SHA Plus Scuba Diving | Phuket Sandbox | Covid-19
Thailand is open to tourists without quarantine !!!
Sunrise Divers is SHA Plus certified
Covid-19 Travel Updates & Diving Information – Phuket Thailand
Diving After Your COVID-19 Vaccination – DAN Guidelines
January 10th, 2023
The restrictions from January 9th were lifted 24 hours later.
January 9th, 2023
UPDATED Guidelines on the New Thailand Travel Restrictions starting January 9, 2023
Airline passengers 18 years old or older must provide proof of full vaccination or proof of Covid-19 recovery not more than 6 months (180 days). Passengers who have not been vaccinated must have a letter from a doctor providing a reason.
Passengers from countries that have requirements which may prevent passengers from going back due to Covid-19 shall be required to have health insurance covering at least USD $10,000 of treatment of Covid-19 for the itineraries in Thailand plus 7 days.
Holder of official and diplomatic passports, United Nations Laissez-passer are exempted from health insurance requirements.
Holders of Thai passport and transit/transfer passengers are exempted from vaccination check and health insurance requirements.
The airlines must check the documents as required. If a passenger fails to produce documents proving these requirements are met, the passenger is subjected to being tested at the port of arrival.
The airlines must adhere to related regulations and comply with the guidance as appropriate, such as asking passengers to wear masks at all times except during meals or emergency situations.
Any passenger having symptoms of Covid-19 during travel shall be recommended to have a test at the time of arrival.
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
June 17th, 2022
Thailand Pass registration scheme to be lifted on July 1st, 2022 !!!
At the point of entry into Thailand, travelers will only need to show proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel.
Bangkok, June 17th, 2022 – Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the removal of the Thailand Pass registration scheme and an US$10,000 health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, effective July 1st, 2022. Both requirements were initially removed for Thai nationals from June 1st, 2022.
From July 1st, 2022, foreign nationals are only required to show proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. These can be in a print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints (in 22 provinces). Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travelers who are random checked and who are unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry.
Meanwhile, the CCSA also approved the designation of Bangkok and 76 provinces as the Surveillance or green zone, thus allowing resumption of new normal businesses and activities nationwide. And while maintaining the safety and health measures under the universal prevention, the Royal Thai Government is preparing to announce a new set of guidelines as the nation is stepping into post-pandemic.
TAT Newsroom will be providing updates in detail via www.tatnews.org once the official directives have been announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.
April 30th, 2022
No more PCR test and SHA+ hotel stay required for fully vaccinated tourists !!!
The following rules are in effect since May 1st, 2022, with specific requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated / not fully vaccinated travelers from all countries/territories with scheduled arrivals from this date.
– Pre-arrival requirements –
Vaccinated travelers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:
A valid passport, and a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/), or a Border Pass for arrivals via border checkpoints.
An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination
Everyone 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.
Travelers 5-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement.
Travelers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine post-infection must have a medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery.
Unvaccinated / not fully vaccinated travelers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:
A valid passport, and a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/), or a Border Pass for arrivals via border checkpoints.
An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
A proof of prepayment for 5-night quarantine at government-approved hotel/s; such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel, or AQ Accommodation/s, plus a proof of prepayment for 1 RT-PCR COVID-19 test. Thais are not required to prepay for the test.
The quarantine is exempt for unvaccinated / not fully vaccinated travelers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system. The exemption also extends to travelers under 6 years of age travelling with parents.
Please find full information at TAT NEWS
March 18th, 2022
Thailand is lifting pretravel testing requirement from April 1st
Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the pretravel testing requirement for international arrivals, as the kingdom prepares a four-phase plan to downgrade the COVID-19 pandemic to an endemic disease.
Please find detailed information at TAT NEWS
February 23rd, 2022
TEST & GO rules to ease from March 1st
Travelers can arrive in Thailand by air, land, and water with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to 1 night and the COVID-19 tests revised to 1 RT-PCR and 1 self-ATK.
Please find detailed information at TAT NEWS
January 20th, 2022
Thailand to restart quarantine-free travel from February 1st
Fully vaccinated tourists from safe countries need to stay 1 night in a SHA+ or AQ hotel on the 1st & 5th day, and wait for the negative Covid test result before continue traveling in Thailand.
Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme, the expansion of Sandbox destinations from currently 4 to 6, and the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension program effective from 1st February, 2022, from 09.00 Hrs. Thailand time. Please find detailed information at TAT NEWS
Updated Measures for entering Thailand (Resumption of Test and Go Scheme and additional Sandbox areas).
From the outcomes of the CCSA General Meeting on 20 January 2022, there are important updates regarding measures for entering the country.
(1) Registration for Test and Go will resume on 1 February 2022. Some adjustment in details have been made as follows;
(1.1) Travelers from all countries/areas will be eligible to apply for this scheme.
(1.2) Two RT-PCR tests will be required. One on the first day of arrival and the second on Day 5 of arrival.
(1.3) Travelers must prepare documents for entering the countries such as proof of hotel (SHA Extra Plus/AQ/OQ/AHQ) booking with a confirmed payment for Day 1 and Day 5 including a pre-payment of 2 RT-PCR tests.
(1.4) Hotel that travelers choose for your first and second test do not have to be the same hotel or even in the same province, as long as they are SHA Extra Plus/AQ/OQ/AHQ approved.
(1.5) In case that travelers have duration of stay in Thailand less than 5 days, they can show the outbound air ticket instead of hotel booking and the confirmation of 2nd RT-PCR test.
(2) From 1 February, the sandbox areas will be expanded to include areas in Chonburi province (only for specific districts and areas including Pattaya City) and Trat province (Koh Chang Island). Travelers who wish to visit these areas through the sandbox scheme will be able to register in the Thailand Pass system.
(3) Travelers will now also be able to travel between Phuket, Krabi, Pang Nga, Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pa Ngan, Koh Tao) within the 7 days. The hotel booking confirmation including a pre-payment of two RT-PCR tests will be required. Travelers can make no more than 3 hotel transfers during the 7 days.
(4) Thai authorities concerned continue to monitor and assess the situation closely. If the Covid-19 situation becomes more severe, the measures will be constantly adjusted. The Ministry will keep you updated.
January 11th, 2022
Thailand adds three Sandbox destinations to take some pressure off Phuket!
Diving from Phuket within the first 7 days is now allowed at the Racha Islands (Phuket), Similan & Surin Islands plus King Cruiser & Shark Point area (Phang Nga) and Phi Phi Islands (Krabi).
Find here our latest DAY TRIP SCHEDULE & Similan SPECIAL LIVEABOARD OFFERS.
Aside from Phuket, vaccinated travelers can now travel to three prominent beach resorts in Thailand – Krabi (Phi Phi), Phang Nga (Khao Lak), and Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao) – under the Sandbox tourism program, which allows foreign tourists to enter the kingdom without undergoing a strict and lengthy quarantine.
December 21st, 2021
The Thailand Pass will be closed from midnight for all new Test and Go and Sandbox applications (except Phuket Sandbox) on December 22nd, 2021 until further notice.
The following new measures apply to all applicants for the Thailand Pass:
1) Applicants who have received their Thailand Pass QR code can enter Thailand according to the system they have registered.
2) Applicants who have registered but have not received their QR code will have to wait for their Thailand Pass to be considered / approved. Once approved, they can enter Thailand according to the system they have registered.
3) New applicants cannot register for Test and Go and Sandbox measures (except for Phuket Sandbox). The Thailand Pass only accepts new applicants who wish to enter Thailand under Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or Phuket Sandbox.
4) Passengers who have arrived in Thailand or are arriving in Thailand as part of the Test-and-Go and Sandbox program must have their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (not an ATK self-test), carried out by certain facilities provided by the government (at no additional cost).
November 1st, 2021
Test and Go: Thailand Quarantine
Starting November 1, Thailand has allowed fully vaccinated travelers who are traveling by air from low-risk and only eligible countries for quarantine-free travel. They have named this program Test and Go.
Test and Go program are for those travelers who will not undergo quarantine, you will only need to be tested upon arrival in your booked hotel and you can go if you received a negative result.
You are eligible for quarantine-free travel to Thailand, if you are:
A fully vaccinated traveler, traveling by air, and from a approved country.
No need to stay in a designated hotel for 7, 10, or 14 days. 1 day is enough for you to stay in a hotel and do a COVID-19 test. If you have received the RT-PCR COVID-19 test with a negative result, you are allowed to freely travel everywhere in Thailand.
List of Test and Go Approved Countries
Listed below are the countries eligible for quarantine-free travel in Thailand:
63 low risk countries
If you are from a country not listed above, you are still allowed to enter Thailand, however, you will be subject to mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Thailand.
Requirements for Test and Go Travelers
Even though you are a fully vaccinated traveler, from an approved country traveler, and are traveling by air traveler, you are still required to show required documents to Thai authorities to be granted entry in Thailand.
Here are the requirements that a Test and Go traveler must have:
Thailand Pass QR Code
You will need to obtain a QR Code that will be received upon approval after applying for a Thailand Pass. Provide all the necessary details and upload documents that are asked and wait for confirmation or approval for you to receive a QR Code which will be scanned upon arrival in Thailand.
Certificate of Vaccination
You will need to obtain a Certificate of Vaccination for proof that you are a fully vaccinated traveler.
Know that the certificate of vaccination will be only be accepted if the vaccines you have received are approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or by the World Health Organization (WHO). And it shall be at least 14 days before your scheduled travel date.
For children that are under the age of 12, they will not be required to be vaccinated as long as their parent or guardian is vaccinated and have a certificate of vaccination.
Medical Certificate for COVID-19 Test Result
To enter Thailand, you are required to have a negative result. The result shall be issued within 72 hours of the travel date and the test shall be an RT-PCR test.
If you have just recovered from COVID-19, you will need a Certificate of Recovery. It will serve as proof that you have recovered from COVID-19 at least 3 months already.
COVID-19 Insurance
You will have to purchase COVID-19 insurance that will cover the costs of COVID-19 related incidents in case one gets infected during the stay in Thailand.
The COVID-19 insurance must have a minimum coverage of $50,000. For COVID-19 insurance that you can trust, AXA Sawasdee Thailand is the best option.
October 25th, 2021
Thailand Pass, Announcement – Starting 1st November.
The COE, which states the new entry conditions, can be downloaded via the website here.
Regulations Summary for entering Thailand:
Regulations Summary for entering Thailand
October 21st, 2021
List of 46 safe countries for entering Thailand without quarantine, starting 1st November 2021.
List of Safe Countries
Scheme for entering Thailand
October 11th, 2021
Thailand reopening on November 1st without quarantine !!!
According to the Bangkok Post will Thailand allow fully vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries to enter the kingdom without quarantine from November 1st as a key effort by the government to boost the economy.
In a televised broadcast on Monday night, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has instructed the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Public Health Ministry to consider reopening the country to fully vaccinated tourists without quarantine on November 1st 2021.
However, pre-conditions are that international visitors will need to show that they are Covid-free at their time of travel with an RT-PCR test undertaken before they leave their home country, and then have a test in Thailand.
He said these travellers would be allowed to visit any part of the country after meeting these requirements, adding that there will be at least ten “low risk” countries, including Singapore, Germany, China and the US.
He said more countries will be added to the “low risk” list on Dec 1, stressing that tourists from countries not on the list will be required to undergo quarantine.
Gen Prayut said the government also expects to consider lifting the ban on serving of alcoholic beverages in restaurants.
“By December 1st, we will also consider allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants as well as the operation of entertainment venues,” said Gen Prayut.
He said in the last one-and-half years, people have lived with some of the greatest peacetime challenges the country has faced in its history.
October 1st, 2021
New Thailand Quarantine Regulations
7-day Quarantine:
For travelers who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before their travel date, they are required to present the vaccine certificate (either the original or a printed copy) at the point of entry into Thailand.
During the quarantine, they are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second before finishing the quarantine period on Day 6-7.
10-day Quarantine:
Travelers who have not been vaccinated, without a vaccine certificate, or partially vaccinated, and who arrive in Thailand by air will be required to enter a 10-day quarantine, and undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second on Day 8-9.
14-day Quarantine:
Travelers who have not been vaccinated, without a vaccine certificate, or partially vaccinated, and who arrive in Thailand by land will be required to enter a 14-day quarantine, and undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second on Day 12-13.
In order to be eligible to enter in Thailand, vaccinated international travellers still need to have all of their advance arrangements in good order for arrival and entry.
These include a valid visa or re-entry permit, a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, a COVID-19 health insurance policy, confirmation of Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel booking, and a medical certificate with a RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
Interested vaccinated foreign tourists are recommended to enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more details.
September 26th, 2021
Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 expansion. The program now enables fully vaccinated international travelers to reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket from 14 to 7 days. You can then spend another 7 nights in one of the expansion areas in Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai, Railay, Phang-Nga, Khao Lak, Ko Yao, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan or Koh Tao.
September 24th, 2021
Rules for domestic tourists going to Phuket from 1st October 2021 – Thai News Reports
August 19th, 2021
After 7 Days in Phuket, tourists can now travel to the next area.
Please find information for the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension FAQs here at TAT News
July 30th, 2021
Phuket Governor and Marine Department have changed the rules for boat trips. If a boat leaves Phuket port to destination outside Phuket, like King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point & Phi Phi Islands, boats need to follow the following rules:
Both vaccine certification & PCR or antigen rapid test (within 72 hrs). These rules apply to all guests, dive crew & boat crew. For the route within Phuket area such as Racha Noi & Yai islands we can use the same regulations as before which is either vaccine certification OR PCR or antigen rapid test.
July 1st, 2021
Phuket is open to tourists without quarantine.
The Phuket Sandbox has startet! On behalf of the Phuket diving boat operator association we would like to share some information, rules and regulations for bookings on day trip boats, liveaboards and diving courses as follow:
1) Personal details
– Full name , date of birth & passport number.
– Provide proof of covid vaccination (last vaccination more than 14 days ago) or negative RT-PCR test or negative antigen rapid test (not older than 7 days).
2) All customers need to download and activate on their phone or device the applications Morchana to check in at Chalong pier (this is required to all the customers & staff to board the boat).
3) The maximum number of staff & customers has been set as 30 pax per boat to limit gathering.
4) We can mix guests from phuket sandbox project and expat/local tourist together however we must clearly indicate whether guests are from sandbox or local (Thai or expat) when booking with.
5) Dive sites
With Phuket Sandbox guests on board we can go to:
– Racha Noi & Yai
– Mai Thon
– Coral Island
– Koh Dok Mai
Outside the Sandbox you can dive at King Cruiser Wreck & Shark Point as well.
June 14th, 2021
The government decided if the sandbox is going ahead on July 1st, that tourists must remain in Phuket for 14 days before traveling to other destinations in Thailand. Please read the latest news in the link below:
Initial Information -Phuket Sandbox – TAT News
May 27th, 2021
Phuket Sandbox
April 6th, 2021
The Thai government is considering easing quarantine requirements and restrictions on travel to Thailand in four phases.
The first phase will begin on 1 April 2021. International visitors to Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya will be quarantined for only seven days if they have been inoculated against COVID-19 and hold a vaccine certificate.
In the second phase, beginning 1 July, international tourists who have been inoculated will not need to be quarantined while visiting Phuket. Vaccinated tourists visiting Krabi, Phang-nga, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya will still be subject to a seven-day quarantine period.
In the third phase, which begins on 1 October, foreign tourists visiting Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya who have been inoculated and have a vaccine certificate will not be required to enter quarantine.
In the final phase, starting 1 January 2022, any foreign tourist who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and holds a vaccine passport will be able to enter Thailand without having to enter quarantine.
October 25th, 2020
After postponing the first group of tourists back to Thailand, a small group has recently arrived in Bangkok. In the moment is still a 14 days quarantine in place which is not very encouraging for tourists to travel. Please contact your next Thai embassy for visa information. A special COVID-19 insurance you can apply at The General Insurance Association
October 2nd, 2020
The first group of foreigners under the new Special Tourist Visa will be arriving to Thailand next week after a 6 month travel ban on international tourists. About 120 people are set to fly from Guangzhou, China and land in Phuket on October 8. As some would say, at least it’s a start!
August 22nd, 2020
Phuket is open to tourists according to sandbox regulations
Sunrise Divers is SHA Plus certified. The Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) project is a result of cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Public Health, as well as government and private sectors involved in the tourism industry. The project aims to encourage business in the tourism industry to prepare their workplaces to comply with the New Normal lifestyle, in order to improve the tourism industry standards and sanitation measures. Sunrise Divers registration No. E1025
Travel Confidently in Thailand with SHA
SHA is a certificate that represents tourism industry entrepreneurs readiness in improving their products, services and sanitation measures which is the crucial factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by complying with the sanitation measures, which in turn can build trust and confidence in customers and service recipients of such products and services.
Sunrise Divers is SHA Plus certified
International tourists can return to Phuket in October 2020. According to the Bangkok Post – Mr Yuthasak (Governor for Tourism Authority of Thailand) said, guests may spend a minimum of 30 days in Thailand to make a worthwhile trip. Hereof 14 days must be spent in quarantine. TAT staff inspected the supply side in Phuket, particularly the capacity of its healthcare services and discussed conditions with hotels that are ready to be included in the sealed area for tourists. Please contact your Hotel and Thai embassy for details.
COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination
You can find at the Centers of Disease Control and Preventation website information about high risk, moderate and low risk countries. Thailand is one of the few low risk countries of the world. Stand: August 28th, 2020
In Phuket we have implemented several changes onboard our liveaboard vessels, to ensure the safety of guests and crew members. Here is what you can expect on board a scuba diving vessel.
Hyginie Safety Measures
Scuba Diving Hygiene
In times of the Coronavirus you can also expect the same safety standards on all day trip boats and scuba diving courses with Sunrise Divers.
We keep a cloth eye on changings in travel restrictions and inform guests on any updates. Phuket was under a strict lockdown from March to May 2020 with no diving possible. Since June we are diving again with a view day trip boats from Phuket to the Racha Islands in the south of Phuket. As well as some dive tours to the King Cruiser Wreck and Shark Point area. Divers were all local, living or still staying in Thailand. On board the liveaboard The Junk divers having also the chance of multiple diving days.
Is scuba diving safe in Thailand?
Thailand was having very few Corona infection and it is safe for scuba diving. In October 2020 international tourists from risk free countries may also return back to Thailand and Phuket international airport. Thailand ranks first among the countries with the highest COVID-19 recovery index, according to a report issued by the Global COVID-19 Index.
If you have any questions please contact us. We are always here to help.
We hope to hear from you soon – please do contact Sunrise Divers here:
