Ifah SakinahGood news: Phuket in Thailand reopens to international tourism after a year-long hiatus. If you’re yearning for a rejuvenating respite to get away from it all, here’s your chance! But before that, get acquainted with all these measures that are in place to ensure a smooth journey for travellers. In no time, you can find yourself basking in the glorious sun on the endless stretches of pristine beaches in the Pearl of the Andaman.
Also read: Which Countries in Southeast Asia Are Open for Tourism Now? [UPDATED 2021]
A quick rundown on what you need to know about Phuket’s reopening
Image credit: Vitaly Sacred
Requirements for travellers prior to travelling to Phuket
- You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before your arrival, with a vaccine registered with Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health or approved by the World Health Organisation. A proof of COVID-19 vaccine certification is necessary. However, children under the age of six travelling with their parents can enter Phuket without prior vaccination against COVID-19.
- Ascertain that you’re traveling from countries/regions approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Additionally, you must be in that country for at least 21 days before your travel date.
- Obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) here.
- Present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Also, you must present an insurance policy covering healthcare and treatment expenses for COVID-19 for the whole duration you’re in Thailand. The insurance coverage must be a minimum of US$100,000 (approximately SG$134,628).
Requirements for travellers upon arrival in Phuket
- Undergo a total of three COVID-19 tests (RT-PCR method) at your own expense. You will have to take the COVID-19 test on the following days: On arrival, on day six or seven, and on day 12 or 13.
- Download the following mobile applications for tracking purposes and set them on at all times during your stay: ThailandPlus and MorChana.
- You must put up at one of the accommodations certified “SHA Plus” by the Thai government.
- If you’re planning to stay in Phuket for less than 14 days, you must present a confirmed flight ticket out of the country.
- You can visit other destinations in Thailand after completing at least 14 nights in Phuket, as long as your test result comes back as negative. Do take note that you must provide proof that you have completed a 14-night stay accommodation in Phuket. Moreover, you will need to present other essential documentation mandated by the respective destinations.
During your stay in Phuket:
Observe DMHTTA precautions:
- D – Distancing
- M – Mask wearing
- H – Handwashing
- T – Temperature check
- T – Testing for COVID-19
- A – Alert application
For more information, you can refer to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website.
Also read: 10 Airbnb Villas in Phuket for an Unforgettable Trip
Image credit: Miltiadis Fragkidis
There you have it: A list of information you need to know about the measures to enter Phuket. Now that Phuket reopens to international tourists, will you be making your way there soon? Check out this list of things to do in the island paradise for a whale of a time during your vacay!
