{"id":18617,"date":"2021-08-26T11:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T03:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/?p=18617"},"modified":"2022-02-28T09:48:25","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T01:48:25","slug":"get-ready-to-travel-to-phuket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/get-ready-to-travel-to-phuket\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Ready to Travel to Phuket"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phuket Sandbox: Here\u2019s What You Need to Know<\/h3>\n

Miss the sun-kissed island of Phuket<\/a> and the unmatched joy of travelling? We have some good news for you. Under the Phuket Sandbox program, the Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand now allow vaccinated international tourists to travel to Phuket without having to quarantine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

After more than a year of lockdowns and isolation, travellers are yearning to recreate memories with their family and loved ones, indulge their sense of adventure, and find some normalcy and balance in life once again. Travellers heading to Thailand will witness an entirely reset Phuket. Since the start of the pandemic, the island\u2019s natural resources have flourished. The beaches are pristine, the Andaman Sea is crystal-clear, and strict hygiene protocols are being followed in our villas, with staff being vaccinated on priority and always masked on duty. We are eagerly awaiting your arrival.<\/p>\n

The Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand<\/a> require all travellers to get inoculated prior to their trip to Thailand. Vaccinated travellers will have more freedom to roam, while those who are not vaccinated can still travel to Phuket but will be required to stay in SHA+ certified properties<\/a> for two weeks.<\/p>\n

Planning to travel to Phuket<\/a>? Here are some things you should know. Do keep in mind that the Phuket Sandbox program is subject to change as the Covid-19 situation develops and evolves.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know<\/h3>\n

Tourists from the approved list of low and medium-risk countries are now welcome to travel to Phuket without the need to quarantine. Vaccinated foreign travellers and their children must stay in Phuket for at least 7 days, after which they may travel to Koh Samui or stay on in Phuket. After 14 days of arrival, they are free to travel throughout the Kingdom. Plan to spend Week 1 at one of our villas magnificent villas in Phuket and you will never want to leave. Enjoy the luxury of privacy and safety, with enviable space to spread out and relax, before heading out to explore the white sand beaches of Koh Samui, where our sumptuous elite havens await your arrival for Week 2.<\/p>\n

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Protocols and testing<\/h3>\n

Vaccinated travellers will be allowed to partake in activities in Phuket but must strictly adhere to standard protocols such as social distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing and Covid-19 testing.<\/p>\n

Visitors will be tested on arrival at the airport and then again on Day 6 or 7 and Day 12 or 13. If any of these three tests comes back positive, they will be transferred to the hospital. If the RT-PCR test is negative, you are free to roam around Phuket or enjoy a one-day tour to islands off Phuket such as Koh Phi Phi, the Koh Yao islands, or even a day trip to Phang Nga Bay. If you plan to travel to Koh Samui for Week 2, your last RT-PCR test will be done in Koh Samui. The Elite Concierge will be happy to help organise the logistics for your trip.<\/p>\n

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Duration of stay<\/h3>\n

Under the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension Program, travellers to Phuket can now stay on Phuket island for the first 7 days and move on to an extension area such as Koh Samui for the next 7 days. Thereafter, they are free to travel to other provinces in Thailand such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai. RT-PCR tests must be done 72-hours before departing for Phuket. The results of the RT-PCR test, plus a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, must be presented at a checkpoint upon arrival to the next destination.<\/p>\n

It should be noted that travellers are allowed to stay in Phuket for less than 7 days and travel back to their country of origin or another country, but a 14-day stay in Phuket (plus an extension area) must be completed before travelling to other destinations in Thailand.<\/p>\n

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Vaccination requirements under the Phuket Sandbox Program<\/h3>\n

Before boarding a flight to Phuket<\/a>, vaccinated travellers from low and medium-risk countries must have received complete doses of vaccines at least 14 days in advance. Upon arrival at the Phuket International Airport, travellers will be required to present their vaccine certificate at the checkpoint. For those travelling with minors below the age of 18, a rapid antigen test is required at their own expense. This rapid antigen test may cost between 1,200 to 1,500 Thai baht.<\/p>\n

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Domestic vs International travellers<\/h3>\n

Protocols differ for international and domestic travellers. We\u2019ve highlighted further information below.<\/p>\n

For International Travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n