Thailand's largest Island Phuket is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world: white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, the spectacular backdrop of limestone cliffs and the hospitality of the locals are highlights in themselves. Since 1 July, the Dream beaches of Phuket can now be rediscovered. With the project "Phuket Sandbox" Thailand celebrates the reopening - under strict security measures.

Discover Phuket safely

Anyone who wants to travel to Phuket and thus pay a visit to paradise, must be fully vaccinated - the second vaccination must be at least 14 days prior. Children are also welcome: 6-18 year olds only need to take a Covid 19 test on arrival. With the pilot project "Phuket Sandbox", the island wants to make travelling as safe as possible despite the pandemic and thus also further boost tourism.

Further "sandbox models" are to follow successively. There are also initial travel rules for the island of Koh Samui. Krabi, Chiang Mai and Phang-nga should also be accessible in the course of the summer, followed by Bangkok and other regions in the autumn.

Sun-seekers and water rats get their money's worth again on the dream beaches of Phuket. Nothing stands in the way of popular activities such as snorkeling, diving and kayaking, as long as the usual local rules are observed. Thailand has created its own Covid safety label, the "SHA Plus", for tourist providers to ensure that you feel good on vacation. Visitors stay in such certified accommodation and should ideally also use establishments with certification for other activities such as excursions, transport and gastronomic experiences. Currently, travel to Phuket is only permitted with a direct connection. Various airlines offer connecting flights from Vienna, such as Qatar with 4 weekly flights.

This is what you have to consider when entering the country

According to the Thai Tourism Authority TAT's multi-stage schedule, the following travel regulations apply to Phuket Island:

• In addition to the vaccination certificate, which must be at least 14 days old, a negative PCR test result in English must be presented upon arrival, the issuance of which must not be more than 72 hours prior.
• Before departure, travelers must also download and register in the app "ThailandPlus".
• Entry requirements also include Covid health insurance with coverage of at least $100,000.
• Before entering the country, the so-called Certificate of Entry (COE) must also be completed and applied for via go.th .
• Once on the ground, entrants can expect another PCR test for which a fee is charged, and the so-called Mor Chana warning app must be installed on a mobile device.
• From the airport you go straight to the hotel, where, in the hotel room, you first have to wait for the test result. Once a negative test result has arrived, holidaymakers can explore the island.