Thailand Is Now Visa-Free for Indians 'Until Further Notice'

07.11.2024 - 05:17 / skift.com / Bulbul Dhawan

Thailand has extended its visa waiver for Indians “until further notice” the Tourism Authority of Thailand said this week, leading many to infer that this could be a permanent arrangement. Travelers will be able to stay for 60 days in Thailand during their visit, with the option to extend their stay by 30 days. 

Visa-free entry had been set to end November 11. Skift reached out to Indian online travel agencies to understand what the impact could be.

“Thailand’s extension of visa-free arrivals for Indian travelers has significantly stimulated demand and reinforced its status as a favored destination, especially for first-time international travelers from India,” said Bharatt Malik, Senior VP – Air and Hotel Business, Yatra Online.

Malik added that Indian tourists often prefer destinations that have a visa waiver or visa on arrival. “As a result, we are observing passenger numbers returning to, and in some cases surpassing, pre-pandemic 2019 levels.”

Anuj Rathi, Chief Business and Growth Officer of Cleartrip, said, “With the year-end travel season underway, this update is good news for customers. We have witnessed substantial growth in bookings across key routes. Ahmedabad to Bangkok has clocked a 442% rise; Chennai to Bangkok has seen a 136% increase; Kochi to Bangkok travel bookings have increased 270%; and Mumbai to Phuket increased 84% for year-end travel over last year.”

Both the online travel companies said that the increase in direct flight connectivity between the two countries is also playing a key role in driving Indian travelers to Thailand. “The direct flight between Guwahati and Bangkok, which was introduced in December 2023, is likely to have fueled a 2,620% growth in bookings on this route alone,” said Rathi.

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