Answered5 years ago
Can I travel to Phuket from Italy as a US citizen without a tourist visa?
I hope someone can help. I’m from the US and would like to travel to Phuket for at least 2 weeks, potentially much longer. I’ve been in Europe for the past week, and I plan to fly into Phuket from Italy.
Is it possible for me to fly into Phuket from Italy, or would I need to fly into Phuket from the US since I’m a US citizen? Also, would I need only a COE, or also a tourist visa in addition to the COE? I only ask because I’d need to send my passport to the embassy to obtain a visa, and I’m reluctant to do that while I’m not in the US. I'm 35, so I don't qualify for any retirement visas.
(Edit to add: Thank you to everyone for mentioning that I'll need to be in Italy for 3 weeks before flying into Phuket, I appreciate the heads up!) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m open to other suggestions as well. Thank you!
Is it possible for me to fly into Phuket from Italy, or would I need to fly into Phuket from the US since I’m a US citizen? Also, would I need only a COE, or also a tourist visa in addition to the COE? I only ask because I’d need to send my passport to the embassy to obtain a visa, and I’m reluctant to do that while I’m not in the US. I'm 35, so I don't qualify for any retirement visas.
(Edit to add: Thank you to everyone for mentioning that I'll need to be in Italy for 3 weeks before flying into Phuket, I appreciate the heads up!) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m open to other suggestions as well. Thank you!
Answer summary
A US citizen can travel to Phuket from Italy without needing a visa for a stay of up to 45 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days. However, a Certificate of Entry (COE) is required, which can be obtained from the Thai embassy in Italy. It's important to note that you need to stay in Italy for at least 21 days before traveling to Phuket under the sandbox program. Vaccination and negative Covid-19 test results are also mandatory.
85 repliesnewest first
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Craig ********
If you are only going for two weeks and Italy is visa-exempt then you can fly in without a visa and you get 30 days free, all you will need is to fill in a COE and be vaccinated and have a test no more than 74 hours before departure
Craig ********
Yes thats what I learned, the 45 day or 30 day visa exempt has been conflicting but generally, the rest is what I understand to be correct
Bryan ********
OP@Craig *******
I'll be in Phuket for at least two weeks, then I'll consider exploring the rest of Thailand. Based on the advice in this thread, it seems like I can simply obtain a COE and then enter Thailand visa exempt for 45 days, plus a 30 day extension for a total of 75 days.
Adam *******
First of all I'd just like to apologise and send my condolences to you the fact your from the USA, it must be tough 😔 but regarding what decision you make you may have a problem with both options as they check stamps in your passport and as far as I'm aware whatever country you arrived to Phuket from, im nearly sure you had to be there for a minimum of 14 days unless you just transited through that country.
Bryan ********
OP@Adam ******
As mentioned in my post, I'm aware that I'll need to stay in Italy for 21 days before entering Phuket. Where did you hear 14 days? That would be much better than 21 obviously.
Braulio *********
Is it a wise choice to travel to Thailand now with 9000 new Covid cases daily, a full hospital bed, schools closed in Phuket and the Delta variation of Covid now on the island?
Ken ******
9000+ per day new high
Ken ******
first check internet on covid update, cases just surged to 9000+
Paul *******
If your 50 plud get a retirement visa in thailand cheaper and less hassle
Paul *******
I have used it for 5 years
Helio *****
@Paul ******
need 800.000 THB on a Thai bank account for thatPaul *******
@Helio ****
not if you have *****
bht you dont.
Bobby ********
Helio Rod. Just transfer 65k in each month. Best method. No money tied up, and no money paid to a lowlife agent. The 65k you can spend straightaway
Helio *****
@Paul ******
is that through an agency or?Paul *******
@Helio ****
yesHelio *****
@Paul ******
you mean you pay 14k a year and no need to have 800.000 THB in your bank account?Paul *******
@Helio ****
no not in account Helio *****
Thanks
Helio *****
@Paul ******
not sure I understand? *****
on a bank acc enough?Bobby ********
What age are you? This can be crucial when looking for long term visas
Bryan ********
OP@Bobby *******
I'm under 40. I'm considering an ED visa once I arrive, I'm just concerned about the time commitments that are required (going to classes, etc.).Bobby ********
@Bryan *******
. Ah ok. 50+ the visa world opens up to you. If you're learning Thai language, I believe you can get up to a year. There are volunteer foundations, but the work might not be exactly where you want to beBobby ********
Bryan Waters. If you have a degree you can find work as an English teacher, you can get married, or you can have a kid! 😆
Bryan ********
OP@Bobby *******
I've heard that any language can be studied, so I was thinking about brushing up on some of the Spanish I learned in high school. I'll also look into volunteer foundations. Any other suggestions? Thank you!
Bernhard **************
First of all you have to stay in Italy for at least 3 weeks before you can go to Phuket.
Frédéric ******************
Correct
Bryan ********
OP@Bernhard *************
Thanks for pointing that out, I've realized that. So I'll definitely stay in Italy for 3 weeks before heading to Phuket.Bernhard **************
@Bryan *******
- This one gives you a pretty good overview: ***********************************************
James **********
You will need to be in any one country for 3 weeks i think it is before you can fly
Bryan ********
OP@James *********
I had heard this as well, but I can't find anything online to back it up. I remember reading this about 3 weeks before the final Phuket sandbox rules were announced, but I can't find anything about it now, so I was hoping it wasn't required.
Stéfan ********
You don't need to fly from the US to come to Thailand. However, you will have to go through several annoying steps before arriving. I suggest that you take a look at the sandbox requirements at a Thai consular website. You won't have to quarantine if you're vaccinated.
Bryan ********
OP@Stéfan *******
And I'm assuming I should contact the Thai embassy in Rome, correct? Not the Thai embassy in the US?Stéfan ********
@Bryan *******
Any will do to get acquainted with the process as the rules are the same for everyone. But you will do the process through the one in Italy. BTW, it will probably take you a few weeks to work out the paperwork, so keep that in mind.Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
sorry but I don’t know how that embassy works. Personally I’d try online first Stéfan ********
@Bryan *******
it’s a PDF? Then google translate is your best friend. If not, simply download the English version from a US consulate and see what’s what. I would go in person. I’m sure the consulate will have English speaking staff. Good luck.Bryan ********
OP@Stéfan *******
@Stuart ********
I'll be in Rome tomorrow, should I go to the embassy in person or initiate the process online? On their website, the COE form is in Italian, so that'll probably throw me. I wonder if they'll speak English at the Thai Embassy in Rome. Any thoughts on all this? Thank you!Stéfan ********
@Bryan *******
They desperately need tourists so they probably fast-track this process. I would contact the Thai consulate in Rome tomorrow.Bryan ********
OP@Stéfan *******
I was planning on 3 weeks, do you think that'll do? I plan to arrive in Rome on July 13th, and I'll start the process immediately. Then I'll be in Rome for 3 weeks (as per the Phuket sandbox requirement to enter). How does that sound? Thank you!Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
yes. In Rome. Frédéric ******************
@Stéfan *******
No, you can fly from any place of the world listed on the sandbox program regardless of nationality if you go on visa exemption.Stéfan ********
@Frédéric ****************
Yes... I corrected my mistake... It was a typing error. Thanks.Stuart *********
As a US citizen you do not need a visa to enter Thailand. With no visa you would be given 45 days upon entry. That is extendable once for a further 30 days for 1,900 baht. You do however need a CoE which you would be able to obtain from the Thai embassy in Italy. There’s a number of requirements to get that which you can find in their website. There’s no direct flights from Italy to Phuket but you can fly via a hub like Dubai or Qatar.
Bryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
Thank you Stuart! I wasn't aware that the 45 days could be extended to 75 days. Is that their normal rule, or is that due to Covid extensions of some kind?Perhaps I should create a separate question for this, but would you recommend an ED visa if I like Thailand and want to stay for an extended period of time? Thanks again.
Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
the 45 days was upped from 30 because of the need to quarantine (prior to the sandbox scheme). I believe it’s due to revert back in September but I’m not sure if it will be. You can’t use an ED visa to enter Thailand unless it’s for a university or international school. You can however convert your visa exempt entry to an Ed visa when you’re here. You’d have to time it right and it would be tight as most offices require 21 days left on your stamp to convert.
Leonard *******
Wrong group. Sorry!!
Michael ********
@Leonard ******
FALSEMichael ********
@Leonard ******
We are absolutely nothing to do with Trunk travel in fact we had to boot them off and several other identities as they were using this group to drum up buisnessBryan ********
OP@Leonard ******
I looked over the admins and also searched within the group. I Googled "trunk visa" and only found a website for Trunk Travel. Is there a service I could use to handle all this for me?Leonard *******
@Bryan *******
They are the admin of this facebook groupBryan ********
OP@Leonard ******
I haven't heard of Trunk, where can I find more info?Leonard *******
@Bryan *******
I used trunk to get my coe. Yes you have to pay a fee. But I got mine no problom and even had to change dates. Which Trunk did ! So....for less stress I'd recommend going through TrunkStuart *********
@Bryan *******
yesBryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
Oh that's great! I was researching it and it was unclear whether it was paper or digital. So they'll email it to me?Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
is all done online. Bryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
Yes I'm a little concerned about the CofE. I'll be staying in either a hotel or an Airbnb apartment in Rome. Is the CofE issued digitally or physically like paper? I only ask because, if it's physical, I'll need to provide some kind of address for them to mail it to me. Perhaps the hotel address? Perhaps my mother's address in the US, and then she'll overnight it to me in Rome? Some other option?Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
the plan looks ok. You’ll have to jump through hoops to get the CofE, but that shouldn’t cause too many issues. Bryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
Ok sounds good. Any potential hiccups I might face with my plan? Or any way I can be better prepared other than what I mentioned?Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
Turkish airlines were great the last time we used them. Bryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
I was planning to be in Italy for 14 days, so I'll change that to 21 days. I'll reach out to the Thai embassy in Rome to faciliate obtaining the COE. And I found a flight with Turkish Airlines; Rome to Phuket with a layover in Istanbul. Does that all sound ok, or are there any holes in my plan? I just want to make sure I'm prepared. My sincere thanks.Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
yes the 21 days is a requirement for the sandbox entry. Bryan ********
OP@Stuart ********
Thank you for the thorough response. Is there anything else you'd point out or note about my plan? Someone else mentioned that it's necessary to be in one given country for 21 days before entering Thailand. If that's the case, I'll need to stay in Italy a bit longer than I originally planned. Do you know anything about that?Bryan ********
OPI had also seen it mentioned early in the conception phase of the Phuket Sandbox that flights were required to be direct into Phuket. You mentioned I can transfer through a major hub? I just worry about running into problems at airports.
Stuart *********
@Bryan *******
there’s around 8 carriers that are currently flying direct to Phuket. I’m sure if you search in here you’ll find the list. 
Brandon ************
@Bryan *******
The only different thing due to Covid is that the normal 30 days visa exempt was increased to 45 days to account for quarantine. The 30 day extension was always available. And you would be able to convert your exempt status to an ED visa if you desired to stay longer and don't qualify for any other longer term visas.
Frédéric ******************
You can fly from Italy, you don't need a visa to stay 45 days + 30 days extension. But you do need a COE that you apply online.
Bryan ********
OP@Frédéric ****************
Thank you! This is what I was hoping to hear. May I ask how you know this? I only ask because I've done some research online and I can't find any information pertaining to this specific circumstance. In fact, I was considering flying into the US and then to Thailand just to be safe. So I'd be thrilled if I could go straight there from Italy. Once I'm in Phuket, I plan to seek a longer-term visa, perhaps an ED visa. Any thoughts?
David ******************
@Bryan *******
Apply for a COE through Milan or Rome or wherever the Thai Embassy is. You can only apply for visa exempt as you are not resident in that country, so are unable to apply for any other type of visa which is stamped into your passport.Bryan ********
OPDavid Alexander Smith Thank you for this! Should I initiate the process on the Rome Thai Embassy website, or should I stop by in person for any reason? I'll be arriving in Rome tomorrow. I guess I'm a little confused about why I should use the Thai Embassy in Rome instead of the one in the US.
Frédéric ******************
@Bryan *******
many posts telling experience of people since 6 months ago. Some came from the Emirates (working on oil platform), some from South Africa, UK etc.
Bruce *****
Don’t bother it’s going to be closed soon
Bruce *****
There has been speculation they will stop the sandbox if numbers go up. Plus you heard about the group one tested positive so all taken to government hotel for 14 day quarantine that’s all of their holiday and they have to pay for it themselves although they have the mandatory covid insurance they won’t pay because they don’t have covid. Would you risk it?
Benjamin ******
@Bruce ****
Source on that please?Pascal ********
@Benjamin *****
He have no source only bla bla as many 😉 Pascal ********
@Bruce ****
This is the most useless stupid help you can give?????
Chester ********
@Pascal *******
it's pretty logical.. everything heavy lockdown again best to waitPascal ********
@Bryan *******
Phuket town was almost never affected with covid all as normal, but the rest of the west coast from Kata to Bang Tao is ghost town. Pascal ********
@Bryan *******
Narharn, Rawai, most of the stuff are open, nearby beaches Bryan ********
OP@Pascal *******
Which areas of Phuket should I consider staying in after I finish at the hotel?Pascal ********
@Chester *******
Ok if you stay on the west coast it is a ghost town, but Rawai, Nar Harn are as normal 90% of the restaurants, bars are openBruce *****
@Pascal *******
see below
Martin ********
@Pascal *******
he does have a point, way too many variables. Unless you need to be here, don't botherChester ********
@Pascal *******
yet a sandbox guy posted live video last week showing walking 4km before finding even a restaurant open... even here in pattaya I'd advise everyone not to bother as nothing is operating or open for touristsPascal ********
@Chester *******
Living in Phuket and all as normal now, He could have a look at the sandbox I can understand about BBK or other provinces but bruce kung fu answer is the most stupid Bryan ********
OP@Bruce ****
What do you mean?Bruce *****
@Bryan *******
se my later postActivity
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