PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

With world exploration in mind, there’s a rise of Indian travellers abroad and some of the countries are going to make this travel season much easier for you. The volume of direct airlift and visa accessibility are critical for any travel destination’s success. Countries recognising the power of Indian travellers and now offering free visas or visa-on-arrival options see a significant boost in outbound travel. With improved flight connectivity and simplified visa procedures, places like Bali are gaining popularity.

“At One Rep Global, we have observed a significant shift in outbound travel due to changes in visa requirements. The European Union’s move to offer longer-duration Schengen visas to Indians with a proven travel history is a boon for tourists and business travellers alike. Additionally, destinations like Ras Al Khaimah are offering free visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding groups, enhancing their appeal for large-scale events,” explains Hemant Mediratta, Chief Empowerment Officer, One Rep Global – an HMC Enterprise.

Looking ahead, we foresee a trend towards greater visa liberalisation, which will boost international travel and tourism. “Our clients, such as Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp in Belgium, De L’Europe in Amsterdam, and Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, are increasingly focused on creating seamless travel experiences for Indian tourists,” he further adds.

Countries that prioritise ease of doing business, air connectivity, and relaxed visa requirements will stand out in the global travel landscape. From the European Union’s cascade visa regime to Thailand’s extension of visa-free entry until November, let’s unravel what covered the travel newspapers this month!

1. European Union Adopts Cascade Visa Regime

The European Union recently implemented “cascade,” a new visa regime for India, on April 18, 2024. This regime allows long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas with a two-year validity period for Indians living in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas. To qualify for the extended two-year visa, applicants must have obtained and appropriately utilised two Schengen visas within the preceding three years. After successfully using the two-year visa, travellers can typically expect eligibility for a five-year Schengen visa, provided their passport remains valid. The new rules enable Indian travellers to move freely within Schengen member countries for short stays, generally up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without requiring additional permits or authorizations.

2. Travel to Thailand without a Visa till November 2024

Last year, in November, Thailand announced that it would grant free visa entry to Indian travellers for the next six months. The good thing is that you still have the chance to enjoy everything, from unique cuisines to popular beaches, visa-free. In a recent update, The country’s Tourism Authority announced the extension of this facility for the next six months, i.e., till November 2024. India is among those countries that contribute a lot to tourism in Thailand. Due to the facility’s effectiveness, the authority has decided to waive the 15-day visa requirement upon arrival in favour of a 30-day visa-free stay.

3. Get an e-Visa Trip to Japan

This might be your opportunity to visit Japan if you’ve been wanting to see cutting-edge technologies up close or just to take in the peace of the countryside. With the launch of its new e-Visa programme, Japan has made visiting more convenient for citizes of several nations, including India. With a maximum 90-day validity period, this single-entry visa is ideal for anyone organising quick travel for tourism. With the Japan e-Visa system, the entire process can now be completed nonline in a more efficient manner.

4. Travel to Iran Visa- Free

Iran has announced a visa-waiver programme for Indian tourists, allowing them to visit the country without a visa for up to 15 days, effective February 4. This visa-free entry is subject to four conditions: Indian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter Iran without a visa once every six months for a maximum stay of 15 days, with no possibility of extension. The rule is applicable solely for tourism purposes. To stay longer or make multiple entries within a six-month period, a visa is required. Additionally, the visa-free rule applies specifically to Indians entering Iran by air.

5. You Might Soon be Able to Travel to Russia, Visa Free

Indian tourists may soon have the opportunity to visit Russia without a visa, as both nations are working towards easing travel conditions to boost tourism. Consultations to finalise the criteria for this bilateral agreement are set to begin in June. The initiative, involving visa-free group tourist exchanges, aims to simplify travel between the two countries. According to PTI, the Russian minister has confirmed that India and Russia will jointly launch these visa-free group tourist exchanges, enhancing accessibility and fostering tourism growth.