Thailand and Sri Lanka have decided to extend the visa-free entry facilities for Indian visitors, making travel more accessible and hassle-free for tourists from India. Thailand's visa-free entry has been extended until November 11, 2024, starting from November 10, 2023, after initially being set to expire on May 10, 2024. Similarly, Sri Lanka has prolonged its visa-free entry till May 31, 2024, with the facility having started as a pilot project in October the previous year, allowing Indian visitors to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
According to officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand has significantly increased since the implementation of the visa-free entry facility. The data shows that from November 2022 to April 2023, Thailand received 7,55,066 visitors from India, and this number rose to 9,68,000 visitors between November 2023 and April 2024. This boost in tourism is essential for Thailand's economy, with the tourism sector accounting for a sizable portion of the nation's total jobs and economy.
Visa-free travel simplifies the process of entering a country for visitors, as it eliminates the need for obtaining a visa in advance, thereby saving time and visa fees. Many countries have agreements with India that allow Indian citizens to visit without undergoing lengthy visa procedures. While typically only a passport is necessary for entry into visa-free countries, some destinations may require additional documents like proof of onward travel or payment of airport taxes. Additionally, neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan do not require Indian citizens to carry a passport for entry, although valid identification documents such as an Aadhaar card, driving license, or voter ID card must be presented.