Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka Join Visa-Free Entry List for Indians.
In the dynamic landscape of global travel, the Passport Index serves as a crucial benchmark for assessing the strength and freedom associated with different passports. In the most recent ranking, India secured the 137th position, shedding light on the varying levels of travel freedom for Indian passport holders. This analysis will delve into the details of India’s passport ranking, its mobility score, recent developments in visa policies, and the impact on international travel.
Passport Index Overview
India’s current passport ranking of 137 underscores the challenges faced by Indian passport holders, as they require visas for entry into 123 countries. The Passport Power Rank of 68 signifies a moderate standing in international mobility, emphasizing the need for improvements in visa-free access. Despite these challenges, the Indian passport boasts a commendable mobility score of 75, allowing visa-free travel to 23 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 49 nations.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access
As per the Passport Index, Indian passport holders can currently enjoy visa-free entry to 23 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 49 nations, contributing to the overall mobility score. Notably, three additional countries have recently joined the list, extending a warm welcome to Indian nationals. The newly added countries include Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao, Mauritius, Micronesia, Nepal, Palestinian Territories, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Visa-Free Initiatives by South Asian Countries
In a positive turn of events, three South Asian countries have made decisions to offer visa-free travel for Indian nationals for a specified period. Malaysia, following Thailand and Sri Lanka, has announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens starting December 1. This aligns with a broader trend in the region to promote tourism, facilitating social visits, and business engagements.
Malaysian Initiatives and Impact
Malaysia, recognizing the significant contribution of Indian tourists, has extended visa-free entry for a month to Indian and Chinese citizens. This move echoes similar initiatives by Thailand and Sri Lanka, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering tourism. India remains a major contributor to Malaysia’s tourist arrivals, maintaining its position among the top countries.
Sri Lanka’s Visa-Free Entry Initiative
Sri Lanka has introduced a notable visa-free entry initiative, targeting visitors from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. This initiative, effective until March 31, 2024, aims to attract five million tourists, aligning with the tourism ministry’s ambitious targets for the coming years. The visa-free entry provides an added incentive for travelers from these countries, contributing to Sri Lanka’s goal of boosting tourism.
Thailand’s Positive Step
Thailand has taken a significant step by lifting visa requirements for Indian and Taiwanese visitors, allowing them to travel visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy, effective from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, is anticipated to have a positive impact on India’s passport ranking. The move aligns with a broader global trend of countries easing visa restrictions to promote tourism and enhance international relations.
In conclusion, India’s passport ranking and travel freedom are dynamic elements influenced by global diplomatic decisions. Recent initiatives by South Asian countries, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, reflect a positive shift in facilitating visa-free travel for Indian passport holders. These developments not only enhance India’s passport ranking but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering international cooperation, tourism, and business engagements. As India continues to navigate the evolving landscape of global travel, these initiatives mark promising steps toward increased mobility and strengthened diplomatic ties.
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