11, 2022, Thailand will remove its ban on arrivals from African countries. Therefore, travelers from African nations can apply for the Thailand pass under one of the Sandbox schemes or an Alternative Quarantine system.
Thailand’s 26 “Blue Zone” Provinces Will Remain
The CCSA has approved the maintenance of the 26 “Blue Zone” provinces with pilot tourist destinations. Blue zones have reached 70% vaccination levels and are ready to welcome international visitors.
Central Thailand:
- Bangkok
- Ayutthaya (Mueang district only)
- Kanchanaburi
- Nonthaburi
- Pathum Thani
- Phetchaburi (Cha-Am district only)
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (Mueang, Hua Hin, and Nong Kae districts only)
- Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport only)
Eastern Region:
- Chanthaburi (only for Mueang and Tha Mai districts)
- Chon Buri (only for Bang Lamung, Ko Si Chang, Pattaya, and Si Racha districts, and only Bang Sarey and Na Jomtien subdistricts in Sattahip district)
- Rayong (only for Ko Samet)
- Trat (only for Ko Chang and Ko Kut districts)
Northern Region:
- Chiang Mai (Mueang, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng districts only)
- Chiang Rai (Mueang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang, Mae Sai, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Kaen, and Wiang Pa Pao districts only).
Southern Region:
- Krabi
- Phang-Nga
- Phuket
- Ranong (Koh Phayam only)
- Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao only).
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 for 2021
The Latest Entry Requirements For The Top 9 European Destinations Due To Omicron
U.S. Issues 15 New Travel Advisories To Start 2022
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Nathaniel
Thursday 13th of January 2022
So sad for such a beautiful country to decide to destroy its tourism. No one in their right mind will return under current regulations. Natty.
Adam
Tuesday 11th of January 2022
So it's back to Sandbox madness? Surprised anyone wants to go through that hassle.
max
Tuesday 11th of January 2022
Every day they change. 2022 is finished. Testing, PCR, hotel booking, insurance, pre-registration.
just fly to mexico or colombia with zero entry requirments thats it.
Christian
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
@Dreamgirl, also add to the list Costa Rica and DR. However both Costa Rica and DR have some bizarre Covid rules ones you are inside the country, which doesn’t make it worth going to.
Dreamgirl
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
@max, Colombia has imposed new restrictions. Unvaxxed travellers can no longer enter Colombia at all. Being vaxed or having at least 1 vax dose is required for entry. Maxico and El Salvador are the only countries with no vax/PCR hassle.