What is the step-by-step process for traveling from Europe to Thailand during COVID-19?

Jan 17, 2021
4 years ago
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
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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.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
We've taken up a collection and we're hiring someone to edit your posts.
Pat *********
@Lee ***
are you still in Thailand? How are you getting on with the visa exemption? Did you get extensions? Thinking of going by this route later this month. Cheers pal.
Pat *********
OK cool. Might take your wise advice go with the visa exemption - getting tourist visa where I am is a logistical nightmare.
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pat ********
hi, yeah I'm still here, no big problems with the extensions so far.
Pat *********
" 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" Also this is flipping mental fair play to ya mate, nice one
@Lee ***
! Haha.
Sam *******
Excellent info👏 Did they not ask you about post ASQ accomodation? I didn't see you mention it.
Nigel ******
Hi Lee, great article which I’m digesting prior to starting my thailand adventure. Question on the insurance, if you know the answer, if not maybe someone else does. Asymptomatic cover Insurance options are to purchase from 1 to 12 months cover. Is more than 1 month necessary for entry?
Andra *******
Thank you. Very informative. What are your options and plans for a visa in Thailand?
Byron *******
@Odette ***************
this is the best info I have seen on this so far
JD ********
This is what I’ve been looking for... a step by step of a successful first hand experience

As I will be doing same👍🏼

Thank you very much!

May I please PM you w/ any addtl?’s sir🙏🏻
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
sure
Chiara *********
Do you think 2 weeks is the minimum you should considet to get all the docs from the momdnt you buy the insurance tii the moment you fly? Can it be faster? What is the document that requires 15 days or the longest to get?

Thanks a lot
Sam *******
@Chiara ********
I don't know, this is all I have found so far.
Chiara *********
@Sam ******
wow, really...? That s a great news. Thanks
Sam *******
@Chiara ********
Apart from planning, it seems the longest we have to wait for anything is 1 day 🤷

1. Insurance (Instant)

2. COE pre approval (Up to 24hrs)

3. Get flight (Instant)

4. Book ASQ Hotel (Instant)

5. COE. (??????)

6. PCR test (1 day???)

7. FTF. (15 mins)

8. Book return Flight. (Instant)
Sam *******
@Chiara ********
Yes I'm curious about that also
Tina ****************
Mark ********
Thank you for a very detailed explanation. I was confused about the sequence and now I understand
Christopher ************
This is the most comprehensive and well explained post Ive seen in a while. Welcome to Thailand!
Matt *******
Is there any other way to get a “Fit to Fly” certificate without having to message a random person on Whatsapp?
Michael ********
@Matt ******
yes most doctors, but like Phil Jones said its cost i paid 180 singapore dollars for a piece of paper.
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think any doctor can do it, most of them will never have seen it before, up to you.
Tommy ******
I'm hoping to arrive on visa exemption then extend for 30 days. When booking my flights can my return flight be for 45 days or can I book my return for 75 days? Great post very useful information thanks
Tommy ******
Thanks for the tip Phil Jones
Paulie *********
An extremely well written and informative piece - well done. My only question; how can a doctor in Thailand issue a Fitness to Fly Certificate? I would’ve assumed it must be issued by someone in your country of departure...
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks! many people have used dr donna without problem, so i guess the doctor can be anywhere
Marie ********
Great info..really good to know..thank you👍
Jim **********
Great detailed info. Thanks very much for taking the time to put all of this together. Good luck!
Matthew *********
@Lee ***
does the RT PCR test have to be done within 3 days before departure? My local test centre says that the results take 3 days to receive
Matthew *********
@Lee ***
ok thank you
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matthew ********
some people have said its the result must be within 72 hours not the test, but I cant confirm that
Lindsey **********
Great info and all correct

This will help a lot of confused people trying
Karvin *******
@Lee ***
, do let us know about how you “extend ed or transfer get onto a different visa” after your visa exemption is over. Figuring that out too
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
havent done that part yet, you prob know as much as me
David ******************
Ok very good. Now stay there please until this is all over. No need for asymptomatic carriers running around all over the place for no good reason.
Joe ******
My question: you talk about “escaping from Europe “ Escaping from what? Because of Covid? Or something else?
Joe ******
Phil Jones I wish you to come 👍
Joe ******
Phil Jones yes you know I left France In 2017 may be for the same reasons... I’m sincerely not negative. But you can enjoy beaches by day, some are empty you feel like Robinson, food more than 50 bahts now but anyway is still nice😊
Joe ******
Phil Jones yes I take it. But you know here is not so enjoyable too because Covid risk and restrictions. So I’m afraid that you and the author of this post would not enjoy Thailand as it was before covid.
Ronald *********
@Joe *****
Maybe the weather.
Felix *******
Is the "Fit to Fly" certificate location specific, or any doctor can provide that for you without needing to be in the same location as you?
Felix *******
@Steve ******
Thank you. 🙏
Steve *******
@Felix ******
Any Dr/clinic can issue it. Most private Dr's/clinics in the UK issue one included in the test fee, negative result of course.
Bobby ********
Except visa amnesty finished in October! 🤣🤣🤣
Josh ********
Bobby ********
Frank-Steven Eichholtz. Interestingly only a week ago you had a long conversation on the "covid extension" and never once referred to it as "amnesty". I was at immigration with a friend last week and witnessed some poor sucker who believed the amnesty was still in place until January 29. He was up for three months overstay fines. Fortunately for him the fine caps at 20,000 but the guy was in tears, and the immigration officer firmly said to him "Amnesty finish November!" so if you think telling people "amnesty is finished" is wrong, perhaps you should go talk to the immigration office! Fortunately most people in these groups call it the "covid extension" which is exactly what immigration call it! If you believe visiting immigration every 60 days (and in some cases having to go twice) and paying 1900 baht each time, is better than one annual trip and one payment of 1900 baht, that's your choice. I can't see it, but we're all different.

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Frank-Steven ***********
@Josh *******
Not as of now. If a test will be required in the future - and if that will be the case for all extensions ... nobody can say for sure at this point.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Bobby *******
IF (and that is still a big if) they will require a COVID Test with every extension in the future, this route would become less attractive, indeed. And yes, while technically it is not the same a the go former visa amnesty, what would you call a special extension that can be repeatedly done beyond what your current visa would normally grant you? I call that amnesty to stay in the country, too. By just telling people that “amnesty has ended”, I think people are misguiding them.
Josh ********
@Frank-Steven **********
do you need covid test for the 60 day extension ?
Bobby ********
Frank-Steven Eichholtz. Amnesty was no visa required, no overstay fines. That no longer applies. People now have to pay for extensions or they're on overstay. I can't see how that is "amnesty", but that's your choice. With the proposed requirement for a covid test for every visa extension this will raise the cost to potentially 6000 baht every 60 days, or
*****
per year. I pay 1900 baht (or 6000 with the test) for one year. Best strategy you say? Yeah ok! 🤣
Frank-Steven ***********
@Bobby *******
Tomato, tomato. No amnesty, but continuous special 60-day extensions @2,000 baht. May run out end of January, but likely will be extended. So coming on the simplest visa - or even visa waiver and then extend or change visa here as suggested is the best strategy, indeed.
Kev **********
@Bobby *******
definitely no visa amnesty
Bobby ********
Lee Mi. Ha! They'll be on overstay! 500 baht per day!
Lee ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
really? many people are talking about getting it this month, many many
Jeff *****
Great info. Thx
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