Just wanted to say a big thanks to all for the helpful advice and guidance. I’ve finally gone through the pre-flight visa/CoE application process and wanted to give any newcomers my experience:
- I’m a UK citizen back home at present. I’ve applied to return to Thailand with the STV (90days extendable 2x).
- obtained medical insurance cover from Tune for B20k (for 180 days cover) on 19Feb to start the process (policy schedule issued);
- submitted my e-visa application on 22Feb. Visa fee was £60. This was approved next day;
- passport mailed to Embassy in London by Special Mail and visa issued on 25th; passport received back by me next day;
- submitted application for CoE pre-approval with indicative ASQ hotel and proposed flight. This was approved on 28th (a Sunday!)
- confirmed my ASQ hotel reservation (Furama Silom, cost B32k) and booked return flight (Qatar Airways from London to Bangkok via Doha, cost £483) and submitted all these confos for final approval and CoE issuance on 29th. CoE was issued by the Embassy less than an hour after submission!
- took my Covid PCR test at Boots yesterday and received certificate with negative results today (cost £120). Recommended with easy booking at your nearest Boots which offers the testing service;
- made on-line request to “Gogodoc” and had a 5 minute telephone consultation with a U.K. registered GP at 4:20pm this afternoon with Fit to Fly certificate issued within the hour (cost £72.50). Recommended for responsive service from U.K. based GP pool. Cost is comparable with other U.K. providers of the FtF.
So, this whole process has taken me less than 2 weeks. Thai Embassy in London quickly
approved my visa and CoE. The result of the PCR test was provided within 24 hours. My FtF certificate quickly issued today. So, I will now fly back to Bangkok from Heathrow on Saturday afternoon. Then to endure a 14 day quarantine!
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat shares their recent experience applying for the STV visa and CoE to return to Thailand, detailing the process over a two-week span, including obtaining medical insurance, submitting e-visa applications, and receiving approvals quickly. They provide insights into necessary steps, costs, and helpful services like Covid testing and Fit to Fly certificates, also commenting on the practicality issues and recent changes regarding quarantine requirements for travelers.
