Process of escaping Europe to Thailand, my tested method.
I travelled from Malta to Bangkok via Paris on a UK passport on the 15th January
I decided on visa exemption (no visa) which is the easiest way, it is available to most western nations, it only gives you 45 days (15 days quarantine and 30 days freedom) it can however be extended once or transferred to another visa in Thailand to stay longer. At present there is a visa amnesty meaning extensions are being handed out over and over, nobody knows how long this will last.
1. Get Insurance with 100,000usd cover for covid. I used [www.misterprakan.com]([members only]) The insurance must begin on or before your arrival, dates dont need to be exact, so if you considering a few flights/dates I would just get the insurance from the earliest date to give yourself some leverage.
2. Apply for COE pre approval. Do this at [[members only]) all you need for this is the insurance and your passport. you should get a response within 24 hours could be 1 hour
3.Get flight(s). I use skyscanner, I would advise travelling on one ticket rather than creating your own itinerary and making it more complicated. the timing of the pcr will be difficult and you leave yourself open to flight cancellations, transit restrictions etc
4.Book ASQ Hotel. must be government approved and for 15 nights. I used Agoda, this is not the cheapest method but I had free cancellation up to midnight before my arrival, Anyway I always find im treated better by hotels booked via Agoda as they need your review. Google ASQ Agoda
5. Get COE. Go back to [[members only]) and upload your flight and hotel, think mine took less than 24 hours.
6. Get PCR test. Google your local PCR test centre, get test within 72 hours of departure. document should state RT-PCR
7. Get 'Fit to fly' certificate. Use Dr Donna Robinson, only 400thb (14usd) and very quick, send whatsapp messsage to +66818376381 asking for FTF cert.
8. Return Flight. There is some confusion as to whether this is a necessity, I bought a dummy ticket on [www.bestonwardticket.com]([members only]) but was not asked to show it anywhere.
Make sure all details are exact, Print all documents for check in, check restrictions/requirements of airline and transit destination.
My trip,
Told at check in at Malta that Thailand was not accepting tourists, obviously I didnt accept this, eventually it was resolved, If I did it again I would print proof of the latest rules in Thailand.
Flight to Paris near full, flight to Bangkok near empty
Was allowed to enter Paris on 6 hour layover, that maybe different today with new rules.
Was again asked to provide all documents prior to boarding in Paris, One person was turned away, some problem with his FTF I believe.
Arrival in Thailand was smooth and very organised just follow the instructions of airport staff.
Once in Thailand you dont have a chance to buy anything you are guided from one point to the next until you reach the ASQ so consider all you need before flying. No alcohol in the ASQ but you can easily put some in your hold luggage if you wish. I forgot a plug converter nearly depriving me of my laptop for quarantine, luckily the hotel staff helped me out.
I am confined to my hotel room for 6 days, after that i will have another PCR test if thats negative i am allowed out to the garden area for 45 minutes a day for rest of quarantine, apparently i am lucky as most UK arrivals are confined for full quarantine. Dont come here thinking you are going to break these rules as they are strictly enforced.
This whole process from start to flying could be done in 2 weeks with enough time to be meticulous with your docs
Getting this wrong is painful, I know how it feels as I was sure i would miss my flight after my train to Paris airport broke down on a bridge, 2 guys wedged open the door so i jumped off and went scampering up the tracks to the next station, over a fence and into a taxi, I made the flight with minutes to spare, felt like Jason Bourne even if just for a moment 🙂
Good luck.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post provides a detailed guide for expats on how to travel from Europe to Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines the process of entering Thailand using a visa exemption, which includes obtaining travel insurance, applying for a Certificate of Entry (COE), booking flights and an ASQ hotel, and getting necessary PCR and Fit to Fly certifications. It emphasizes the importance of accurate document preparation and the relevance of recent travel regulations, sharing personal experiences and tips for a smooth journey.
