Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Planning a trip to India just got a little easier for Thai travellers. The Government of India has announced a fee waiver for Thai nationals applying for a 30-day e-Tourist visa, with the facility allowing double entry into the country.
The arrangement, announced by the Embassy of India in Bangkok on September 11, will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, or until further orders.
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Under the new arrangement, eligible Thai nationals will not have to pay a visa fee for the 30-day e-Tourist visa.
What does the new India visa rule mean for Thai travellers?
Thai passport holders travelling to India for tourism can apply for a 30-day e-Tourist visa without paying the usual visa fee. The visa comes with a double-entry facility, meaning travellers can enter India twice during the validity of the visa.
However, the announcement does not mean that Thai nationals can enter India without a visa. Travellers will still need to complete the online e-Visa application process and receive the e-Tourist visa before travelling to India. The visa fee, under the new arrangement, will be waived.
How can Thai nationals apply for the India e-Tourist visa?
Thai travellers can apply online through the Indian government’s official e-Visa portal. Applicants need to complete the e-Visa application and obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The Indian government’s e-Visa website says eligible travellers should apply at least four days before their planned arrival and can submit an application up to 120 days in advance.
How long is the free visa arrangement valid?
The move comes as India and Thailand continue to strengthen tourism and people-to-people ties. For Thai travellers planning an Indian holiday, the waiver removes the visa fee while retaining the existing requirement to apply for an e-Tourist visa before arrival.
So, while it isn’t quite a visa-free India trip, Thai tourists can now apply for a 30-day, double-entry e-Tourist visa without paying a visa fee.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
