Thailand proposes a Schengen-like visa; what will it offer tourists?

Thailand intends to become a tourist hotspot, and in a step in this direction, the country is proposing a Schengen-style visa scheme. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is in discussion with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar about this initiative, Bloomberg reported.

A Schengen visa allows travellers to travel to countries like Austria, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy and Greece without applying for multiple visas. Thailand is planning a similar joint visa initiative with five other Southeast Asian nations.

In 2023, the six ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries accounted for 70 million tourists. The report said Thavisin is targeting a joint-visa scheme for the long term as the tourism industry accounts for 20% of total jobs and about 12% of the country's $500 billion economy.

The country is also planning to increase revenue by opening casinos in large entertainment complexes and promoting event-based tourism.

Thailand proposes Schengen-like visa: How will it benefit tourists?

• Travellers will be able to move freely between participating countries.
• There will be no need for additional visas or permits
• Promotes cultural exchange

Thailand is planning to attract 80 million tourists by 2027. The country has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement with China toward this goal.

Thailand: Visa-free travel for India

Last year, Thailand announced visa-free entry for Indian citizens from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. Indians can stay in the country for 30 days without a visa.

The visa exemption has increased daily Indian arrivals from 4,000 to 5,500, as per the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The country has also offered temporary visa waivers for tourists from Kazakhstan and Taiwan.