Traveling to Phuket in 2021 - 2022
For those thinking of traveling to Thailand during the COVID 19 pandemic, here are a few recommendations, tips, and tricks to make your stay in paradise smoother!
TL;DR
Having traveled to Phuket in late 2021, it's confirmed there's a fair amount of paperwork involved when booking your stay. However, if you front load, you can get it done in a few hours...and the trip will most assuredly be worth it!
What is a Thai Pass?
The Thai Pass is a free system designed to make the documentation process for travelers entering Thailand more efficient.
Expedite arrival using the “Test and Go”program.
Starting 11/01/2021, Thailand has allowed fully vaccinated travelers, traveling by air from low-risk, eligible countries to reduce their mandatory quarantine period from (2) weeks to (~1) day using a series of RT-PCR tests. This is "Test and Go."
Test and Go travelers will only need 1) to be tested upon arrival in the Phuket airport, 2) quarantine in their booked (SHA+) hotel until their test results arrive and 3) will be free to leave / travel the island after they have received a negative test result.
Travelers are eligible for quarantine-free travel to Thailand, if they are:
Fully vaccinated
Traveling by air
From pre-approved countries.
To complete"Test and Go” you will need to upload:
Certificate of Vaccination with state QR codes (QR codes expedites approvals)
Confirmation & Payment #'s of AQ, ASQ, or SHA+ Hotels .... in the case of Test and Go travelers, you are required to book a hotel for at least 1 night. The 1-night package or the Test and Go package should cover: 1) RT-PCR COVID-19 Test 2) an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) for day 6/7, 3) Accommodation for at least 1 night and 4) Transport from the airport to your designated hotel. Approved hotels can be found here.
COVID-19 Insurance to cover the costs of COVID-19 related incidents, minimum $50,000.
Negative RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result within 72 hours of the travel date or..if you have just recovered from COVID-19, a Certificate of Recovery. It will serve as proof that you have recovered from COVID-19 at least 3 months.
Hotel is booked! Onwards...
Ask for SHA+ code post booking (needed for Thai pass)
Ask for airport pickup, coordinate time / pickup location. A hotel representative should confirm a dedicated minibus / taxi and driver who will have your name upon landing.
Next Steps
Pre pay for COVID RT-PCR test on landing at Phuket airport
Book a viral vaccination test in Thailand 72hrs before return via the PSAS System
Download and install the application ‘Mor Chana’ app (iOS HERE, Android HERE)
Print all travel documents to expedite passage
Activities... Let's get to the fun stuff!
Phi Phi Islands Tour + Snorkeling by Speed boat, Siam Adventure Tour ~ 8hrs
Phuket Jet Ski Tour To 7 Islands with Rocky’s Jet Ski companyIncludes lunch ~7hrs
includes visiting an island with scores of Long Tail Monkeys
5 in 1 James Bond Tour by Long Tail Boat / visit to Phang Nga Bay & Muslim Village~7hrs
Take a Trip to Kata Noi Beach / Nai Harn Beach, Celebrity Spot at Surin Beach
Dining in Phuket
Fancy Food
Mom Tri's Kitchen Royale at Villa Royale
***Get there by at least 30min before sunset!***
12 Kata Noi Road, Karon,
83100, Phuket, Thailand
Drinks@Baba’s Nest To RSVP Call 76-371-008
247/5 Pra Baramee Road, Patong,
Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
LOCAL FOOD in Southern Phuket
9/4 หมู่ที่ 3 ซอย ป่าหล่าย ถนน เจ้าฟ้า
Chalong, อำเภอ เมืองภูเก็ต Phuket 83130
Contacts... when you need some local recommendations!
When you need a reliable taxi driver, contact Santi +66 81-979-6241 via WhatsApp! Santi was wonderful when assisting our group, his English was good, and he charged reasonable rates.