Thailand targets ‘visa on arrival’ tourists

Thailand targets ‘visa on arrival’ tourists

The announcement was posted online last night (Oct 4), but with no extra details released. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has yet to announce the move through its formal channels.

The notice posted online last night was titled, “Arrival Requirements for ’Phuket Sandbox’ visitors who wish to apply for a ‘Visa on Arrival’ (VOA)”.

The conditions and process of entering Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox scheme on a VOA was explained as follows:

1. Ensure that you have an approved ’Certificate of Entry’ (COE) before flying to Thailand (printed version required). You can apply for the COE for Visa on Arrivals via https://coethailand.mfa.go.th

2. Download the mobile application on arrival (which app was not specified)

3. Be prepared to have documents checked at the ’Port Health and Quarantine’ at Phuket International Airport

4. When applying for the ’Visa on Arrival’ you will need to:

– Fill out the application form provided

– Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 30 days

– Have a confirmed return flight ticket

– Hava ’SHABA’ confirmation of a ’SHA Plus’ hotel for a minimum of 7 days

– Show that you are carrying 10,000 baht (20,000 for a family) in any currency

– 2,000 baht for the ’Visa Application Fee’

5. Clear the ’Immigration’ process

6. Proceed to the baggage hall and collect luggages

7. Proceed to ’Customs’

8. Proceed outside the terminal to the compulsory ’RT-PCR’ Covid-19 test station

9. Depart to your SHA Plus hotel with a ’SHA Plus’ prebooked transportation (directly with no enroute stops)

Of special note, the notice was marked in red, “Please note that the VOA will be granted for only 15 days, and it cannot be extended.”

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About the author

Thomas has a university background in the UK and in Latin America, with studies in Languages and Humanities, Culture, Literature and Economics. He started his Asian experience as a publisher in Krabi in 2005. Thomas has been editing local newspapers and magazines in England, Spain and Thailand for more than fifteen years. He is currently working on several projects in Thailand and abroad. Apart from Thailand, Thomas has lived in Italy, England, Venezuela, Cuba, Spain and Bali. He spends most of his time in Asia. During the years Thomas has developed a great understanding of several Asian cultures and people. He is also working freelance, writing short travel stories and articles for travel magazines. Follow Thomas on www.asianitinerary.com

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