In a recent development, Thailand and Sri Lanka have announced significant visa waivers for Indian travellers, offering a fresh wave of opportunities for globetrotters. Starting from November 10, 2023, Indians can visit Thailand without a visa until May 10, 2024, allowing them a stay of up to 30 days. Thailand has already granted this privilege to Chinese nationals in September. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka recently unveiled visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries, including India, China, and Russia, as part of a pilot project running until March 31, 2024.
For Indian travellers, this marks the second piece of encouraging news in a week, with both Thailand and Sri Lanka offering easier access for those seeking international adventures. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries' tourism boards have been actively courting Indian tourists. India has consistently ranked as Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism this year, with approximately 12 lakh arrivals, following Malaysia, China, and South Korea.
Indian government data further reflects the growing enthusiasm for international travel among Indian citizens. After recording 1.4 crore Indians traveling abroad in 2011, the number surged to a peak of 2.7 crore in 2019. Despite the pandemic-induced travel restrictions and border closures, the figure rebounded to 2.1 crore in 2022, showcasing the unwavering desire of Indian travelers to explore global destinations.