How to apply for Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand?

Preparing to travel to Thailand as Thailand reopens after COVID-19? Learn more about how to apply for Thailand Pass (formerly Certificate of Entry).

Thailand Pass to replace Certificate of Entry (COE) from Nov 1, 2021

With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, foreigners who wish to enter Thailand will need to follow certain restrictions, including applying for the Certificate of Entry (COE).

With the opening up of Thailand to tourists from 61 countries from Nov 1, 2021, the Certificate of Entry (COE) has been replaced with a new simplified program named Thailand Pass. 

The first thing you should do after deciding to travel to Thailand is to apply for the Thailand Pass. You will need to be qualified for specific conditions and verified for successful application.

How to apply for Thailand Pass?

  1. Prepare the scanned copy of the following documents:
    • Passport
    • Thai Visa (if required)
    • Vaccination certificate 
    • COVID-19 insurance with minimum coverage of USD 50,000
    • Paid Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA+) or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel reservation confirmation, including RT-PCR test costs
  2. Complete the immigration forms at Thailand Pass website and upload the scanned documents that you have prepared
  3. Wait for the pre-approval of your vaccination certificate and issuance of the Thailand Pass QR Code

How long does it take to get the Thailand Pass approved?

Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) estimate the process to take 3 to 5 days on average. Visitors are advised to apply the Thailand Pass at least 7 days before their departure date.

What is the Thailand Pass QR Code?

The Thailand Pass QR Code serves as a pre-approved document to verify your vaccination status and entry requirements for entry into Thailand.

Visitors will need to present the Thailand Pass QR Code to immigration officers when requested.

What is the process of entering Thailand and clearing immigration?

  1. You must first apply for your Thailand Pass QR code.
  2. Secure a RT-PCR negative test results within 72 hours before departure
  3. Upon arrival in Thailand, present your Thailand Pass QR code and the RT-PCR test result to the immigration officer.
  4. If you are arriving from the 61 countries that are exempted from quarantine, you will then be arranged to take a RT-PCR test at the airport, hotel or accommodation as planned in your hotel booking. You do not need to undergo any quarantine.
  5. In the event that you are arriving from a non-exempted country and you are not registered in the Sandbox program, you will need to be quarantined for 7 days if you arrive by air and 10 days if you arrive by land or sea.

In the event you are arriving from a non-exempted country but you are registered in the Sandbox program, you do not need to be quarantined, but will need to stay in the designated regions for 7 days before moving to other parts of Thailand.

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Author

Andrew L
Frequent traveler in Asia. In love with the culture and history of Thailand.

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