In a surprise move, Hong Kong has withdrawn the no travel visa policy for Indians from January next year.
Now, Indian tourists will have to pre-register to enter the SAR (Special Administrative Regions) of China. So far, for a 15-day stay, there were no formalities as the SAR allowed to land in Hong Kong without any visa formalities.
It was learned that the step may have been taken as the no visa facility may have been abused by some.
Hong Kong has an active tourist representation in India to promote tourism to the popular destination, which also acts as a stepping stone for travel to Macau. In another development, Thailand has made travel by Indians a bit cheaper by reducing the visa fee on landing.
It is to be seen in days to come if these two developments will lessen travel by Indians to Hong Kong and to Thailand.
