Thailand's beaches are calling: No-visa entry for Indians to continue

If you have been considering going on a vacation to Thailand, the Land of Smiles, here's music to your ears: Thailand has extended visa-free entry for Indians indefinitely.

You're now saved from the irritating, time-consuming, and complicated paperwork to apply for a visa. Just book your air tickets and accommodations, pack up, and head to the airport. The Thailand travel is visa-free and hassle-free. 

The Thai authorities have announced that the visa-free entry for Indians, which has been in place for six months, will continue. In a message to english.dhanamonline.com, the Thai embassy in New Delhi said the other day:

"The Royal Thai Government announces new visa measures, the 60-day visa exemption, for Indian ordinary passport holders for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, or urgent work or ad-hoc work, effective from 15 July 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice.

"Therefore, they are not required to apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy and Royal Thai Consulate-Generals, including a visa-on-arrival."  

"Upon arrival, the traveller could be required to present the necessary documentation to the immigration officer. Such as a confirmed outbound ticket, confirmed accommodation, and proof of finances (carrying a minimum of 20,000 THB in cash for each person is recommended.) Under the visa exemption scheme, you can go directly to the immigration counter without paying the fee.

"Passport validity is recommended for at least 6 months before the travel date and should not expire during your travel abroad.

"You are advised to follow the most current visa guidelines on the Embassy's website."

Huge relief  for Indian tourists

Visa-free entryenables passport holders to enter a country without obtaining a visa before, or upon, arrival. That said, they must still pass through an immigration control facility where their passports are checked for validity, and may also be stamped. This is a huge relief for Indians wanting to visit Thailand and spend some wonderful days there.

Over the past few years, Indians have been flocking to Thailand to enjoy its stunning beaches, natural beauty, trekking, hiking, marine adventure, and the warmth and friendliness of the Thai people, 95% of whom and Buddhists.

Thailand announced the indefinite extension of its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals to attract more Indians. The earlier visa-entry policy saw a tremendous rise in the number of Indians travelling to Thailand. The earlier scheme, initially scheduled to end on November 11, 2024,  permitted Indian visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without needing a visa, along with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office.

The extension of visa-free entry is expected to further stimulate spontaneous travel and tourism from India, thereby solidifying Thailand’s status as a favored short-haul international destination. and a nation already esteemed for its proximity, breathtaking beaches, and rich cultural tapestry.

Previously, obtaining a visa required a fee of approximately Rs 3,000 and various supporting documents. The visa-free policy makes travel more accessible and budget-friendly for lakhs of Indians considering a Thai vacation.

In ten months so far this year, more than 16 lakh Indian tourists visited Thailand. With the start of the new tourism season in late October, the number is expected to cross 20 lakhs. Because of the visa-free entry, Thailand has seen a flood of Indian tourists, particularly the `last-minute tourists.'  

An uptick in last-minute holiday bookings signals a growing trend among Indian travellers favouring Thailand for spontaneous trips and weekend getaways. Thailand's picturesque landscapes and opulent resorts reinforce the country's appeal for destination weddings and group events.

Flights to Thailand aplenty

Added to the visa-free entry, the availability of easy and cheap air travel to Thailand is a huge attraction for Indian tourists.  Air connectivity between India and Thailand is stronger than ever and constantly growing. Currently, there are around 400 plus flights per week. Both sides have recently agreed to a phased increment in the current seat entitlement in two stages, each stage comprising 7000 seats. 

Indian tourists were the fourth largest group after Malaysian, Chinese, and South Koreans to visit Thailand in 2023. Around 16 lakh Indian tourists visited Thailand in 2023. The number of Thai tourists to India was around one lakh in 2023. All major airlines of India and Thailand--Air India, Vistara Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Indigo, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and Spicejet--fly on the sector.

Advantages of visa-free travel 

Some of the advantages of a visa-free entry are:

No complicated paperwork: You don't need to fill out visa application forms or provide additional documentation like letters of support, pictures, or bank statements.

No additional cost:  You don't need to pay for a visa, which can be expensive, especially if you're travelling with family or on business. 

No need to plan ahead: You can travel on a whim without needing to plan days or weeks in advance. 

However, there are some things to keep in mind: You must still pass through immigration control and your passport may be stamped. You may only be able to stay in the country for a limited time, usually 60 days. There could also be criminal record checks upon arrival. A past offence, even a minor one, may result in denial of entry. 

Why Indians flock  to Thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination for Indians for many reasons. Some of them are:

Beaches and islands: Thailand has almost 1,000 islands and 2,400 km of coastline, with beaches for diving, nightlife, and romantic getaways.

Food: Thai cuisine is popular around the world, with dishes ranging from mild to very spicy.

Floating markets: Floating markets are a prominent part of Thailand's culture, where you can cruise the rivers and canals to buy fresh produce and seafood.

Nightlife: Thailand has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and other venues.

Cultural festivals: Thailand is known for its festivals and celebrations that reflect Thai cultural and traditional values.

Wildlife: Thailand's jungles and oceans are home to many animals, making it a great place for animal encounters.

Medical tourism: Thailand is becoming a popular destination for medical tourism due to the high quality of care and lower costs of treatment than Western countries.

Thailand is the Land of Smiles: Everyone in Thailand is smiling. The tourists, the backpackers, the Thai cook, the Thai student, the waiter, waitress or bar men, the teachers and students at school, the tuk tuk driver and the sleeping Thai baby. Thailand will teach you the art of “Mai Pen Rai,” or ‘No worries mate!” It's said that you’d be hard-pressed to find someone worrying in Thailand, including those beautiful young women in the adult entertainment streets in Hongkong, Pattaya or Phuket.

It's cheap:  Compared to other touristy countries, Thailand is cheap. For Rs 3,000 to 5,000, you can spend a day in comfort, and enjoy thoroughly.