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Madagascar Enhances Tourism Appeal with New Visa-Free Entry for 24 Nations

Madagascar, the world's second largest island nation and ranked 46th globally by size, is bolstering its tourism sector with a new visa-free policy for visitors from 24 countries. In 2020, the country welcomed 87,100 foreign visitors, as reported by World Bank data in July 2024.

As of 2022, Madagascar's nominal GDP stood at USD 14,954,967,604, with a real GDP of USD 12,238,318,932 adjusted for inflation. The economy saw a 3.80% growth rate in 2022, reflecting an increase of $491,532,088 from the previous year.

Citizens from the following countries can now visit Madagascar visa-free:

Angola Barbados Benin Bermuda Cook Islands Dominica Ecuador El Salvador Gambia Guatemala Haiti Honduras Malaysia Micronesia Nicaragua Panama Philippines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Singapore South Africa Eswatini Tanzania Uganda Zimbabwe

Key Highlights about Madagascar:

Madagascar is renowned for its unique biodiversity, housing a significant portion of the world's exclusive species. Lemurs hold cultural significance in Madagascar. The country maintains robust legal protections for human rights. Historically, Madagascar served as a sanctuary for pirates.

Madagascar stands out as a unique tourism destination due to its extraordinary biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. Recent infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to Ivato International Airport, highlight the country's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. With a range of accommodations from boutique hotels to luxury resorts, Madagascar offers something for every traveler amidst its stunning natural landscapes and welcoming atmosphere.

Learn More : https://visadone.com/news/madagascar-boosts-tourism-with-visa-free-policy/

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Indonesia Introduces Free-Entry Visas for Indian Tourists and 19 Other Nations to Boost Tourism

Following Thailand's lead, Indonesia is set to introduce free-entry visas for tourists from 20 countries, including India. This significant change aims to boost Indonesia's tourism sector and, ultimately, its economy.

Once implemented, Indian tourists, along with those from 19 other nations, can visit Indonesia with a free entry visa. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to enhance its tourism industry and stimulate economic growth. The Indonesian government plans to finalize this policy by October 2024, as announced by Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno.

Minister Uno stated that relaxing the visa-free policy is expected to increase international visitor arrivals, which will have a positive economic impact. The goals of this initiative include encouraging investment, boosting domestic consumption, and supporting the growth of the digital economy.

The 20 countries eligible for free-entry visas are:

Australia

China (PRC)

India

South Korea

USA

UK

France

Germany

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia

The Netherlands

Japan

Russia

Taiwan

New Zealand

Italy

Spain

Two unspecified Middle Eastern countries

In addition, ASEAN member nations that currently qualify for visa-free entry to Indonesia include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Before this policy change, Indian tourists had to pay around Rs. 1,33,601 per person for a visa to Indonesia post-COVID-19, compared to Rs. 75,151 per person before the pandemic.

Tourist Visa Options in Indonesia

Type B1:

Duration: 30 days

Extension: Up to 30 days possible

Fee: Rp500,000 (Rs 2,557)

Permitted Activities: Tourism, visiting friends or family, attending meetings, conventions, exhibitions, yachting

Requirements: Valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity), an outbound ticket from Indonesia

Type D1 (1 year):

Duration: 60 days per entry

Fee: IDR 3,000,000 or Rs 15,344 (for one year)

Permitted Activities: Meetings, conventions, tourism, visiting friends or family

Requirements: Valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity), proof of living expenses, a recent color photograph, and supporting documents

Type D1 (2 years):

Duration: 60 days per entry

Fee: IDR 6,000,000 or Rs 30,689 (for two years)

Permitted Activities: Same as Type D1 (1 year)

Requirements: Same as Type D1 (1 year)

Type D1 (5 years):

Duration: 60 days per entry

Fee: IDR 15,000,000 or Rs 76,723 (for five years)

Permitted Activities: Same as Type D1 (1 year)

Requirements: Same as Type D1 (1 year)

With the new visa policy, Indonesia anticipates a surge in tourists starting this October, particularly from India. Given India's longstanding preference for Indonesia as a vacation destination, now is an ideal time to visit if it's on your bucket list.

Learn more: https://visadone.com/news/free-entry-visas-for-indian-by-indonesia-government/