The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that it will gradually reopen Thailand to travellers from Qatar with the introduction of the ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV) scheme for long-stay visitors to the Kingdom including tourists and business travellers.
The new long-stay visa aims to revive the Thailand’s international tourism following its successful launch of domestic travel within Thailand and enables long-stay travellers from low-risk countries to visit Thailand for at least 30 days and up to 90 days, with the option to extend for a maximum of 270 days.
“Thailand is considered one of the safest travel destinations and we believe that we have taken all the necessary precautions in order to welcome visitors back to our shores with the introduction of the Special Tourist Visa for long-stay visitors,” said Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East. “We have collaborated with our public and private sector partners in Thailand to elevate the country’s tourism industry standards including the introduction of the ‘Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA’ certification, as well as revisiting our tourism offerings and encourage sustainable tourism to preserve the natural habitat, wildlife and traditions of the Kingdom.”
The new Special Tourist Visa is available to tourists from low-risk countries, including Qatar. To qualify for the STV, visitors must comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 control and preventive measures. This includes undergoing a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, having proof of their long-term accommodation or residence in the kingdom – such as a hotel reservation, rental contract or evidence of condominium ownership, holding the required medical and travel insurance and a valid Fit To Fly medical certificate. An initial quota of 1,200 STV tourists per month - up to three international flights per week, with each flight carrying 100 STV tourists – is currently in place.
A medical insurance policy with a coverage of at least USD $100,000 or about 3.16 million Baht for possible COVID-19 treatment is among the official documents required from foreign visitors planning to visit Thailand. After completing the 14-day quarantine and testing negative for COVID-19, STV holders are free to travel anywhere around Thailand.
Travellers looking to visit the Thailand from Qatar on a long-stay visit can reach out to the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha with the required documents and agree to comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 control and preventative measures.
For more information, visit www.TourismThailand.org