FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What You Need To Know About Travelling to Phuket

Phuket  is open for quarantine-free travel from a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and more. In the wake of the pandemic, travel is a little more complex with more things you need to think about when planning your trip.

Our Client Support team is here to answer any questions you have on 1300 000 633. In the meantime, we encourage you to read through our FAQs to learn more.

Surgery & Covid 19

Can I travel to Bangkok?

At present, direct travel to Bangkok from other countries has been paused. However, travel to Bangkok is still available for travellers who enter Thailand via Phuket Airport. Learn more here

Am I eligible to travel to Phuket?

To be eligible to travel to Phuket, you must meet all of the following entry criteria: 

Vaccination
You’ll need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for at least 14 days before your departure to Thailand and not more than 12 months. 

Thailand Pass
You’ll need to apply for a Thailand Pass at least 7 days before your travel date.

Negative COVID-19 Test Result
You’ll need a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate, taken no more than 72 hours before you fly to Phuket.

Travel Insurance
You’ll need proof of a mandatory COVID-19 Insurance policy and Certificate of Insurance, with coverage of no less than US$50,000.

Book 2 x COVID-19 PCR Tests in Thailand
You’ll need proof that you have booked 2 x  COVID-19 PCR tests in Thailand.
The first test will be taken upon your arrival at the airport.
The second test will be taken at an approved testing clinic on day 7 of your stay.

Book An Approved Hotel Stay
You’ll need proof that you have booked and paid for at least 7 nights stay at an approved hotel, where you on your first night in Thailand your will need to stay overnight while you await the results of your COVID-19 PCR test. Once you’ve received your negative test, you can travel freely in Phuket, noting that you will need have a second COVID-19 PCR test on day 7 of your trip. 

Stay In Your Home Country Only, Before you Travel
You’ll need to have stayed in your home country for at least 21 consecutive days before you fly direct to Phuket – you are not permitted to transit through other destinations, including Bangkok. 

Valid Passport
You’ll need to have a passport with at least 6 months validity at the time of your departure.

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Phuket?

Yes. You’ll need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for at least 14 days before you fly. Please note that your vaccine must be one of the following: 

  • CoronaVac by Sinovac Biotech Ltd
  • AstraZeneca or Covishield by AstraZeneca
  • Bioscience (South Korea), Siam Bioscience, and Serum Institute of India (Covishield)
  • Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech
  • Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S by Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
  • Moderna by Moderna Inc.
    Sinopharm or COVILO by Sinopharm Co., Ltd.
  • Sputnik V by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology
  • Covaxin by Bharat Biotech International Limited

You will need to show an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) to the check-in staff and officals at the airport to prove you’re fully vaccinated. For instructions on how to get an ICVC visit your relevant country travel advice platform:
Australia  |  New Zealand  |  SingaporeUK UAE  |  USA Canada

Where can I find up to date information on travel restrictions?

Countries around the world are constantly changing their COVID-19 rules around travel, so for the latest updates, visit your relevant country travel advice platform: Australia  |  New Zealand  |  SingaporeUK UAE  |  USA Canada

Is COVID-19 travel insurance mandatory?

Yes. You need to have insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs up to a minimum of USD 50,000 for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand. If you are travelling with children, they will also need to be covered by insurance. Look for insurance coverage that covers the cost of the treatment and any other medical expenses associated with testing positive for COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation.

We recommend you do your own research on insurance providers and carefully read the product disclosure statement to ensure it meets your criteria. Alternatively, seek assistance from an accredited travel agent. One provider of COVID-19 coverage is AXA Thailand

Where can I book a COVID-19 PCR test and what is the cost?

Testing Centres In Your Home Country:
For information on where to find an accredited testing centre that will offer you a Travel Clearance Certificate along with your result, visit your relevant country travel advice platform:
Australia  |  New Zealand  |  SingaporeUK UAE  |  USA Canada

Testing Centres In Phuket:
The CosMediTour Client Support team will assist you with booking somewhere that’s conveniently located near your accomodation.
You can also book online here 

How much does a COVID-19 PCR test cost? 
Fees for vary, however, here are some approximate costs:
Australia AUD 150
New Zealand  NZD 160
Canada CAD  300
Singapore SGD 125
USA USD 175
UAE  AED
UK GBP 65
Thailand THB 2200

Can I just get a free COVID-19 PCR test before I depart my home country?
No. Free test results do not meet the strict requirements for International Travel.
A paid test at a verified centre will provide you with the Travel Clearance Certificate required.
It’s critical to ensure that your test result certificate includes the following mandatory information:
– Traveller name and date of birth
– The test result (such as ‘negative’ or ‘not detected’)
– The test method used, for example, COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2) PCR test
– The date of collection for the COVID-19 PCR test

Will I need another COVID-19 PCR test to return home from Phuket?
Yes, you will need to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to be able to return home. Whilst conditions may vary from country to country, in most cases you will need to go for a COVID-19 PCR test up to 72 hours before your flight departure, making sure you only use a verified testing centre in Thailand and then supply a negative COVID-19 test result certificate before boarding your flight. For detail, visit your relevant country travel advice platform:
Australia  |  New Zealand  |  SingaporeUK UAE  |  USA Canada

How do I show proof of my negative PCR result?

You’ll need both printed and digital copies:
Receive your test result certificate by email. Print (in colour) and carry it with you when you travel. It’s also recommended you photograph all documents to have them handy on your device whilst travelling.

What if I don’t get my COVID-19 PCR test result before check-in time?
If you do not have evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, you will not be able to board your flight. So, when booking your test be sure to ask when you can expect the results to ensure that this will be before your scheduled departure date.

I have previously been infected with COVID-19; can I travel to Thailand?

Yes, provided that you are also vaccinated.
In this case, you must provide a medical certificate recording your COVID-19 recovery and this must be submitted alongside your vaccination certificate.

I have already had COVID-19 and recovered from it, but if I have a PCR test, my result will still show as positive. What should I do?
If you have had COVID-19 before and your COVID-19 PCR test result continues to be positive, you will be eligible for an exemption to be allowed to travel if you provide the following documentation:

  • A certificate from your medical practitioner. This must be issued within 14 days before the day of the relevant flight and
  • Positive COVID-19 PCR test result certificate result (taken no more than 72 hours before your flight)

Your certificate must clearly include:

  • The date the certificate is provided
  • A statement to the effect that:
    • you have had COVID‑19 but are now recovered and not considered to be infectious; and
    • if you had symptoms associated with your positive test, there has been clinical resolution of fever and respiratory symptoms of the acute illness for at least the previous 3 days prior to the issuing of the certificate.

What happens if my COVID-19 PCR test result is positive?

If your COVID-19 PCR test taken before departing your home country returns a positive result:
Do not go to the airport as you may be stopped from checking in or boarding the aircraft by your airline. You may also have close contacts in your travelling group. These people should not travel as you may have passed the infection on to them. You and your close contacts should isolate and seek advice from the local health authority to understand your next steps. Following this, connect with your travel providers and your CosMediTour Client Manager to reschedule your trip and/or surgery as required.

If your COVID-19 PCR test taken on arrival in Phuket returns a positive result:
You will be required to remain in your hotel room while the local health authorities determine the next steps. Contactless in-room dining will be available to you during this time – alcohol and external food delivery won’t be permitted. As you await the next steps, connect with your travel providers and your CosMediTour Client Manager to reschedule your trip and/or surgery as required. Whilst assessment of each case is individual, in most instances:
If you are asymptomatic: 
You will be relocated to a Quarantine Hotel facility (known in Thailand as a ‘Hospitel’) where you’ll be required to remain in your room.
Generally, these facilities are 3+ star hotels with supervising nurses on duty.
Your stay will be approx 5-7 days and you will be required to undertake a chest x-ray to ensure there are no lingering symptoms and produce a negative PCR test result before you are permitted to leave.
Your mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance will cover the cost of your stay and any care you receive in the facility. Please note, even with private health insurance, you cannot choose which facility you are assigned, as this is in the hands of the local health authorities.
If you are symptomatic:
You will be admitted to an actual Hosptial to be cared for and to isolate. The duration of your stay will depend on your recovery time and you will be required to undertake a chest x-ray to ensure there are no lingering symptoms and produce a negative PCR test result before you are permitted to leave.
Your mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance will cover the cost of your stay and any care you receive in the hospital. Please note, even with private health insurance, you cannot choose which hospital you are assigned, as this is in the hands of the local health authorities.


If you become unwell or receive a positive COVID-19 PCR test result during your stay in Phuket: 

You and your close contacts should isolate immediately and seek advice from the local health authority to understand your next steps. Do not go to the airport as you may be stopped from checking in or boarding the aircraft by your airline. The same quarantine/care process as outlined above will apply.

Where can I get a Thailand Pass?

To apply for a Thailand Pass Visit https://tp.consular.go.th/

You will need the following information ready to apply for your pass:

Passport
A photo of your passport information page & your passport number
Vaccination Certificate
A photo of your COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, plus vaccination type and dates
Hotel Booking
A photo of your Booking Confirmation, plus hotel name, address, check-in & check-out dates & Booking ID
Travel Insurance
A photo of your Certificate of Travel Insurance & the policy number


How long does it take to approve the Thailand Pass?
If you meet all requirements it should take 3-5 working days to process your pass. However, travellers are strongly advised to allow at least 7 working days.


I’m having trouble with my Thailand Pass application. Where can I get help?

Try your local Thai Embassy.

Can I travel to other parts of Thailand, beyond Phuket?

You can travel freely throughout Thailand provided you meet the following criteria:

First You Must Stay in Phuket for 7 Nights
You must have first stayed in Phuket for a minimum of 7 nights before travelling to other parts of Thailand.

Your COVID-19 PCR Test Results are Negative
The results of your mandatory COVID-19 PCR tests upon arrival in Phuket and upon day 7 of your stay in Phuket, must both be negative.

Do I need to wear a mask and use a check-in app?

Yes. Mask wearing is mandatory at all times in the airport and for the duration of your flight. In Thailand, masks must be worn at all times in public, both indoors and out. Those who do not wear masks face fines.

You are also required to download the Mor Chana Tracking App on arrival in Thailand.

Should I book my flights through a Travel Agent?

We recommend booking your flights through an approved Travel Agent.
With a wealth of experience, a Travel Agent will get where you want to go and will be there to provide timely, professional guidance along the way.
CosMediTour has a preferred travel partner with significant experience in Medical Tourism travel. Simply ask our Client Support team for details. 

Do I need to print my travel documents?

Yes. All  travel, medical and insurance documents should be colour printed to be presented at check-in and to the relevant immigration authorities. You should also take a photograph of all documents to keep on your phone for quick reference when travelling.

IMPORTANT The information on this website is intended to provide a general guide only. It isn’t intended to be, nor should it be relied on, as a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Clients need to take responsibility for their overseas travel decisions and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Whilst care has been taken in the preparation of this content, CosMediTour does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material on this or any linked site. CosMediTour accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to any material on this website or on any linked site.