As of December 1, Malaysia has officially removed the need for entry visas for citizens of India and China, as stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This significant decision allows individuals from India and China to visit Malaysia without a visa for a period of up to 30 days, a point emphasized in Anwar’s address at the annual congress of the People’s Justice Party. However, it’s essential to note that visa issuance remains subject to security screening.
In a strategic move aimed at fostering economic growth through tourism, Malaysia now joins the ranks of Sri Lanka and Thailand as the fourth country to declare visa free entry. Anwar Ibrahim had previously outlined plans to improve visa facilities in the upcoming year, with a specific focus on attracting tourists and investors from India and China.
Looking at regional trends in visa policies, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyn Van Jung, has recently advocated for short-term visa waivers for key markets such as China and India. This initiative is seen as a measure to aid the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
Simultaneously, the government of Thailand has introduced a six-month period of visa-free entry for tourists coming from India and Taiwan. This move is strategically designed to cater to the preferences of these populations and boost tourism.
Sri Lanka has also taken steps in this direction by approving a proposal for free visas for travelers from seven countries, including India and China. The focus here is on attracting more tourists, with an optimistic anticipation of reaching five million tourist arrivals in the coming years. These regional shifts in visa policies underscore a broader trend of countries seeking to stimulate their economies by encouraging tourism and facilitating easier travel for international visitors.
