Shruti Suman
If you’re considering international travel during Christmas and New Year, Malaysia could be your top choice. The country’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, announced on Sunday that entry visa requirements for Indian citizens would be eliminated starting from December 1. However, Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the visa exemption is contingent upon security screenings for any past involvement in crime or violence.
Malaysia anticipates that an influx of Indian tourists will lead to increased spending, providing a much-needed boost to its economy. This move follows similar initiatives by other countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Before Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka had already granted visa-free travel to Indian nationals. Thailand implemented this policy from November 10, allowing Indian tourists a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. Sri Lanka, as part of a pilot project until March 31, 2024, also announced visa-free entry for Indian visitors.
There are indications that Vietnam is contemplating short-term visa waivers for Indians to stimulate tourism. Nguyen Van Hung, Vietnam’s minister of culture, sports, and tourism, has proposed waivers for significant markets, including China and India, to aid in tourism recovery.
Several factors contribute to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka offering visa-free travel to Indians. Malaysia, for instance, aims to attract more Indian tourists, considering China and India as its fourth and fifth-largest source markets, respectively. The expectation is that an increase in Indian visitors will lead to higher spending, providing a significant economic boost.
Reports suggest a substantial rise in the number of trips by Indian travelers, projecting an increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to an astonishing five billion by 2030.
