Phuket extends tight entry restrictions, vaccine required for most

Tight entry restrictions to Phuket have been extended until at least for the next two weeks, according to a provincial order imposed yesterday. Domestic entry onto the island province by land, water, and air is prohibited, with the exception of essential vehicles, residents returning home, and travellers entering under the “Sandbox” scheme. Those allowed to enter Phuket under the exceptions must also be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The main checkpoint is closed from 11pm to 4am. Entry during the nightly hours is only allowed if travel is essential. During the normal hours, checkpoint officers will determine entry on a case by case basis.

Who is allowed to enter Phuket?

Essential and emergency vehicles

• ambulance, patients that require emergency treatment, lifeguards, rescue,
• transporting drugs and medical supplies
• transporting consumer goods such as agricultural products livestock animal feed
• transporting cooking gas
• bank money transport – financial situation
• transport parcels and publications
• transportation of construction materials, spare parts, and machinery
• Ship freight to import and export goods at Leek Phuket Seaport, oil terminal port, PTT Phuket and other cargo groups
• Transport tools, equipment, raw materials, products and part of basic maintenance from telecommunications, energy automotive, aerospace, and other industries

Phuket residents

Those returning home must have their “blue book,” or other proof of their residential address in Phuket.

Those with permission from government and health officials

Those who have been ordered from the disease control officials and have duty to protect Phuket and those ordered by government agencies to travel for urgent missions are allowed to enter Phuket.

“Sandbox” and “7+7” travellers

“Sandbox” and “7+7 extension” travellers along with their drivers are allowed to enter Phuket. The drivers must also show relevant documents at the checkpoint. The “7+7” island hop scheme connects reopening projects in seven destinations.

Those with vaccine appointments or court hearings

Those with appointments with courts or for a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are allowed to enter Phuket. Those with court hearings or appointments can only enter if it is an urgent case and proof that missing an appointment could lead to consequences must be presented to checkpoint officers.

People who have appointments to get the second shot of vaccine in Phuket will need to show a document with proof of their appointment in Phuket. These travellers must be tested for Covid-19 through an antigen or PCR test at least an hour before entering the province.

Students

Students who need to enter Phuket for educational purposes must show ID card to checkpoint officers. For those under 18, who are not eligible for a vaccination, a Covid-19 test must be done before entering.

Requirements for entering Phuket

Vaccinated against Covid-19

Those who are entering Phuket domestically, unless under certain circumstances, must be vaccinated against Covid-19. The vaccinations recognised by Phuket health officials include Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. The last dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days before arrival.

Those who have recovered from Covid symptoms within 90 days before arrival do not need to be vaccinated.

Test negative for Covid-19

A Covid-19 test must be done before entering Phuket, either by the antigen test or the PCR method. The negative result must be presented to checkpoint officers.

Registration

Travellers entering Phuket must to register through www.gophuget.com and show QR code to checkpoint officers before entering Phuket

Tourists must book accommodation in advance

Those who visit Phuket as a tourist must show proof of hotel reservation with payment made in advance. If staying more than seven days, the traveller must be tested for Covid-19.

Weekly Covid-19 testing for “7+7 extension” travellers

Travellers and others involved in the island hop “7 + 7 extension” project to the “Sandbox” must undergo an antigen Covid-19 test every week. Travellers a required to be fully vaccinated to enter Thailand under the “Sandbox” scheme. Boat captains, guides, and others involved in the extension project must also be vaccinated.

Covid-19 testing before arrival for children and teenagers

Children and teenagers younger than 18 must undergo a Covid-19 test at least an hour before arrival.