Here is a user-friendly checklist of topics to cover before, during, and after travel to ensure tourists have the best possible time under the Samui Plus program.
Q: What should foreign visitors wishing to visit Samui under the Samui Plus program know or do before they go?
A: They should double-check that they've covered all of the relevant requirements and have all of the necessary paperwork. This includes the following:
a passport that is valid for at least 6 months;
Have spent at least 21 days in a COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recognized nation;
Have had a full vaccination using a vaccine that has been licensed by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health or the World Health Organization (
I've booked and paid for my return flight;
Have reserved and paid for lodging at an ALQ or SHA Plus hotel, as well as the RT-PCR test(s) that are required;
Have bought COVID-19 treatment coverage of at least $100,000 in medical insurance;
No more than 72 hours before travel, you must have tested negative for COVID-19.
Q: Is it necessary for the relevant documentation to be written in English?
Yes, all documents must be written in English. If the paperwork is incomplete, the visitor will be placed in ALQ for 14 days or until they are able to leave Thailand, at which point the visitor will be responsible for all costs.
Q: From which countries/territories am I permitted to enter Thailand?
A: You can find the list here.
Q: Do I need to have spent at least 21 days in a CCSA-approved country if I am a Thai native or a foreign resident of Thailand returning from abroad?
A: No, it isn't required.
Q: What are my options for getting to Samui?
A: You can go to Samui on a direct international flight or via Bangkok and then connecting with certified sealed flights as described below. The ticket for the flight via Bangkok must be purchased at the same time as an international flight on such allowed Bangkok-Samui-Bangkok flights. Separately booked flight reservations are not permitted.
Q: Do I need to properly vaccinate my child under the age of 18 if I'm travelling with him?
A: If travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians, children under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated, but they must have tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours prior to travel.
Q: How can I submit an application for the program?
A: If you meet all of the requirements, you can apply for a Certificate of Entry via https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/. (COE).
Q: How long does it take to get a COE?
A: The Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General will process your application in three working days if you meet all of the conditions.
Q: Will I be notified of the outcome of my application?
No, it isn't. You'll need to go to https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ to see the results.
Q: Is it necessary for me to apply for a visa?
A: If necessary, yes.
Q: Do I need to bring all of the relevant papers for the COE with me?
A: Of course.
Q: Will I have to take another test if the test result I utilized for the COE application is older than 72 hours?
A: Of course.
Q: Will I have to go through exit screening at the airport?
A: Of course. If your temperature rises beyond the safe limit, you will be denied boarding.
Q: What should I do after I disembark from my flight?
A: You must go through health and security, as well as immigration, before heading to your hotel.
Q: Do I need to go straight to my hotel after clearing health control and immigration?
A: Of course. You must immediately return to your hotel to await the results of the test.
Q: Can I make a pit break on the way to the hotel for any reason?
A: No, this isn't allowed.
Q: Can I use public transit to get from the airport to my hotel?
No. The transfer has been planned ahead of time.
Q: How long must I wait for the results of my test?
A: You will receive the results on the first day of your arrival.
Q: How can I keep track of the days?
A: If you arrive between the hours of 00.01 and 18.00, the day is Day 1.
The following day is Day 1 if you arrive between 18.01-00.00 Hrs.
Q: What are the best places to visit in Samui?
A: If the test result is negative and you wait for it in your hotel room on your first day (Day 0), you can roam around as follows:
• Day 1-3: You are only permitted to leave the hotel room for selected areas within the hotel;
• Day 4–7: Travel on Koh Samui is limited to designated routes and tour programs;
• Day 8-14: You have the option of travelling inside Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao;
• Day 15: Can travel anywhere in Thailand if the final test on Days 12-13 is negative.
Visitors must adhere to the DMHTTA precautions at all times: D – Distancing, M – Mask Wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature Check, T – COVID-19 Testing, and A – Alert Application
In public places and in vehicles with two or more individuals, masks must be worn at all times.
During their stay, visitors must also adhere to the Surat Thani province's regulations.
Q: What happens if I test positive?
A: You will be admitted to a hospital for proper care, and you will be responsible for any costs that are not covered by your insurance.
Q: What modes of transportation, trips and excursions, and restaurants should I use in Samui, as well as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao?
A: Visitors must only use approved transportation and tour firms throughout their stay. Private vehicle rentals are not permitted.
Only approved boats from designated ports are permitted to cruise between Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao; public boats are not permitted.
From the 15th day onwards, tourists staying longer than 14 days can use public transit.
Although it is not required, it is advised that you eat at SHA Plus restaurants.
Q: Do I have to spend the first seven nights in an ALQ (Alternative Local Quarantine) hotel?
A: Of course. Visitors from outside Thailand who are visiting for 14 nights must stay at an ALQ hotel on Ko Samui for the first 7 nights, then move to a SHA Plus hotel on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao for the remaining 7 nights.
Q: Why am I required to utilize ALQ and SHA Plus lodging?
A: It's for your safety, as they are hotels that have been approved by the government in terms of required health and safety procedures. The SHA Plus accreditation means that a hotel has taken the necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 and that 70% of its employees have been completely vaccinated.
http://www.hsscovid.com/ has ALQ properties.
The attributes of SHA Plus can be found here.
Q: Can I bring a friend or family member who is already in Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao to my hotel?
A: This will be determined by the health and safety procedures in place in Surat Thani for Thais and foreigners in Thailand.
Q: Can I stay at an ALQ hotel in Samui for the first 7 nights and then transfer to a hotel in another province for the remaining 7 nights, such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Chon Buri?
A: No, this isn't allowed. Before you can travel to another Thai destination, you must first spend 14 nights in Samui (plus Koh Phangan or Koh Tao).
Q: Can I stay at an ALQ hotel in Samui for the first seven nights and then transfer to a hotel on a nearby island, such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, for the remaining seven nights?
A: Yes, as long as you stay at a SHA Plus hotel.
Q: Can I stay at an ALQ hotel in Samui for fewer than 7 nights, say 5 nights, and then fly out of Samui to another country?
A: Yes, however, you must not travel from Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao with a group of people unless they are the same group that brought you to Thailand.
Q: Does this mean that after 5 nights in Samui, I'll be able to visit other Thai islands?
A: No, you won't be able to. You must leave Thailand as soon as possible.
If you wish to explore other Thai destinations, you must first stay in Samui for 14 nights. This can be a combination of 7 nights in an ALQ hotel on Ko Samui and 7 nights in a SHA Plus hotel on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, or Ko Tao.
Q: How many more tests will I have to complete during my stay?
A: If your stay is less than seven days, you must take an additional test on days six and seven.
You must take additional tests on Days 6-7 and 12-13 if your stay is between 10 and 14 days.
You are not obliged to take an additional exam if your stay in Thailand is fewer than 5 days, but you must depart Thailand immediately.
Q: In Samui, where can I get an RT-PCR test?
A: At a hospital or hospitals that have been approved. When reserving an ALQ or SHA Plus hotel, the cost of your needed RT-PCR test(s) must be paid in advance.
Q: Is it necessary to pay for a test in advance?
A: All mandatory testing must be scheduled and paid for through your hotel; the number of tests required is determined by the length of your stay.
Q: What should I do if I'm sick or think I'm infected with COVID-19?
A: Anyone who is suffering COVID-19 symptoms should get tested right once. If the individual is travelling in a group, each member of the group must take the test.
Q: What happens if I have a positive test result?
A: If a traveller tests positive for COVID-19 in Thailand, he or she is responsible for all medical costs, which should be paid by the required insurance.
Q: After my vacation to Samui, I plan to travel to one or more additional Thai destinations. Will I have to meet any additional standards at these other locations?
A: Without a doubt. Each destination in Thailand has its own set of admission criteria, which you should check ahead of time to ensure you meet.
Q: What are the entry criteria for the country/territory where I'll be flying following my Thailand stay?
A: It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the standards of your particular international destination. Thailand is not liable or capable of assisting in this situation.
We wish everyone an enjoyable, safe, and rewarding trip as Samui joins Phuket in reopening to visitors from all around the world. We're confident you'll join us in wishing for the continuing, safe revitalization of Thailand's whole tourism sector to proceed as planned.
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