More Asian Countries Removing Entry Visas for Fellow Asians

People figurines with luggages walking on visa stamped passport page. Unsplash

Asian nations have recently taken bold steps towards fostering regional unity and cooperation. A significant and encouraging trend has emerged, with many countries waiving entry visa requirements for their Asian neighbours.

Several Asian countries have taken these steps in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties. This strategic move encourages cross-border travel, thereby increasing the number of visitors to particular destinations, VisaGuide.World reports.

Implementing measures to simplify visa requirements and enhance travel experience is becoming a notable trend across several countries. As reported by VisaGuide.World, some nations that have recently adopted or proposed such measures include:

Malaysia

Last month, Malaysia granted visa-free entry, especially for citizens from China and India. Implemented on December 1 2014, and applicable for stays of up to 30 days, the measure follows Malaysia’s apparent success in attracting tourists, witnessing a significant increase in arrivals, reaching 9.16 million between January and June this year.

China and India currently hold the positions of Malaysia’s fourth and fifth tourism contributors, underlining the growing importance of these two Asian countries in shaping Malaysia’s tourism landscape.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka also unveiled an innovative pilot program, effective November 27 to March 2024, offering free visas to citizens from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.

This initiative extends to individuals who possess various types of passports from these selected countries, including diplomatic, official, public, service, and ordinary passports, allowing them to enjoy a visa-free regime during the specified period. Following this initiative, tourists entering Sri Lanka are not only given the privilege of a 30-day visa-free stay. Still, they are also given the flexibility of a two-entry option within a 30-day window from their home country’s initial arrival.

China
Similarly, last month, China launched a one-year test program to grant visa-free access, which is essential in improving business and tourism relations with several countries. Effective from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, individuals holding ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days.

The one-year trial program is particularly important in the global travel landscape reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. By restoring visa-free entry to citizens of Brunei and Singapore and extending this privilege to individuals from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, China is actively working towards re-establishing international links and facilitating more accessible travel.

In addition, in July 2023, another visa-free travel agreement was signed between Kazakhstan and China, officially in force on November 10.

Effective for a period of up to 30 days, visa-free access represents a significant step forward in promoting closer ties and fostering greater cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

Vietnam
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has introduced a progressive change in its visa policy, aiming to make the country more accessible to foreign tourists. Notable adjustments include the introduction of 90-day e-visas, giving travelers an extended window for their visits.

In addition, extending the duration of the visa exemption from 15 to 45 days for tourists from unilaterally exempted countries, such as South Korea, Japan, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Belarus, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and Italy.

Meanwhile, in November this year, Vietnam took another important step towards promoting tourism and boosting its economy by introducing visa-free entry for Indian tourists. In this regard, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Van Jung, has been a vocal advocate for the abolition of short-term visas for countries including China and India, recognizing the key role these measures play in revitalizing the tourism sector. of the country.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed to waive visas for visitors from rich countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the remaining 20 EU member states, aiming to simplify entry procedures for citizens who currently require visas to visit Vietnam.

Thailand
At the same time, the Thai government introduced a new measure to strengthen its tourism sector and stimulate economic growth last month. This means a visa-free stay for European tourists of up to an enticing 90 days.

In early November 2023, Thai authorities also implemented the visa-free measure for citizens of India and Taiwan, effective from December 2023 to May 2024.

Thailand’s commitment to eliminate visa requirements for Chinese and Kazakh travelers until February 29, 2024, further illustrates its commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists. Additionally, starting next month, Thailand will significantly change its entertainment landscape. In some areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chonburi, the authorities intend to extend the working hours of nightlife entertainment places until four in the morning.

Iran
The Iranian government is actively exploring the possibility of scrapping visa requirements for passport holders from 68 countries in a strategic move aimed at attracting more tourists and facilitating smoother travel to the country.

The prospective beneficiaries encompass a global spectrum, ranging from Argentina and South Africa to Indonesia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Among the potential additions are countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Burkina Faso, illustrating Iran’s eagerness to engage with various nations. By extending visa-free travel to places such as Ecuador, Algeria, and Thailand, Iran seeks to position itself as an inviting destination for global travelers.

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s announcement in May 2023 to expand travel freedom with 26 countries underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering international relations and promoting tourism.

Among the countries mentioned in the list for potential mutual visa-free arrangements are Austria, Bahrain, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, and China. Kazakhstan’s diplomatic efforts extend to exploring the possibility of abolishing the invitation requirement and streamlining the visa issuance process for citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

Currently, nationals from nine countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, and Ukraine, enjoy visa-free access to Kazakhstan for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Source: By Alza Kryeziu, https://visaguide.world/news/china-sees-56000-arrivals-from-6-nations-in-first-10-days-of-new-visa-free-policy/