Indian Nationals May Now Visit Thailand Without A Visa

After great anticipation, the Thai government confirmed that Indian nationals will be granted visa-free entrance to Thailand.

The move will apply beginning on November 10 and continuing until May 2024.

Last week, Sri Lanka said that as of March 31, 2024, Indian nationals will not need a visa to visit the country. As part of this agreement, Indians may remain in the nation for up to 30 days.

Thailand wants to ensure that obtaining a visa will not be a barrier for tourists from one of its main source markets as the nation prepares for peak tourism season.

In September, Thailand removed the need for Chinese visitors to get a visa to enter the country. Similarly to India, citizens of Taiwan will soon be able to enter Thailand without a visa.

There were 22 million tourists in Thailand between January and October 29, 2023, bringing in $26 billion, as reported by the government. Next year, the nation hopes to see 28 million visitors. Thailand increased its March projection of Indian visitors from 1.4 million to 2 million. India overtook Malaysia as Thailand's second-largest visitor market in 2022, when Thailand welcomed almost a million Indian tourists. About 1.9 million Indians visited Thailand in 2019, making them the third-largest nationality to travel to the country.

The lengthy visa application procedure is often highlighted as a significant barrier to tourism from India. At the same time, Indian tourists are increasingly favouring countries that do not need them to apply for a visa.

 

Source: skift.com