Those dreaming of exploring deeper into Southeast Asia may soon be able to make their dreams come true. Thailand has been at the forefront of proposals for a Schengen-like visa regime to transform travel across Southeast Asian countries. The goal is to promote tourism and economic growth in the region. The initiative, led by Thai Prime Minister Suretta Thavisin, aims to simplify the travel process for tourists. Travelers will be able to travel freely between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar with a single visa.
According to recent reports, the proposed visa regime could significantly increase tourist numbers and make these countries more accessible from Thailand. In 2023, the six countries will attract around 70 million tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia hosting the majority of them. The plan is a smart way to capitalize on Thailand’s tourism industry, which accounts for more than 20% of employment and 12% of gross domestic product (GDP). This is also a reaction to the downturn in the industrial sector and the decline in exports.
The vision behind the Schengen visa system
The concept of a Schengen visa system in Southeast Asia is rooted in the desire to attract high-spending travelers from far-flung countries. The plan will encourage longer stays and increased spending by facilitating access to multiple countries, thereby increasing regional tourism revenues.
The envisaged visa regime is likely to adopt a 90-day visa policy, extending current stay limits and offering tourists the opportunity to explore each country more thoroughly. This approach is in contrast to the current visa policies in place in these countries, ranging from his 30-day exemption to his 90-day visa-free stay, depending on the country and nationality of the traveler. .
Recent trends and international visa agreements
Thailand has already made significant progress in strengthening international visa agreements. Thai authorities have announced plans to remove visa requirements with Australia to boost tourism and strengthen trade agreements between the two countries. Furthermore, in March, a permanent visa-free reciprocal entry system with China was introduced, and travel bookings from both countries soared.
Yet, despite the positive outlook, the implementation of a regional Schengen-style visa regime is not without its challenges, especially given the bilateral agreements and political complexities within Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the success of this initiative will depend on seamless integration of visa policies and cooperation among participating countries.
