Incoming international travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and wish to enter Thailand without quarantine will be required to stay in hotels that have a SHA+ (SHA Plus) certificate.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on Phuket's tourism economy, the popular resort island is poised to become Thailand's first to welcome vaccinated visitors without quarantine. The so-called 'Phuket Sandbox' concept should make it possible to travel to Phuket starting in July 2021.
Vaccinated tourists must look at specific hotels with SHA+ (SHA Plus) certification to ensure that the hotel has taken intensive steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and more than 70% of employees must have been vaccinated to serve customers in order to come to Phuket without quarantine.
What are SHA and SHA+?
SHA, also known as Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration, is the project of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to control the Thai tourism industry for safety standards to match the new normal and show tourists that hotels and other services are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the "SHA Plus" Certificate was recently introduced when discussing reopened countries, it signifies that the certified business not only passes the standard SHA certification criteria but also that at least 70% of the hotel or company workforce has been completely vaccinated against COVID-19.
How long do you stay at SHA+ Hotels?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) made it clear that travellers must stay in Phuket for at least seven days before being allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
However, according to a recent report issued following a meeting of the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) on June 4th, vaccinated tourists will be required to stay 14 days in Phuket before being allowed to go elsewhere in the country. According to rumours, booking SHA Plus hotels in Phuket for the entire duration of the program will be required in order to enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox scheme.
If you are merely visiting Phuket and will fly out of Phuket Airport on an international aircraft, you can stay on the island for less than 14 days and will need to book a SHA Plus hotel for the duration of your trip.
A word of caution!
Because the Phuket Sandbox plan has not yet been formally announced, all of the terms and conditions, as well as the length of stay at SHA Plus certified hotels, remain unknown. Before making any reservations, we strongly advise you to wait for the final confirmation of this plan.
Other Requirements
Other documents will be required for entry into Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox scheme in addition to the SHA Plus hotel reservation:
Thai visa or Thailand visa exemption eligibility
Certificate of Entry (COE)
COVID-19 free certificate must be obtained at least 72 hours prior to travel for Thailand.
Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19
For the period of your planned stay in Thailand, you must have a health insurance policy covering COVID-19-related therapy in the amount of at least $100,000 USD.
SHA Plus Hotels in Phuket
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach
5-star luxury resort with a view of the Andaman Sea. At Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, peace awaits among forested mountains and beautiful, tropically planted gardens. The resort has its own reef and modern accommodations and is located on a stunning quiet stretch of white sand at Tri-Trang Beach.
Andaman Cannacia Resort & Spa
A peaceful haven nestled above Kata Beach with breathtaking views of the sea. A big and tranquil hillside with a three-tiered cascading pool, garden, and beds with breathtaking views.
Centara Villas Phuket
A romantic sanctuary nearly concealed amid a lush natural tropical environment, yet only steps away from Phuket's Karon Beach's broad breadth Each entirely private Thai-style home, set within its own screen of green, faces the sea straight from a dramatically inclined platform, ensuring unending views and all-pervading stillness. Some of the villas even include their own pool or Jacuzzi.
Keemala
Keemala is perched on rolling hills overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea, amidst lush foliage. A spa and health centre, as well as relaxing massage treatments and a restaurant, are available at this resort. The nearest beach is Kamala Beach, which is 2 kilometres away. Each stylishly decorated unit has a private pool, as well as multimedia, lounging areas, and a terrace with wonderful views of the surrounding forest and the sparkling sea.
Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort
The Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort is centrally positioned in Laguna Phuket's beautiful garden environs, overlooking the gorgeous fairways of the Laguna Golf Club, and is only 20 minutes from the airport. The resort offers a variety of suite types ranging in size from 65 to 113 square meters. All suites have a separate living and dining space, as well as well-equipped kitchens and comfortable furnishings. A swimming pool with a waterslide, a pool bar, restaurant, kids club, game room, and fitness centre are among the resort's attractions.
Maikhao Palm Beach Resort
The stunning Thai-Lanna style resort is ideally located on the stretching and unspoiled Mai Khao Beach, part of Sirinart National Park on Phuket's northwestern coast, with 225 luxurious guest rooms surrounded by free-form pools and landscaped gardens next to peatland and facing the iconic Mai Khao Beach.
Navatara Phuket Resort
Navatara Phuket Resort, located in the Rawai Beach section of Phuket Island's south coast, provides lodging for visitors interested in participating in the Phuket Sandbox initiative. The resort's shuttle service will take you to the wonderful swimming beach Nai Harn, which has white sand. Local seafood eateries may be found along the shoreline, or guests can use Rawai Beach as a jumping-off place for island hopping.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
A beachfront resort with views of the Andaman Sea Anantara Layan Phuket Resort provides 30 rooms and suites, 47 pool villas, and 15 pool homes in an island paradise where verdant hillside overlooks the powdery beach and where you can hide away in luxurious pool villas for two or vast residences for families.