The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to submit the proposal to Thailand’s Visa Policy Committee at a meeting scheduled for November 9, according to Thai media reports.
The initiative follows persistent delays in visa processing and comes as Thailand seeks to attract more visitors from long-haul markets. The proposed exemption would apply to countries considered to pose a low security risk, although the committee must assess the potential economic and security implications before making a decision.
Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, has acknowledged the visa-processing problems affecting travelers from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The ministry is seeking a longer-term solution that would allow visitors from selected markets to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 15 days.
The difficulties have also affected airlines. Emirates recently filed an official complaint with the Tourism Authority of Thailand after reportedly experiencing 20 to 30 passenger no-shows on each flight from Mexico because travelers had not received their Thai visas in time for departure.
Uzbek travelers have faced similar obstacles. Following changes to Thailand’s entry rules, Uzbek citizens have had to navigate a complicated visa application process through the Thai embassy in Moscow, making it more difficult to arrange holidays.
The problems have prompted Uzbek travel agencies to cancel package tours to Thailand and offer alternatives, including Vietnam.
Thailand previously allowed citizens of Uzbekistan and 92 other countries to enter visa-free for stays of up to 60 days. The arrangement was discontinued on September 15, alongside the removal of the visa-on-arrival option for Uzbek citizens.
The proposed 15-day exemption would restore visa-free access under more limited conditions if approved. However, the initiative remains a proposal, and no final decision has been announced.
Thailand’s tourism authorities say the changes are intended to remove barriers to travel, facilitate arrivals and rebuild confidence among international airlines and tour operators.
