Wondering what is COE and what is the purpose of it? Everyone planning to come to Thailand should know that having a valid COE is mandatory during COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Certificate of Entry (COE), requirements, application form and how to apply.
What is Certificate of Entry (COE)
The Certificate of Entry (COE) is a mandatory official document issued to Thai nationals and Non-Thai nationals who are permitted to enter Thailand. It confirms that you meet the entry requirements as set by the Thai government and you are accepted to enter Thailand.
Update: From 1 November 2021, the COE has been replaced by the new system called "Thailand Pass" You will need to fill out the information and uploading relevant documents into the system. Once the registration is complete, you will receive a Thailand Pass QR code to use to enter Thailand.
Where to Apply for COE?
Beginning on 1 November 2020, eligible people who wish to travel to Thailand must register for the COE at the central registration system of the State Department
How to get the Certificate of Entry (COE)?
1. Check your eligibility
The first thing you need to do is to find out if you are eligible to apply for COE and which category of permitted people are you in.
In accordance with the Regulation issued under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005), as amended, Eligible travelers who are allowed to enter Thailand at the moment are as follows:
Thai nationals
Diplomats and officials of international organisations
Work permit holders
Non-Thai who are going to work in Thailand
Family members of Thai nationals (spouse/child/parent)
Medical treatment in Thailand
Students attending schools and universities in Thailand
Non-Thai nationals who have the Residence Permanent Status
Non-Thai nationals who are permitted to enter the Kingdom under a special arrangement with a foreign country or have been granted permission by the Prime Minister
Holders of Non-Immigrant ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) Visa
Holders of Non-Immigrant ‘O-X’ (Long Stay) Visa (applicable only for some countries)
Holder of Thailand Elite visa (you need to contact Thailand Privilege Co., Ltd. for a registration before applying for COE from the Embassy)
Holder of APEC Card (applicable only for some countries)
Media production or Filming
Holder of Tourist (TR)
Holder of Special Tourist Visa (STV)
Visa Exemption
Currently, visa on arrival is still suspended. The following types of visas are also NOT permitted to enter Thailand: Transit passengers (TS), Sports visa holders (S), Monks and other religious visa holders (R), Volunteers (O), and non-formal students visa holders (such as language schools, diving schools, boxing schools).
If you are an eligible traveler and you are holding a valid visa, you can apply for the Certificate of Entry online.
If you don't have any visa, you need to apply for a visa first. You need to check all required documents for issuing the right visa with your nearest Thai Embassy and Consulate. Once you receive your visa, you will need to apply for the Certificate of Entry online.
2. Pre-Approval
You need to prepare supporting documents and fill in COE application form and upload passport information page, valid visa / re-entry permit (or return/outbound air ticket for 45-day visa exemption), health insurance and proof of vaccination (mandatory for Phuket Sandbox).
The embassy or Consulate-General will pre-approve the applicants who meet the requirements. It takes around 3 working days to process the application.
You can find more information about the COE application process here: Online Application for Certificate of Entry (COE)
3. Book a flight and accommodation
Once pre-approved, the applicant can book a flight to Thailand. Currently, only approved airlines are permitted to operate flights to Thailand.
Upon arrival into Thailand, you will be subject to quarantine at your own expenses so booking a quarantine hotel is also necessary. You can check for more information about the quarantine process, including the constantly updated lists of approved quarantine hotels here:
Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels (in Bangkok)
Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) Hotels (out of Bangkok)
Update 28 June 2021! Starting from today, fully vaccinated travelers entering Thailand without quarantine under Phuket Sandbox scheme can use bookings of SHA Plus Hotels to apply for COE.
Important note! You need to book COVID-19 Tests in advance via PSAS System and submit a proof of payment for RT-PCR tests when applying for COE under Phuket Sandbox scheme!
Flight ticket and hotel booking confirmation must be uploaded to the system within 15 days after your application has been pre-approved.
What Documents Do I Need for Certificate of Entry (COE) Application?
1. A copy of your passport.
2. A copy of your Thai visa.
3. Health insurance policy with coverage including COVID-19 related treatment in Thailand in the amount no less than 50,000 USD, which must cover the total duration of your planned stay (you can easily buy online the special insurance package AXA Sawasdee Thailand that meets all requirements).
4. Confirmation of flight booking. In case of indirect flights, you need to provide booking confirmation for all connecting flights.
5. Confirmation of Alternative State Quarantine Hotel or Alternative Local Quarantine Hotel booking.
Specific required documents
The additional documents indicating the purpose of your visit are also required such as:
For working or business purpose: A copy of a work permit or a certificate issued by Ministry of Labour of Thailand (WP3) or Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI).
For immediate family members of Thai nationals: A copy of a marriage certificate (in the case of spouse), a birth certificate (in the case of children), or other official evidence of parental relationship with a Thai national (in the case of parents)
For permanent residents: A copy of Certificate of Residence and re-entry permit stamp
For study purpose: A copy of document certifying the applicant’s student status or a letter of acceptance from a Thai university or school which is under the supervision of the Thai relevant authority.
For medical treatment (except the treatment of COVID-19): A copy of Confirmation Letter from a Thai hospital authorized as Alternative Hospital Quarantine (AHQ) certifying the traveler’s patient status and confirming the provision of 14-day quarantine in the hospital facility, with an official stamp from the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, an evidence of financial support for all medical expenses incurred in the Kingdom of Thailand
For Media production or filming: A copy of a permit letter issued by the Thailand Film Office, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand
For holders of long stay (O-A & O-X) visa: A copy of valid O-A or O-X visa, a copy of valid re-entry permits and stay permit stamp (if any), certificate of residence (if any)
For holders of a valid Thailand Privilege Card: A copy of valid Thailand Elite Card, letter from Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd.
For person who have a valid APEC Card: A copy of a valid APEC card
Depending on the nationality of the applicant, other documents may be necessary. Embassy/Consulate-General takes 3 working days to process the application.
How Long Does It Take to Process Certificate of Entry (COE) Application?
It is advised by Royal Thai Embassy/ Consulate-General to submit your COE application at least 2 weeks before your scheduled departure. You cannot enter Thailand until you have received your COE, so make sure you start the application process well in advance.
After you have obtained a Certificate of Entry into the country, Thailand allows you to fly to Thailand on the flights specified on that particular date.
What is the Fee for a COE Application?
The Certificate of Entry (COE) is issued free of charge. However, normal visa fees will apply (if visa application is submitted).
Sample of Certificate of Entry (COE)
You can check out the sample of Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulates-General in this picture.
Requested Documents at the Airports upon Departure and Arrival
Upon the check-in desk at the departure airport and arrival airport in Thailand, you need to present the following documents:
1. Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulates-General.
2. Passport and valid Thai visa/ re-entry permit.
3. Completed Declaration form.
4. Fit to Fly or Fit to Travel Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours before departure (no longer needed!)
5. “COVID-19 free Certificate with RT-PCR method laboratory result” issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
6. Confirmed booking for a set period of quarantine at ASQ Hotel / ALQ Hotel or Phuket Sandbox booking at SHA Plus Hotel.
7. Health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD covering treatment and medical expenses related to COVID-19. The insurance must cover the total duration of stay in Thailand (you can easily buy online the special insurance package AXA Sawasdee Thailand that meets all requirements).
8. T8 Form Health Questionnaire (Health Declaration Form).
