Thailand remains a popular destination for residents of Qatar, with over 6,000 tourist visas issued by the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha this year alone. The country has welcomed over 14 million international tourists from January to May 2024, including 177,201 visitors from the Middle East and 10,052 Qataris. The Royal Thai Government aims to attract 40 million visitors in 2024, matching pre-pandemic levels in 2019. New visa measures have been introduced to facilitate travel for global visitors, including those from Qatar, allowing them to fully enjoy their time in Thailand.
Under the enhanced Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) and visa exemption privileges, nationals of 31 countries can apply for VOA at Thailand’s immigration checkpoints, with a stay of up to 15 days for tourism purposes. Additionally, nationals of 93 countries are eligible for visa exemption for stays of up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business engagements, extendable for an additional 30 days at the discretion of the immigration officer. For longer stays or other purposes, individuals must apply for the appropriate visa type in Thailand before the end of the permitted period of stay.
The Royal Thai Government has launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for individuals traveling to Thailand for various purposes like digital nomad work, Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and music festivals. The DTV allows for a stay of up to 180 days per entry with a 5-year validity, providing flexibility for travelers seeking unique experiences in Thailand.
In response to the growing demand for visa applications, the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha has introduced an online e-Visa application platform. Nationals with a Residence Permit in Qatar can now apply for a Thai visa online through the Thai E-Visa platform at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/. This online process eliminates the need to submit passports and original documents at the embassy, streamlining the visa application process for residents of Qatar.
Travelers interested in exploring Thailand can find detailed information on the conditions and requirements for VOA and visa exemptions on the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha’s website at https://doha.thaiembassy.org/. With the implementation of new visa measures and online application platforms, visiting Thailand has become more accessible and convenient for residents of Qatar, further promoting the country as a top travel destination for international tourists. As Thailand aims to reach a record number of visitors in 2024, these initiatives are expected to boost tourism and strengthen ties between Qatar and Thailand.
