According to the MFA, the agreement was reached through direct talks between the two countries’ foreign ministries. Since May, Uzbekistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to make travel to Thailand easier for its citizens.
The talks come amid difficulties faced by Uzbek citizens applying for Thai e-visas. Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Thailand has been holding regular bilateral meetings with Thailand’s foreign ministry and Ministry of Tourism and Sports to address the issue. Uzbekistan’s embassy has also been in contact with Thailand’s diplomatic mission in Moscow.
The agreement comes as Thailand considers restoring visa-free entry for Uzbek citizens for shorter stays. Thai newspaper The Nation reported on Oct. 27 that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to propose a 15-day visa exemption for citizens of Uzbekistan, Colombia and Mexico at a Visa Policy Committee meeting on Nov. 9. The proposal has not yet been approved.
Thailand ended its 60-day visa-free regime for Uzbek citizens on Sept. 15. Uzbek travelers must now obtain a visa before departure, with applications submitted through Thailand’s e-visa system.
