The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is reportedly advocating for the restoration of a visa-free regime for travelers from Uzbekistan, as well as Colombia and Mexico, while capping the permitted stay at just 15 days, according to the local publication The Nation.

This potential policy shift is being attributed to persistent difficulties in processing visa applications and a subsequent drop in tourist arrivals. The complications arose after authorities abruptly canceled the 60-day visa-free entry scheme that had previously applied to 93 countries, including Uzbekistan, starting September 15.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul allegedly acknowledged that the ministry is fully aware of chronic delays in visa issuance affecting multiple nations. Consequently, the ministry intends to propose that the Visa Policy Committee consider introducing a 15-day visa-free entry for countries deemed to pose a “low security risk” during an upcoming meeting.

The ministry also conceded that the administrative procedures for Uzbek citizens have become exceptionally burdensome, forcing applicants to deal with the Thai Embassy in Moscow. According to reports, this arduous process has pushed local tour operators to cancel Thai travel packages and instead direct clients toward competing destinations such as Vietnam.

Source: www.gazeta.uz