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How can a foreigner on a long-term visa travel on a business trip and return to Thailand?
Visa RulesLong-term VisaRe-entry PermitCertificate of Entry (COE)Sandbox ProgramQuarantineTravel RequirementsBusiness Trip
Oct 6, 2021
5 years ago
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERSomeone knows how it would be possible to leave and return to Thailand on a business trip as a foreigner having a long-term visa?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Foreigners holding a long-term visa can leave and return to Thailand for business trips, but there are specific protocols to follow. To return, you must apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) and may need to provide proof of quarantine arrangements unless using the Sandbox program—which allows skipping quarantine under certain conditions. If your visa is not a multiple entry, obtaining a re-entry permit is necessary prior to departure. Travelers also face COVID-19 requirements including tests and insurance.
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Albert ********
Not a very easy time to do this. I guess if you follow all protocol it can be done. This all will cost you some time and money.
Albert ********
You need a re entry visa.I messed that up one time for a weekend to Hong Kong.Def apply for the re entry visa.
Michael ********
I actually dont see any problems booking COE before you leave doesnt say you cannot.
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
, but where to book it - at the Thai Embassy in the country of destination? Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERI guess I could figure out that it should be (arriving from) the country of destination of the business trip...
Michael ********
@Henrik ***
I think you also need to get tbe Thai vaccine passport as well, if you are vaccinated. Search the group link has been posted before. Its 50 baht.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Tony *********
@Henrik ***
Book your ASQ or Phuket sandbox organise your covid insurance and just apply for COE as soon as you land in the country your going to. Michael ********
@Tony ********
why cant he do it now ? Everything is online and no physical trips are required to embassy.Hataikarn *******
@Michael *******
you are right, my thai friend travel to Dubai, need to apply COE before traveling.. Everyone can do coe even they are in Thailand. Michael ********
@Hataikarn ******
thank you for confirming.Tony *********
@Michael *******
Wouldn't he have a problem filling out here in Thailand as one of the questions is what country/embassy you applying from ? The COE application would say error as why would you want to apply for COE when you already are in the country?
Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Michael ********
@Henrik ***
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Michael ********
@Henrik ***
its a central portal not through an embassy. Once you have uploaded all the documents the embassy closest to your departure point will deal with it. Its all done onlineTony *********
@Michael *******
Also.. Doesn't the application once filled out go to the relevant embassy/consulate to be approved ? Michael ********
@Tony ********
and really what difference does that make its all done online as long as all paperwork is correct and bookings are done. You dont physically go to the embassy. Yes you put in your application what country you are departing from. He just needs to put in details of that ticket. Not rocket scienceReply to
Michael ********
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Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERLet me explain it in a little more detail. I know I need a multiple entry visa or a reentry permit. BUT how about CoE and booking quarantine if you want to go on a business trip for one or two weeks and then return to Thailand?
Peter *************
@Henrik ***
its the same rules for everybody returning to Thailand. Incurance.,coe Quarantine, sandbox or bangkok Greg ********
@Henrik ***
Pal at work has done it 3 times already and coming up to 4th. This time he is using the Phuket Sandbox - previous 3 a suite at the Shangri-La. He is fully vaxxed and all arranged with no hassle each time.Charles ********
@Henrik ***
as far entry stuff due to covid, it doesn't matter the visa or how long you are gone. You will need to quarantine or participate in the sandbox. Covid tests, insurance, blah blah blah. Prior Oct 1, you had to be in a low or medium risk level country for 21 days to be allowed in sandbox... Which excludes thailand. The rules changed a bit October 1..but check if you can participate if you only left for only 7 to 14 days.
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charles *******
, for the time being, I do not qualify for sandbox anyway. Reply to
Henrik ****
Reply
Michael ********
@Henrik ***
just book it like normal you just need to have the specific dates for your return.Bobby ********
Henrik JN. You can skip quarantine by using the sandbox entry. Much better option
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Michael ********
If your visa is not multiple entry get a re entry stamp and then you have to apply to come back in again.
Darren *******
Buy plane ticket out of Thailand, then when you want to return meet all the requirements to get a COE, then get on the plane back.
Antonio ***********
Just ask for a COE and sandbox 😉
Ray *****
You can leave at anytime, just have to do 7 days quarantine when you come back. That might change in November but for now that's what you have to do
Bobby ********
Ray Mac. If he's vaxxed he can skip quarantine by re-entering through sandbox.
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
, I am fully aware of the basic rules for entering Thailand. Bobby ********
Henrik JN. You mentioned booking quarantine, I was pointing out how it can be avoided. I apologise for trying to be helpful
Terry ********
@Bobby *******
the Phuket sandbox is quarantine. Just a larger area. Bobby ********
Terry Shurts. Don't be ridiculous, it's not quarantine at all. You can roam over 500 square kilometres, visit bars, restaurants, beaches, mingle with people, swim in a pool, go to the gym, drink beer, visit shopping malls. That's not quarantine
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERI know that part. It is more the practical parts in leaving and returning without a short time. How about CoE and booking of quarantine ?
Ray *****
@Henrik ***
yes COE and a hotel booking would be required to returnHenrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ray ****
, yes, that might be the challenge if you want to go on a short-term business trip... Michael ********
@Henrik ***
took me six days last time to get my COE would have had in 4 if i hadnt argued with embassy staff over insurance.Reply to
Michael ********
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