Thailand May Reinstate Visa-Free Entry for Uzbek Citizens

The Thai government has proposed reinstating visa-free entry for citizens of Uzbekistan for stays of up to 15 days. As we reported earlier, Thailand abolished the 60-day visa-free arrangement and the visa-on-arrival facility for Uzbek citizens effective September 15. Difficulties in obtaining visas have also led to the cancellation of some tourist trips.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed introducing visa-free entry for up to 15 days for citizens of Uzbekistan, Mexico and Colombia. The proposal is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting of the Visa Policy Committee on November 9.

According to Thai newspaper The Nation, which reported on the initiative on October 27, the proposal aims to reduce visa-processing delays, increase the number of foreign tourists and create more favourable conditions for the tourism industry. No final decision has been made yet.

When Did Thailand Abolish Visa-Free Entry for Uzbek Citizens?

As previously reported, Thailand abolished visa-free stays of up to 60 days for Uzbek citizens, as well as the visa-on-arrival facility, effective September 15, 2026.

As part of a review of its visa policy, Thailand replaced the 60-day visa-free arrangement with stays of up to 30 days for citizens of some countries and up to 15 days for others. Uzbekistan was not included in the revised list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free entry. As a result, Uzbek citizens are required to obtain a visa in advance for tourist trips to Thailand.

Thai authorities explained the changes by citing national security, tourism and economic interests, relations between countries, and the need to improve oversight of the use of visa exemptions.

What Difficulties Have Uzbek Travellers Faced When Applying for Visas?

Following the introduction of the new requirements, Uzbek citizens had to obtain the relevant visa before travelling to Thailand. Applications can be submitted through Thailand’s official electronic visa system, thaievisa.go.th.

However, online payment of the visa fee is reportedly unavailable. The fee must be paid in US dollars through the relevant Thai consular office.

Thailand does not have an embassy or official consulate in Uzbekistan. One of the institutions authorised to provide consular services to Uzbek citizens is the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow. This may complicate travel arrangements.

Uzbekistan Airways also warned passengers about the changes that took effect on September 15 and the need to obtain visas in advance. The airline published a notice regarding the new requirements.

According to representatives of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, visa-processing difficulties have also affected tourism businesses. Some local tour operators have begun cancelling Thailand holiday packages for Uzbek customers and offering alternative destinations, including Vietnam.

Thus, the changes to the visa regime have created additional organisational challenges for travellers and affected tourism companies and their planned trips.

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry Is Holding Talks with Thailand

According to information provided to Gazeta.uz in response to an inquiry to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the next round of talks with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was scheduled for October 28. The details were reported by Gazeta.uz.

Uzbekistan is therefore seeking to address the issue of easing visa requirements through diplomatic negotiations with Thailand. The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ new proposal for a 15-day visa-free stay could help reduce the difficulties faced by Uzbek travellers.

When Could Visa-Free Entry Be Restored?

If the proposal is approved, Uzbek citizens could once again enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. However, the date on which the new arrangement might take effect, the conditions governing its application and any restrictions based on the purpose of travel have not yet been officially announced.

For now, Uzbek citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand for tourism. Travellers should not plan their trips on the assumption that the proposed visa-free arrangement has already come into effect.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to submit the proposal to the Visa Policy Committee on November 9. The committee is expected to consider the initiative in light of the country’s security and economic interests.