Everything about Thailand Pass system

The Thailand Pass system is a free-of-charge web-based system designed to make the documentation process of travelers entering Thailand more efficient than the Certificate of Entry application.

Just like the Certificate of Entry, it will collect data for entry forms required, but what makes it better than the Certificate of Entry (COE) is that it collects both travel and health information like vaccine certificates and it will help facilitate the filing of the TM6 and T8 Forms.

Through the Thailand Pass system, the expected documents and other paperwork requirements imposed on by the COVID-19 will be addressed.

The goal of the new Thailand Pass is to help support the country’s “Ease of Travel” system after it reopens and to expedite the process of filling out information and uploading travel documents.

You may check the below video for general idea about the system.

The Thailand Pass is required for all travelers whether Thai or foreigners based on the following travel restrictions:

1. Fully Vaccinated for the Test and Go Program

Fully vaccinated travelers, both Thai and foreigners will be allowed to enter Thailand without mandatory quarantine or sandbox stay. They only need to stay for 1 night in an ASQ or SHA+ Hotel while they wait for the COVID 19 RT-PCR test result that was taken upon arrival and another stay for 1 night in an ASQ or SHA+ hotel on Day 5. Unvaccinated children below 18 years old may travel with vaccinated parents without quarantine. 

Here is more detail about Test and Go Program

2. Fully Vaccinated under Sandbox Program 

Fully vaccinated travelers may also  enter Thailand without quarantine under the Sandbox Programs such as  Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket or Samui Sandbox. They are required to spend a minimum of 7 nights in an accredited SHA+ Hotel in these Sandbox areas before they will be allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand. Unvaccinated children below 18 years old may travel with vaccinated parents without quarantine under the sandbox program.

Here is more detail about Blue Zone Sandbox Program

3. Non-Vaccinated under Quarantine Program

Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are still allowed to travel to Thailand. They must undergo a mandatory quarantine of 10 nights in an accredited ASQ or AQ quarantine hotel before they will be allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.

Here is more detail about Happy Quarantine Program

The Thailand Pass System is a QR code generating system. To obtain a Thailand Pass you’ll need to navigate to the Thailand Pass Registration System. Once there, you’ll need to register on the system by choosing “Non-Thai” and subsequently clicking on “English”. Next, you’ll need to choose one of the three Thailand Pass Programs.

To obtain a QR entry code or Thailand Pass ID, travelers will have to:

• Register at Thailand Pass web portal
• Input personal details
• Upload the required documents
• Receive a confirmation email after registration (within seconds after registration)
• Wait for the Thailand Pass approval (within an hour or up to 7 days)

And if approved, you will receive an email of your QR Entry Code or Thailand Pass ID which you will use upon entering Thailand.

1. Apply for Thailand Pass by Yourself

You may apply for the Thailand Pass directly on the MFA website: https://tp.consular.go.th/

If you have already applied by yourself and you need to check the status, please go to: https://tp.consular.go.th/en/check-status

If you already applied and you still did not get the Thailand Pass or you were rejected, please email: [email protected] and [email protected]

2. Thailand Pass Application Service by Siam Legal

Application for the Thailand Pass is free-of-charge and you do not need any assistance to apply for it. However, there may be instances where some individuals may voluntarily choose a paid service provider such as a law firm to provide consultation, assist them to prepare their documents, and submit them on their behalf. Individuals may encounter problems with their documents that are not being uploaded properly or some information or documents that are deemed unacceptable to the Thai embassy or consulate that may cause delay or rejection of your Thailand Pass application, so it may be helpful to retain a service provider to assist you with the application. These paid Thailand Pass services offered by Siam Legal here.

The processing time for the Thailand Pass application is 5 to 7 days depending on the Thai Embassy or Consulate where the application has been submitted. It is recommended to apply for the Thailand pass at least 7 days before your intended departure.

Before you choose your Thailand Pass travel scheme, there are a couple of things you’ll need to take into account:

Your Port of Entry May Influence Your Options

Your 1st port of entry into Thailand may have an impact on your travel plans. If for instance you choose the sandbox program and plan on staying 7 days in Krabi, but your 1st port of entry is Bangkok (either Suvarnabhumi or Don Muaeng airport), you’ll be unable to travel on to Krabi and be forced to spend your 7 day Sandbox period in Bangkok. This is because no onward transit flights are allowed at the moment. Essentially, your 1st port of entry should be the place where you’ll spend your 1 day, 7 day, or 10 - 14 day quarantine period respectively.

As of the time of writing, only Bangkok and Phuket are receiving direct international flights. However, if you are traveling to Koh Samui, you will be able to transit through Suvarnabhumi airport, provided that the connecting flight has been booked as part of your international flight.

This may change at any moment, so it is always worth checking with your local Royal Thai Consulate or the Royal Thai Embassy in your country.

Obtaining Health Insurance for Your Thailand Pass

The Thailand Pass portal offers a list of acceptable medical insurance policy providers. However, all of these are for minimum coverage of 100,000 USD, while the required minimum is 50,000 USD. This in turn means that your insurance will be more expensive than it should be. We suggest that you use AXA, which will provide cover for the amount of 50,000 USD, as stipulated by the Thai authorities.

How Long Before Your Trip Should You Apply for Your Thailand Pass?

We recommend that you apply for your Thailand Pass as soon as you’ve gathered all of the required documents. While the processing time is stated as 7 working days, some travelers have reported processing times of up to 15 working days. As more and more people are applying for their Thailand Pass, the processing time may be even longer.

What Is the Earliest Date That I’ll Be Able To Apply For My Thailand Pass?

The earliest you’ll be able to complete your Thailand Pass is 6 months from the date of your entry into Thailand.

What Is The Cost of The Thailand Pass?

You won't need to pay anything for your Thailand Pass as it is a free-of-charge web-based system designed to optimize the documentation processes of travelers entering Thailand. After you complete the application, your pass will be processed, and you'll receive a QR code within 7 days (more about this later).

• When uploading your vaccination details, be sure to include your vaccination certificate’s QR-Code. This will significantly decrease the time it takes to process your application. To do this, you’ll need to upload a cropped picture that only shows your QR-Code, and nothing else.
• You won't be able to upload a PDF file, only jpg, jpeg, & png. To overcome this simply take a picture or scan of the required document and upload it in jpg form.
• After completing your application, print out all of your documents, including your Thailand Pass, and have them on hand when dealing with customs officials or airline staff. Don't try and produce digital copies from your phone - this is slower and will irritate the officials.
• When traveling Bangkok as your 1st port of entry for the Test & Go OR Sandbox Option, make sure that your SHA+ Hotel booking includes an RT-PCR Test and an Airport pick-up in a Quarantine Approved vehicle. This should be standard for all SHA+ Hotels, but you should double-check that this will be done. If the SHA+ Hotel does not offer these services or require you to obtain them yourself and they’ll refund you, DO NOT use that hotel, as the chances of running into trouble later on are simply too high.
• When traveling to Phuket as your 1st port of entry for the Test & Go OR Sandbox Option, the RT-PCR test will be performed at the Phuket Airport. As such, you’ll need to book and pay for a test on the day of your arrival. To do this, navigate to the PSAS Platform and create an appointment. You should be able to upload your receipt to the Thai Pass platform, additionally to your Hotel Confirmation, but if this is not the case, it’s advised to take a photo featuring both your hotel confirmation and your RT-PCR test receipt.

Travelers traveling to Thailand are excited by Thailand Pass System, but questions are arising about this new scheme and its new system, the Thailand Pass. Whether or not you have a question or just a little bit of clarification in mind about Thailand Pass, this is the right place to find clarity or answers.

Is the Thailand Pass System open for registration?

Yes, Thailand Pass is already open for registration. The registration was opened on November 1, 2021.

Is a Thailand Pass registration required for all 3 schemes traveling into Thailand?

All travelers traveling by air from all the below schemes are required to register for the Thailand Pass in order to enter Thailand. 

• Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine)
• Blue Zones (Sandbox Programs)
• Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine for unvaccinated travelers)

Can I enter Thailand with the approved COE that I registered before?

Yes, you can enter Thailand with your approved COE to enter Thailand, but the COE shall specify which of the 3 schemes you are eligible for to enter Thailand.

What if my COE is still under consideration, what should I do?

Well, if your COE is already pre-approved, you have until November 7, 2021 to submit all the remaining required documents for the final approval of your COE. 

If you fail to submit them before the given date, you are required to register with Thailand Pass and be able to travel and enter Thailand through that new system.

How long does the Thailand Pass approval process take?

It takes at least 3 to 7 days to process the approval.

It is suggested that travelers will have to create and submit their registration 7 days before their intended travel date.

Is it possible to change my travel date after registering and receiving my QR code?

Yes. However, flight changes are permitted within 72 hours from the original flight time registered in the Thailand Pass without the need to apply for a new Thailand Pass QR Code, provided that all other required documents remain valid or updated. 

Can I submit a single application for my entire family or group if we are traveling as a family or group?

No. All travelers, except children under the age of 12 (for quarantine exemption travelers) or 18 (for sandbox travelers), are Thailand pass required.

If you have children under the age of 12 or 18, they will not need to register for the Thailand Pass. Parents will have to add their children’s information to their registration of Thailand Pass under the ‘Personal Information’ section.

My children are unvaccinated; will they be allowed to enter Thailand under the same scheme as their parents?

Children under the age of 12 (for quarantine exemption travelers) or 18 (for sandbox travelers) do not require to be vaccinated and shall be allowed to enter Thailand under the same scheme as their parents.

On the other hand, those who are over the age of 18 shall have a vaccination certificate confirming they are vaccinated for at least 14 days before their intended travel date.

Note: Vaccines shall be vaccines approved by the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the differences between AQ and SHA+ hotels?

AQ Hotels are qualified or approved hotels to be used as quarantine sites for 1 day under the Test and Go (quarantine exemption) scheme and the mandatory 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated travelers.

SHA+ Hotels are qualified or approved hotels that meet the standards of “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” to be used as a test and go hotel for the no quarantine scheme and hotels for the required 7 days under the Blue Zones (Sandbox Programs) scheme.

Both are designated waiting areas for your RT-PCR results.

Is it possible to travel freely in Thailand if I came via the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme, Blue Zone (Sandbox Program) scheme, or Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) scheme?

Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine)

You can only freely travel to other Thailand destinations after receiving a negative RT-PCR result and after a 1-day stay in an AQ hotel.

Blue Zone (Sandbox Program)

You can only freely travel to other Thailand destinations after receiving negative RT-PCR results and after a 7-day stay in a SHA+ hotel.

Note: Through the Blue Zone scheme or Sandbox program, travelers will be able to roam around the Sandbox location after receiving a negative result from the 1st RT-PCR test conducted on them. They are not allowed to change Sandbox locations.

Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine)

You can only freely travel to other Thailand destinations after a 10-day stay in an AQ accommodation.

If I plan to travel to Thailand by land or sea, do I need to register with Thailand Pass?

No. Travelers traveling by land or sea still need the Certificate of Entry or COE, not the Thailand Pass.

Thailand Pass is exclusive for those travelers traveling by air. If you are traveling by land or sea, you might want to contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulates located in your country and apply for a COE.

When will the Thailand Pass be expanded to include both land and sea travelers?

The subject of expanding the Thailand Pass registration system for people traveling to Thailand by land and sea is still being discussed by the relevant institutions.

My country is not currently listed as an approved country for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme. Will my country be added to the list in the future?

The list of countries eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme is reviewed and updated on a regular The list of nations and territories eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. 

Until then, depending on your vaccination status, you can travel to Thailand through the Blue Zones (Sandbox Program) or Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine).

UPDATED: Since February 1st, 2022 all countries are now eligible to apply for Test & Go Scheme

Is it necessary for me to submit the results of my COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) to Thailand Pass?

No. You will only have to submit a physical copy, with either English or Thai language, to airport authorities before your departure and upon arrival in Thailand. 

The Covid-19 test result must be issued within 72 hours only before your intended departure date. Failure to provide your COVID-19 test result (RT-PCR) to others may result in your entrance into Thailand being denied.

Note: A Thai national arriving in Thailand through Alternative Quarantine will not require a Covid-19 test result.

Will I be eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme if my international trip to Thailand involves a stopover in a non-approved country?

Yes. As long as your stopover from a non-approved country is not over 12 hours and you must not pass through immigration control to that non-approved country to be eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme.

Do I need to register with Thailand Pass if I’m visiting Thailand to transit to another country or territory (without passing through immigration control)?

No. But you do need to have an insurance policy document or proof of Covid-19 insurance with at least $50,000 insurance coverage and a COVID-19 test result, through RT-PCR test, issued within 72 hours of your departure.

How long must I have been staying in an approved country before being eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme?

21 days. Before becoming eligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme, you must have spent at least 21 days in one of the approved countries or territories.

Is the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme applicable to me if I go out of Thailand for less than 21 days and stay in one of the approved countries?

Yes. But please note that you will be ineligible for the Test and Go (Exemption from Quarantine) scheme if you stay in non-approved countries during your travel after leaving and before re-entering Thailand, except for the stopover situation mentioned earlier.

Do I need to submit a copy of my insurance policy as an expat living and working in Thailand?

Yes. Expats with a valid visa or with a residential permit in Thailand must show proof of insurance coverage with a minimum coverage of $50,000, a valid social security card, or a certified letter from their employer.

In terms of Thai nationals entering Thailand, they do not have to show proof of insurance coverage for they are covered by Thailand’s Universal Healthcare programme (UHC) program.

Is it necessary for my insurance to be COVID-19 insurance in order to register with Thailand Pass?

No. As long as the insurance coverage is with a minimum coverage of $50,000. It can be general insurance or health insurance, not just Covid-19 insurance.

What documents are needed to register for a Thailand Pass?

The documents needed on a Thailand Pass registration depend on the scheme a traveler will choose. Refer to the table below:

Note: The Covid-19 RT-PCR result requirement will only be presented before departure and upon arrival in Thailand. The issuance of the Covid-19 test shall be within 72 hours before the intended departure and shall be a printed copy, either in Thai or English language.

Thai nationals are not required to have a Covid-19 RT-PCR test result.

If I do not own a phone, how will I be able to present my QR Code?

A printed QR Code will do. You can register through your personal computer or laptop and print the QR Code once you receive it.

Is it possible to enter Thailand with a COVID-19 test result from the ATK method?

No. The only COVID-19 test allowed to enter Thailand is the RT-PCR testing technique or method.

Antigen Test Kits (ATK) or self-test kits are not allowed.

What are the vaccines approved by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)?

Listed below are the approved vaccines by MoPH in Thailand:

• Moderna
• Sputnik V
• AstraZeneca
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• CoronaVac (Sinovac)
• COVILO (Sinopharm)
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Here is Covid-19 vaccination guide for Thailand

Does Thailand recognize mixed vaccination?

Yes, Thailand does accept mixed vaccination. 

Your second dose, on the other hand, must be given according to the prescribed timeframe for each vaccination type (first dose). Refer to the table below:

Note: Your 2nd dose must be given or administered at least 14 days before you your intended travel date to be considered completely vaccinated.

Can I travel to Thailand if I have previously been infected with COVID-19?

Yes. However, you must provide proof that you have recovered already within 3 months by presenting a “Certificate of Recovery” and proof of a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Those who have been infected with COVID-19 and have gotten a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within 3 months of recovery are considered completely vaccinated. 

Know that the information above is based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release and information. To be able to travel to Thailand freely, please consider this as your guide for your future travel to Thailand.