Thailand weighs 15-day visa-free entry for Uzbek citizens

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed introducing 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Uzbekistan, Colombia and Mexico. The proposal is to be submitted for consideration to the country's Visa Policy Committee at its meeting on 9 November 2026.

Why the move

The measure responds to visa-processing delays that, according to Thai media, have disrupted travelers' plans and created difficulties for airlines and tour operators. Emirates reportedly complained that 20–30 passengers per flight from Mexico failed to board because they had not received their Thai visas in time.

Impact on Uzbeks

Uzbek citizens have had to apply for Thai e-visas through the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia. The e-visa fee is $40, paid in cash at the embassy in Moscow; although processing is officially capped at 10 days, approval typically arrives about 15 days after payment. The complicated process prompted some local travel agents to cancel Thailand packages and offer alternatives such as Vietnam instead.

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Uzbekistan had been dropped from the visa-free list

On 15 September 2026, Thailand replaced its previous visa-free arrangement covering 93 countries with a revised scheme allowing visa-free stays of up to 30 days for citizens of 60 countries. Uzbekistan was excluded from the new list, while Kyrgyzstan was included. In the first four months of 2026, Thailand was among the ten most-visited destinations for Uzbek citizens, with 16,291 Uzbeks traveling there in that period.

Official statement

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenvorakul said: "The ministry has prepared a long-term solution by submitting a proposal to the Visa Policy Committee meeting on 9 November to approve a 15-day visa-free entry for potential Latin American and other target countries, including Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan." The proposal has not yet been approved; a final decision will follow the committee meeting.