As the holiday season approaches, exciting news awaits travel enthusiasts! Malaysia has declared visa-free entry for citizens of India and China, allowing a delightful 30-day stay starting from December 1, 2023. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced during his speech at the People’s Justice Party congress that we are ushering in a new era of travel possibilities.
Tourist Boom Expected
The visa exemption move comes as Malaysia aims to boost its tourism sector, considering India and China as the fourth and fifth-largest source markets, respectively. Between January and June 2023, Malaysia witnessed a substantial influx of tourists, with 283,885 arrivals from India and 498,540 from China. This promising initiative aligns with neighboring Thailand’s efforts to revitalize its tourism sector by exempting Chinese and Indian nationals, reflecting a regional trend.
Thailand And Sri Lanka Lead The Way
Following suit, Thailand and Sri Lanka have already paved the way for visa-free travel for Indian citizens. Thailand, effective November 10, lifted the visa requirement for Indian travelers, allowing a 30-day stay until May 10 of the following year. Sri Lanka, in a pilot project until March 31, 2024, initiated visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries, including India and China.
Vietnam Contemplates Visa-Free Entry
In an ongoing effort to rejuvenate its tourism industry, Vietnam is now considering visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens. This initiative aims to contribute significantly to the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism sector, which, like many others, has faced challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visa-Free Countries For Indian Citizens In 2023
The world is opening its doors to Indian travelers. Several countries, recognizing the potential in Indian tourism, have declared visa exemptions. The list includes Albania, Barbados, Bhutan, Cook Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, and more. This global trend facilitates ease of travel and signifies the growing influence of Indian tourists worldwide.
- Albania
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- British Virgin Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Macao (SAR China)
- Micronesia
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Nepal
- Niue
- Oman
- Qatar
- Senegal
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sri Lanka
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Thailand
- Vanuatu
As Malaysia joins the ranks of nations embracing visa-free entry for Indians and Chinese, the travel landscape is evolving. The move not only enhances bilateral ties but also promises a bustling tourist season for Malaysia. As the year-end approaches, this welcoming gesture sets the stage for memorable journeys and international exploration.
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