3 South Asian Countries Granting Visa-Free Entry for Indians
- By Anand Nathani
- November 29, 2023
- 6:30 pm
Introduction
Malaysia, Thailand along with Sri Lanka have become the top 3 visa free countries for Indian passport holders. After the recent announcement of visa-free entry, a large number of Indian tourists are planning to visit these countries during the coming year-end holiday window as well as during the off-season
In this Blog post, I will discuss about different aspects relating to travel to these 3 South Asian Countries granting visa-free entry for Indians.
Table of Contents
| Countries | Visa-free entry dates from India | Approximate Savings towards Cost of Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | December 1,2023 to December 31, 2023 | ₹2,600 |
| Thailand | November 10,2023 to May 10, 2024 | ₹3000 |
| Sri Lanka | October 24,2023 to May 31, 2024 | ₹2000 |
Indians may stay up to 30 days visa-free in Malaysia effective December 1, 2023. This visa-free access for Indian passport holders is available till December 31, 2024
Benefits -Malaysia Visa-Free Entry
- No hassle to furnish hotel confirmation vouchers
- No hassle to furnish Air tickets
- Savings of ₹2600 per person towards cost of visa
- Saving precious time for visa processing ( It used to take 3-4 days to process a visa )
- No hassle to submit visa photographs( Malaysian authorities are fussy over visa photographs)
Requirements for Malaysia Visa-free Entry
- Holding a valid passport or a valid travel document with a validity of more than 6 month
- Having sufficient financial provisions to sustain the period of stay in Malaysia
- Visa exemption is subject to security clearances
- Applicant is not registered under the Suspect List of the Immigration Department of Malaysia or the stolen Lost Travel Document (STLD) system
- Applicant is not categorized as a prohibited immigrant
- Travel Insurance for Malaysia is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Malaysia Visa Helpline Nos.
For any visa , immigration or travel related related information, travellers from India can contact
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Telephone Nos : 00-60102550612 (Chargeable Number)
Business hours : 9 am -5.30 p.m.
You can also log on to https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/syarat-kemasukan-ke-malaysia-en/ or www.imi.gov.my
Indians can travel to Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days visa-free in Malaysia effective November 10,2023. This visa-free access for Indian passport holders is available till May 10, 2024
Benefits -Thailand Visa -Free Entry
- No hassle to furnish hotel /homestay confirmation receipts
- No hassle to furnish Air tickets
- Savings of ₹3,000 per person towards visa cost
- Saving precious time for visa processing ( It used to take 2-3 days to process a visa )
- No hassle to submit visa photographs
Requirements for Thailand Visa -Free Entry
- Valid passport with at least six months left before expiration.
- Thai Immigration authority prefer that you carry at least 10,000 Baht or equivalent Forex currency
- Applicant is not categorized as a prohibited immigrant
- Travel Insurance for Thailand is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Thailand Visa Helpline Numbers
Royal Thai Consulate-General
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Telephone Nos :(+91-44) 4230-0730,(+91-44) 4230-0740,(+91-44) 4230-0760,(+91-44) 4230-0780
Email: thaiconsulate.cnn@mfa.go.th (For general inquiries ) visa.cnn@mfa.go.th(For visa inquiries) consular.cnn@mfa.go.th (For consular inquiries except visa matters)
Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry initiative for visitors from India effective October 24,2023. This initiative will remain effective until March 31.2024
Benefits -Sri Lanka Visa -Free Entry
- No hassle to furnish hotel confirmation vouchers
- No hassle to furnish return Air tickets
- Savings of ₹2.000 per person towards visa cost
- Saving precious time for visa processing ( It used to take 4-5 days to process a visa )
- No hassle to submit visa photographs
Requirements For Sri Lanka Visa Free entry
- Nominated Indian nationals need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting/issuing free of charge up to 31.03.2024.
- Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.
- Indian tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period. A double entry facility is also permitted from the date of first arrival to Sri Lanka within 30 days.
- In case this free ETA period of 30 days from the date of arrival expires on or before 31.03.2024, an applicant will not be allowed to obtain a further extension of visa. But, in case the free 30-day validity of the visa expires after 31.03.2024, an extension can be applied by paying the appropriate visa fee.
- Travel Insurance for Sri Lanka is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Sri Lanka Visa Helpline Numbers
For any visa, immigration or travel related information, Indian travellers can contact the
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Suhurupaya, SriSubuthipura Road, Baththaramulla, Colombo
Hotline:009471 9967888 Telephone: 009411 2777638,
Fax : 0094 11 2674631
Business Hours : Monday to Friday 09.00 – 16.00 hrs IST (except for public holidays)
E-Mail : eta@immigration.gov.lk, controller@immigration.gov.lk
Website: www.immigration.gov.lk
FAQs
What is Visa-free Entry
Visa-free refers to the ability to travel to a foreign country without the need for a travel visa. In such a case only a valid passport is required for entry and exit purposes.
Which South and Southeast Asian countries are offering visa-free entry to indians?
At present Malaysia, Thailand and Srilanka are offering visa-free entry to Indian travellers. Vietnam is also planning to announce visa-free travel soon.
How long can I stay under visa-free entry?
The duration of stay permitted under visa-free travel varies by country and is often based on bilateral agreements or unilateral policies. It can range from a few days to several months, depending on the country you’re visiting and your nationality. At present Malaysia, Thailand and Srilanka are permitting a 30 days visa-free period.
Do I need any specific documents for visa-free entry?
While visa-free travel doesn’t require a visa, travelers typically need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry. Some countries may require additional documents proof of sufficient funds.
Can I extend my stay if I enter visa-free?
Generally, extending your stay under visa-free travel might not be possible. Overstaying the allowed duration can result in penalties, deportation, or restrictions for future visits. Always check the permitted duration and adhere to it.
Are there any restrictions on activities or work during visa-free stays?
Visa-free travel might not permit activities like work or study. Specific visas or permits are usually required for such purposes. Always check the allowed activities under the visa-free entry of the country you plan to visit.