Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand
In a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days.
Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today, adding new ease to Thailand’s already booming tourism sector.
“Indians can now extend their stays by an additional 30 days through local immigration offices.”
This policy shift builds on last year’s initial rollout of visa-free entry for Indians, which sparked an incredible rise in tourism numbers. Indian visitors surged to 16.17 million between January and mid-October, largely due to hassle-free entry.
With visa barriers down, spontaneous weekend trips and last-minute bookings have become a new trend, allowing travellers to experience Thailand’s beauty without cumbersome paperwork.
The success of Thailand’s visa-free entry for Indians isn’t just about numbers, it’s also reshaping the regional travel scene. Thailand’s neighbours, including Malaysia, which also introduced visa-free entry for Indian nationals, are benefiting from increased tourism flows.
This regional boom, with over 70 million recorded visitors across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, has put Southeast Asia on the map as a top destination.
Now, Thailand is considering a bold next step: a Schengen-style visa for all six Southeast Asian nations. Such an initiative would simplify travel across borders, providing a seamless experience for tourists and boosting tourism economies across the region, reported Hindustan Times.
In related news, jetting off for a Thai visa was once as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and you’d be done and dusted.
But hold onto your hats, because the digital age has swept in like a whirlwind, turning the visa game on its head. In recent years, many consulates have swapped the spontaneous stroll-in method for an appointment-only system, meaning you have to jump online and nab a slot before making your visa run.
