Thailand could restore visa-free trips for Uzbeks, but with shorter stays
Thailand is considering restoring visa-free entry to citizens of Uzbekistan, Mexico and Colombia but only for 15 days.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to submit the proposal to Thailand’s Visa Policy Committee on November 9, according to Thai newspaper The Nation.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government was seeking a longer-term solution to the difficulties faced by travellers from countries that currently require visas.
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Kursiv Uzbekistan on October 28 that negotiations with Thailand began immediately after the new visa requirements for Uzbek citizens took effect.
«We began negotiations with the Thai side immediately after the introduction of the new visa regulations for citizens of Uzbekistan,» the ministry told Kursiv Uzbekistan.
«Further talks on this matter with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also scheduled,» it added.
Thailand’s Visa Policy Committee will assess the economic and security implications before deciding whether to approve the proposed exemptions. Authorities intend to prioritise countries that are considered to pose low security risks.
Visa delays force Uzbek tourists to choose other destinations
Uzbek travellers have faced difficulties obtaining Thai electronic visas because applications were previously processed through the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia.
Chiravadee Khunsub, deputy governor for international marketing covering Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the complicated procedures had prompted travel agencies in Uzbekistan to cancel Thailand holiday packages.
Some operators instead redirected customers to competing destinations, including Vietnam.
Similar problems have affected travellers from Mexico and Colombia, where delays in visa approvals have prevented tourists from departing on their scheduled flights.
According to The Nation, Emirates complained to the Tourism Authority of Thailand after recording 20 to 30 passenger no-shows per flight from Mexico because travellers had not received their visas before departure.
