Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mauritius: Visa-Free entry for Indian nationals

Thailand and Sri Lanka have extended visa-free entry for visitors from India. Thailand’s extension is until November 11, 2024, initially implemented from November 10, 2023, until May 10, 2024. Sri Lanka has extended its facility until May 31, 2024, starting as a pilot project in October last year. Both countries allow a 30-day stay for Indian visitors.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported a significant increase in Indian tourists since implementing the visa-free facility. The number rose from 7,55,066 visitors between November 2022 and April 2023 to 9,68,000 between November 2023 and April 2024, marking a 28.2% increase. Sirges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director of Thailand’s Tourism Authority, emphasized India’s importance as a market.

Tourism is vital to Thailand’s economy, comprising about 20% of total jobs and 12% of the $500 billion economy. Thailand aims to attract 80 million tourists by 2027.

Visa-free travel simplifies entry procedures, eliminating the need for a visa beforehand and reducing visa fees. Indian nationals can enter several countries without lengthy processes, typically requiring only a passport. Additional documents like proof of onward travel and departure taxes may be necessary in some cases.

List of visa-free countries for Indian nationals

• Angola – Visa-free: 30 days
• Barbados – Visa-free: 90 days
• Bhutan – Visa-free / 14 days
• Dominica – Visa-free / 180 days
• El Salvador – Visa-free: 90 days
• Fiji – Visa-free / 120 days
• Gambia – Visa-free: 90 days
• Grenada – Visa-free: 90 days
• Haiti – Visa-free: 90 days
• Iran – Visa-free / 15 days
• Jamaica – Visa-free
• Kazakhstan – Visa-free / 14 days
• Kiribati – Visa-free: 90 days
• Macao – Visa-free: 30 days
• Malaysia – Visa-free: 30 days
• Mauritius – Visa-free: 90 days
• Micronesia – Visa-free: 30 days
• Nepal – Visa-free
• Palestinian Territories – Visa-free
• Rwanda – Visa-free: 30 days
• Saint Kitts and Nevis – Visa-free: 90 days
• Senegal – Visa-free: 90 days
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Visa-free: 90 days
• Sri Lanka   – Visa-free: 30 days
• Thailand – Visa-free: 30 days
• Trinidad and Tobago – Visa-free: 90 days
• Vanuatu – Visa-free: 30 days

For Indians, two neighbouring countries, Nepal and Bhutan, allow entry without a passport. Valid identification documents such as an Aadhaar card, driving licence, or voter ID card are required for travel to these countries.

Other visa-free countries for Indian nationals include Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, among others, each with specific entry requirements such as proof of return or onward ticket, sufficient funds, accommodation details, travel/medical insurance, and criminal record checks.