How to return to Thailand with COVID recovery certificate

[jojothai]

I need any help I can get from somebody returned or knows what happened getting back with a recovery certificate.

 

I am in UK visiting family and friends and unfortunately its my turn to find out the effects of getting Covid.
Double jabbed and got the booster 12 days ago, but  . . . . . .
No issue with health thankfully. Bad throat and a bit of a cough for a few days. No other Covid symptoms

Self isolation not too much of a problem. Far easier than 14 day Thai quarantine I have done before.
The mental stress is far worse trying to figure out what to do to get back using a recovery certificate.

Endlessly calling help lines, support chats etc and getting no help or clarification. Circular loops in websites drive you crazy.

NHS do not provide any such certificate. I agree with this, but they could at least inform people on the websites that you have to go to a private provider. Costs between 100 and 150 GBP.
Got my new Thai pass , but getting a flight that will allow me to board is not so easy.
Stepped up the pressure today for how to fly with formal assistance requests to airline and IATA. 

 

I tried some searches on the forum for “recovery certificate” and have found nothing. 

Two questions
1. Which airlines allowed travel?
My airline booked is saying that I must have a negative PCR test and referring to IATA requirements that are not complete and effectively false information.
I can see that Thai Airways accept a recovery certificate. Are there any others that people have used?

2. What happens when you land in Bangkok, you have the certificate and get tested positive?
Do they allow you to go, or are there special quarantine period or repeat test requirement?

 

FYI, the rules for entry (both sandbox and Test & Go) include the allowance for previously infected people to enter with a PCR test positive provided they have the certificate of recovery. 
It can take a long time before some people who have been infected may test negative again. 

 

I trust that I will not be the first to face this issue and would appreciate any info from others.
 

[phetphet]

Can't you just get a private PCR test before even trying to travel? Just to allay your fears that you might test positive.

[TorquayFan]

Jojothai - It's great that you have come through Covid OK but respectfully, re. a 'Recovery Certificate', I think you can ignore it.

 

You don't need to consult widely . . . UK wise, I think the requirement to fly on most airlines is a clear PCR test within 72 hours of your flight departure. If you have recovered from Covid that test WILL be clear and IMO it's all you will need to fly.

 

As Phet says you can get comfort before that - why not a 'Lateral flow / ATK tests at home plus an extra pre-ticket rt-PCR test ?

 

Relax and Good Luck to you !

 

 

 

[internationalism]

you check in and enter on 3 shots you had and pcr test, not on recovery certificate, which thailand doesn't recognise at all.

Airline policies don't have anything to do with your entry - probably thai airways info is misleading. 

If you can't get recovery certificate from nhs, you can ask them for anything related to your infection. Surely you should have a dated copy of results with positive, which will prove your infection as much as recovery certificate. Maybe even a picture of your recent medical record from the doctor'c computer screen. 

Maybe also there is nhs smartphone application or log in to your patient account on their website which would have some info. 

I would rather not show it on arrival in thailand but kept it as a back up in case you turn positive the next day.

Than it's up to health authorities - they might tell you to isolate at home for some days, depending when your infection was first detected and when you finished isolation. 

Edited December 24, 2021 by internationalism

[TorquayFan]

Jojothai - if you are still testing positive even though recovered, why not give it a week or two more until you test negative? You say Thai Airways will accept a 'Recovery Certificate' for boarding - I find that surprising.

 

The problem is on arrival in Thailand - IMO if you test positive I'm sure you will have to quarantine in accordance with current rules.

 

Why ? Because how can the Thai Authorities know whether the arrival positive is residual virus from an old infection or is a new infection acquired in transit ? It sounds very difficult to me. Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 24, 2021 by TorquayFan
checked it out more

[supersomchai]

The advice given to medical staff in uk is not to do a pcr for 90 days after having covid had covid.

This is because it is possible to get a false positive up to 90 days post 

covid.

However you may test negative much sooner after catching covid.

I would get a flexible flight and keep getting weekly pcrs till i test negative.

 

 

 

[treetops]

5 hours ago, internationalism said:

you check in and enter on 3 shots you had and pcr test, not on recovery certificate, which thailand doesn't recognise at all.

Agree on what the OP should use for entry, but to clarify for others, Thailand does accept a recovery certificate for entry.  This is from IATA requirements for Sandbox entry:

 

 

 

[TorquayFan]

Thanks Treetops - so that's how a 'Recovery certificate' fits in - i.e. plus one vaccine shot it qualifies you as fully vaxed. But the negative rt-PCR will still be needed to board and enter . . . .

[treetops]

15 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

But the negative rt-PCR will still be needed to board and enter . . . .

Yes, I don't think there's any way round that, rightly IMO.

[jojothai]

8 hours ago, phetphet said:

Can't you just get a private PCR test before even trying to travel? Just to allay your fears that you might test positive.

The government website states that you should not do another PCR test and if you do another PCR test that is positive after initial positive then you are required to self-Isolate again for 10 days.
Its a legal requirement. Private or otherwise. It will be on record. It could affect my insurance claim.
So I cannot risk that until I legally have to do the test for the flight and I can get the recovery certificate. The recovery certificate I can only get on 28th.
So, I have to do my test as late as possible before flying to hope I get negative. T

o rebook my flight i have to get the result prior to 48 hour rebooking airline deadline.

With Thai pass approved for 27th i can fly until 30th and that is what I now plan.
Take a test on 27th. Get the recovery cert on 28th then I can fly regardless of positive or negative.

My problem is that my airline (and many others) insist on a negative PCR test. there is no recovery certificate option.
Thai  airways is the only one so far that states that a recovery certificate can be used.
I cannot get any clarification from airline support, chats, query forms etc. the last 2 days. They refer to IATA rules that only have requirement for a "negative PCR" .  I have sent the problem to IATA support yesterday. Trust I may get an answer today / tomorrow.

I have to go to Manchester airport on 27th for PCR test and will then check with the main airlines check in staff what they accept.
Qatar, Emirates, Finnair, Turkish. That's the only way i will know.

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, treetops said:

Agree on what the OP should use for entry, but to clarify for others, Thailand does accept a recovery certificate for entry.  This is from IATA requirements for Sandbox entry:

 

 

 

Hi treetops. Thanks.

You are correct the recover certificate is accepted and it is  on Thai airways guidance.
Please can you clarify where you found that on IATA with the link address.
I have searched hard and not found it. 

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, TorquayFan said:

Thanks Treetops - so that's how a 'Recovery certificate' fits in - i.e. plus one vaccine shot it qualifies you as fully vaxed. But the negative rt-PCR will still be needed to board and enter . . . .

So far I have only found Thai airways that accepts it for boarding.
I got nowhere contacting airlines two days and will have to go to Manchester airport to get the facts in person rom the ground staff for checkin

I can do that on 27th. I am changing my flight to 30th.
That is within the 72 hours validity of the Thai Pass i have got.
If my PCR test is positive and my airline will not accept the recovery certificate, then I will have to fly thai airways.

[jojothai]

2 hours ago, supersomchai said:

The advice given to medical staff in uk is not to do a pcr for 90 days after having covid had covid.

This is because it is possible to get a false positive up to 90 days post 

covid.

However you may test negative much sooner after catching covid.

I would get a flexible flight and keep getting weekly pcrs till i test negative.

 

 

 

The PCR advice is correct. That's why countries have the 90 days for the recovery certificate.
From the studies published on websites where they retested, Clearance is likely to be in 14 to 30 days,

Only something like a 1 in 5 chance it may be cleared early.

The Uk has just changed to allowing Lateral flow tests for day 6 and 7.

That's despite everything on NHS stating that you should not do any tests following the positive PCR.
Something does not add up. I cannot find any information on lateral flow tests that this will prove anything. There should be a PCR test.

They are desperate to keep NHS staff in work, instead of self isolating. Understood, I guess its a panic measure.

 

I need to get back. I have a Thai Pass approved for 27th. With validity of 72 hours I can fly up to 30th.
Just got to get my act together concerning who i can fly with if i am still positive.

[jojothai]

8 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

Jojothai - It's great that you have come through Covid OK but respectfully, re. a 'Recovery Certificate', I think you can ignore it.

 

You don't need to consult widely . . . UK wise, I think the requirement to fly on most airlines is a clear PCR test within 72 hours of your flight departure. If you have recovered from Covid that test WILL be clear and IMO it's all you will need to fly.

 

As Phet says you can get comfort before that - why not a 'Lateral flow / ATK tests at home plus an extra pre-ticket rt-PCR test ?

 

Relax and Good Luck to you !

 

 

 

Sorry but you need to read up on this. I will not get back if i ignore the realities.

The recovery certificate may be the only way i can get back for a month or so.

 

Taking another PCR test carries very high risk of being positive.
As i have stated in another post. The evidence from testing is that its likely to be 14 to 30 days to test negative again.  
More likely 30 . Probably only a 1 in 5 chance that i get clear early.
LF test will not help to fly, but they will give me an indication of when the viral load is diminishing.

 

I do have some medication that is reported to help clear covid. 

Much debate and no certainties, but i will have to try see if it helps clear the covid more quickly.

Edited December 24, 2021 by jojothai
add info

[jojothai]

8 hours ago, internationalism said:

you check in and enter on 3 shots you had and pcr test, not on recovery certificate, which thailand doesn't recognise at all.

Airline policies don't have anything to do with your entry - probably thai airways info is misleading. 

If you can't get recovery certificate from nhs, you can ask them for anything related to your infection. Surely you should have a dated copy of results with positive, which will prove your infection as much as recovery certificate. Maybe even a picture of your recent medical record from the doctor'c computer screen. 

Maybe also there is nhs smartphone application or log in to your patient account on their website which would have some info. 

I would rather not show it on arrival in thailand but kept it as a back up in case you turn positive the next day.

Than it's up to health authorities - they might tell you to isolate at home for some days, depending when your infection was first detected and when you finished isolation. 

Hi and thanks for joining in the discussion.
Unfortunately it is the Airline policies that dictate whether you can get on a flight or not.
They do not all precisely align with what governments allow. 
My airline seems to contradict the fact that their government allows recovery certificates.
The airline is stating that they follow IATA regulations.
Treetops may be able to help point out where their regulations include for the recovery certificate.
I am waiting for response to a query  sent to IATA.

The GP, NHS call line on several topics all cannot help with a recovery certificate. Taken over a day of multiple calls and no way.
They have no obligation to do so if its for international travel out of country.
There are private providers.

Thai airways requirements clearly list the relaxation of a recovery certificate according to the Thailand requirements.
So I expect that I may have to fly with them and cannot use my existing ticket.
If my PCR test is positive again. nobody will want to see me according to UK govt laws,

So I have to figure this out by the time I get the PCR test result.

[jojothai]

7 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

Jojothai - if you are still testing positive even though recovered, why not give it a week or two more until you test negative? You say Thai Airways will accept a 'Recovery Certificate' for boarding - I find that surprising.

 

The problem is on arrival in Thailand - IMO if you test positive I'm sure you will have to quarantine in accordance with current rules.

 

Why ? Because how can the Thai Authorities know whether the arrival positive is residual virus from an old infection or is a new infection acquired in transit ? It sounds very difficult to me. Good luck.

 

I have a Thai pass approved.

The scheme is suspended but I can travel up to the three day validity. Limit 30th December.

If not, its going to be about a month until i get to Thailand and out of quarantine. Add up the timing required.
I have no problem going into quarantine when I get back.
But thats only if I can fly.
If I cannot fly because of a positive PCR then i will not get back. That why the recovery certificate is likely to be critical.

[TorquayFan]

Is it a boarding requirement now to have a vax status of 2 x vax or 1 vax + recovery Certificate ? Not so long ago you could board with no vax but would have to do extra ASQ in Th.

 

Whatever, for sure, you have to have an rt-PCR negative test result and Lab report in order to board and also for entry - whatever your vax status is.

 

You are right that the Lateral Flow test is less reliable but it's not to be wholly discounted. Were I you I would seek some comfort in doing an LF every day until my rt-PCR, (the LF is unlikely to be wrong EVERY day).

 

Have the best Christmas you can Jojo and the very best of luck.

 

 

 

 

[jojothai]

Hi and thanks for the replies.

They all help for me to consider the situation as best I can.

Seems that i may be the first posting this issue and having to deal with it.

It does appear that it may not be possible at all to fly with a positive PCR test, 

however the Thai requirements do allow it,  see Thai embassy FAQ

Edited December 24, 2021 by jojothai

[TorquayFan]

I suggest those comments are either out of date or overridden elsewhere or maybe intended to be part of the Vax requirements only. I'd guess, 'out of date'..

 

As you know, re-infection is extremely common in Year 2 of the pandemic, particularly with the nimble Omicron around. It would be bonkers to allow people to board or enter without a negative rt-PCR result (with Lab Report). N.B. the papers must have the rt prefix on them.

 

Do an LF for comfort, have a beer and good luck.

 

 

[jojothai]

6 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

I suggest those comments are either out of date or overridden elsewhere or maybe intended to be part of the Vax requirements only. I'd guess, 'out of date'..

 

As you know, re-infection is extremely common in Year 2 of the pandemic, particularly with the nimble Omicron around. It would be bonkers to allow people to board or enter without a negative rt-PCR result (with Lab Report). N.B. the papers must have the rt prefix on them.

 

Do an LF for comfort, have a beer and good luck.

They are related directly to the Thai pass, very recently.

[TorquayFan]

OK Jojo - let us know how you get on please and ATB

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, TorquayFan said:

OK Jojo - let us know how you get on please and ATB

Yes i will update, i think its very important I let people know what happens.  Other people could easily get caught in a similar problem 

Spoke to Qatar Airways and they will not allow travel for 14 days plus seem to need the negative PCR.  I could not get to speak to Thai airways here.
Had to send an email asking them to confirm if I can fly with the recovery cert and positive PCR.

 

I rang Thai airways in Bangkok to check. Used my skype account for overseas . It did not take too long.  They told me that under their rules i should be ok to travel.  They were very helpful and told me to also check the airline rules in detail at

www.caat.or.th

 

I am starting to study these covid entry regulations as specified by the Civil Aviation Authority.  I trust the details will give me the answer on the issue of using a recovery certificate, one way or the other. 

[jojothai]

GOOD NEWS  SUCCESS in finding an official answer the question if the recovery certificate is valid. 

From the CAAT site informed by the THAI employee in Bangkok, I have found the appropriate links.

Main site   www.caat.or.th

takes  me to   https://www.caat.or.th/th/archives/47858

There the updates are listed

Go to  "Frequently Asked Questions Thailand Pass FAQs - Update" , CLICK the update

This takes you to the ministry of foreign affairs site

https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/content/thailand-pass-faqs-2

items are under individual sections but if you go to the bottom you can get a complete download.

"Thailand_Pass_FAQ_THAI-ENG__24_Dec_2021__11.00_hrs.pdf"

As you can see,  this is 24 DECEMBER.

 

on FAQ - Q3 page 7 it states clearly that:

** Applicant is also required to have an RT-PCR test result that is issued within 72 hours before
departure and bring the results to present to the Health Control station upon arrival. This
requirement is not required for Thai nationals entering under the AQ scheme and for children aged
below 6. Please note that your test result must be in hard copy and in Thai or English language
only.
** If the applicant’s RT-PCR test result is positive, they must present a COVID-19 recovery form
certifying that the applicant has recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months before their travel

 

Also under Q4 it quotes the other statement concerning Documents – Certificate of Vaccination

on page 12 item 5 

"Those who have recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months before travelling to Thailand must present a valid COVID-19 recovery form or medical certificate certifying that they have recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months before travelling or are asymptomatic in case their COVID-19 RT-PCR test shows a positive result."

 

This is i believe as clear cut as it can be.  Therefore i believe Thai Airways should be fine if my airline booked will not take me.

 

In the other CAAT rules i read there is the requirement as follows:

(15) For flight with flight time more than 240 minutes, the last 3 seat rows of one side of the cabin should be designated for on-board emergency quarantine measures to isolate the ill or suspected to be affected from COVID-19 traveller (passenger or crewmember) for the reason of surveillance and disease transmission prevention. And in case that the ill or suspected to be affected from COVID-19 traveller (passenger or crewmember) is found in flight, air operator shall implement the on-board emergency quarantine as follows;
(a) Such ill or suspected to be affected from COVID-19 traveller (passenger or crewmember) shall be seated at the reserved seat in the quarantine area mentioned above as far away from the other passengers as possible.
(b) In case that there are more than one lavatory, the lavatory nearest to the quarantine area should be specifically designated for quarantine purpose.
(c) One lavatory may be reserved and used exclusively by crewmember considering sufficiency for passengers.
(d) It is recommended to assign specific crew members to provide necessary in-flight service for quarantine area, and the crew members should minimize close contacts (within 2 meters) with other crew members and unnecessary contacts.
(e) Flight crew shall notify the air traffic controller at port of disembarkation about information regarding passenger or crew who is ill or suspected to be affected from COVID-19 in order to convey the finding to the airport of entry.
(16) There shall be the cleaning and disinfection of equipment in the cabin that

 

With this requirement i expect that I can request to be quarantined there for the flight, so that I am not affecting any other passengers should I test positive when landing in Bangkok.
This is a relief because there has to be consideration for other people that i could test positive on arrival and they will be quarantined.

 

From this i feel confident that if my PCR test is positive I can still fly with THAI.

I will update in a few days to inform my PCR test result and on how it goes if I have to use the certificate.

in the meantime I am starting other medication to see if it helps to clear the virus more quickly before I have the PCR test on 27th.

Edited December 24, 2021 by jojothai

[Albert Zweistein]

15 hours ago, internationalism said:

you check in and enter on 3 shots you had and pcr test, not on recovery certificate, which thailand doesn't recognise at all.

Airline policies don't have anything to do with your entry - probably thai airways info is misleading. 

If you can't get recovery certificate from nhs, you can ask them for anything related to your infection. Surely you should have a dated copy of results with positive, which will prove your infection as much as recovery certificate. Maybe even a picture of your recent medical record from the doctor'c computer screen. 

Maybe also there is nhs smartphone application or log in to your patient account on their website which would have some info. 

I would rather not show it on arrival in thailand but kept it as a back up in case you turn positive the next day.

Than it's up to health authorities - they might tell you to isolate at home for some days, depending when your infection was first detected and when you finished isolation. 

The problem being recovered from Covid is that the pcr test still could show positive so any airline will deny boarding without a recovery certificate.

[internationalism]

Thats why medical history should be at hand. Patient records on application, on website. Screenshot from doctors computer.  Copy of positive test. 
There is not real problem with check in, just change travel date, pass, hotel bopking, as turning positive in thailand. 
it would be up to doctors, health officer, to void quarantine or hospital stay. They might do another test, as well as antibody test

Edited December 24, 2021 by internationalism

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, Albert Zweistein said:

The problem being recovered from Covid is that the pcr test still could show positive so any airline will deny boarding without a recovery certificate.

Hi Albert

Yes, but the problem is even worse. from my search, it seems that most airlines insist on a negative PCR test regardless of any recovery.
The recovery certificate is still required when you have to declare that you recently had covid within the last 3 months.

If so, they must then see a recovery certificate to protect themselves against any potential liability to other passengers.

One example is qatar airways will only accept passengers at least 14 days after any infection, and with a negative PCR test, 

 

At present it appears that i will be ok flying with Thai. The guy I spoke to in Thai airways bangkok was most helpful.

Keep my fingers crossed

[Puccini]

20 hours ago, jojothai said:

...FYI, the rules for entry (both sandbox and Test & Go) include the allowance for previously infected people to enter with a PCR test positive provided they have the certificate of recovery...

I did not see that in the rules for the Test & Go scheme. Perhaps you misinterpreted something.

 

[Albert Zweistein]

1 hour ago, jojothai said:

Hi Albert

Yes, but the problem is even worse. from my search, it seems that most airlines insist on a negative PCR test regardless of any recovery.
The recovery certificate is still required when you have to declare that you recently had covid within the last 3 months.

If so, they must then see a recovery certificate to protect themselves against any potential liability to other passengers.

One example is qatar airways will only accept passengers at least 14 days after any infection, and with a negative PCR test, 

 

At present it appears that i will be ok flying with Thai. The guy I spoke to in Thai airways bangkok was most helpful.

Keep my fingers crossed

Isn't this more or less the same i am saying ?

[jojothai]

2 hours ago, Puccini said:

I did not see that in the rules for the Test & Go scheme. Perhaps you misinterpreted something.

 

See my post above that provides a clear path to where the rules are on the ministry website,

and the text from the official article dated 24 december.

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, Albert Zweistein said:

Isn't this more or less the same i am saying ?

In my opinion not precisely. You are referring to the use of the recovery certificate in case of a positive test.
From what i have found in the last 2 days, even if it is actually a negative test (as demanded by the airline),

they may require a recovery certificate also if you have recently recovered. People may not think of it that way.
 

IMHO, i now consider the recovery certificate important to get whether the PCR test is positive or negative.
I will get one regardless of the test result.