Thailand is a dream destination for many Indian travellers. Its gorgeous beaches, tropical islands, exotic architectural buildings and palaces and religious temples lure in a plethora of Indian tourists every year. The COVID-19 pandemic situation had stalled the travels, much to the disappointment of several Indians who might have been planning for a Thailand trip.
With the reports floating in about the Phuket "Sandbox" program, it is a great news for the Indian travellers and much awaited relief to plan for their vacations.
What is the Phuket "Sandbox" Program?
The Thai Royal Embassy in New Delhi, have earmarked the program name as "Sandbox" top set forward the rules and norms that the Indian travellers need to follow for being granted entry into the country. The Visas and the COE (Certificate of Entry) will be issued by the Embassy for Indian nationals. The safety and health protocols as established by the Indian and the Thailand governments need to be adhered to; that mandates producing some official documents during the visa processing.
The Purpose of the Phuket "Sandbox" Program
Tourism has been severely affected in various regions of the world. Thailand is not an exception. The program is a significant step in boosting the tourism in the country, especially since Indians contribute significantly to the sector. Its an equally good news for the Indians as Thailand, being in close proximity, is affordable and comfortable when it comes to travelling. The fact that Thailand can be visited at any time of the year, the Sandbox program is a boon for the Indians. Phuket, Bangkok, Kraby, Phi Phi islands along with the pristine beaches, historical and religious monuments and buildings are the key sightseeing spots that allure Indians into this wondrous country.
The Notification issued by the Thai Royal Embassy in New Delhi states that, "The embassy will now start issuing all types of visas and COE for permitted non-Thai nationals, except for medical treatment".
Requirements to be fulfilled for the "Sandbox" Program
1. Complete all the doses of vaccination at least 14 days before entry into the country
2. A valid Thailand visa
3. A health insurance with a minimum of USD 100k cover for COVID-19
4. Hotel reservation under the SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Program
5. The testing package of COVID-19
6. The RT-PCR test result before 72 hours the flight is boarded
7. The Certificate of Entry or COE
Under the mandates of the program, Indian visa applicants may be subject to multiple COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. The expenses initially need to be borne by the visitors, costing USD 100 per test. The same can be reimbursed on entry into the country or by the hotel.
Recommendation is to apply for the Certificate of Entry before confirming the flight tickets. You can get the application form from here. All the steps for proceeding with the application, and the documents to be uploaded are mentioned. Atleast 3 working days are needed by the embassy to process the application.
And Final Thoughts...
So gear up your backpacks and start planning for a thrilling vacation to Thailand. You just need to cope up with the formalities. Rest to be assured of a marvellous trip amid nature's wonders.
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