Thailand Considers 15-Day Visa-Free Entry for Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan

Thailand is considering introducing visa-free entry for citizens of Mexico, Colombia, Uzbekistan and other potential tourism markets following delays in visa processing that have disrupted travel plans and reportedly reduced passenger numbers on some international flights.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on October 27 that the ministry had acknowledged difficulties affecting travellers from Mexico and several Latin American countries. He plans to submit a proposal allowing visa-free stays of up to 15 days to the Visa Policy Committee at its meeting on November 9.

The proposal is intended to make travel to Thailand easier for visitors from long-haul markets where advance visa requirements have created difficulties.

Visa delays disrupt travel plans

Tourism industry sources have reported that visa-processing delays have affected passenger attendance on some flights, with no-show rates reportedly increasing by 20–30%. Some travellers, particularly those from Mexico and Colombia, allegedly failed to receive their visas before their scheduled departure dates.

Emirates has reportedly raised concerns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand over passengers from Mexico who did not show up for flights. The reported number reached 20–30 passengers per flight in some cases.

Travel operators have also indicated that some Thailand holiday packages have been redirected to Vietnam, where entry requirements are considered easier for certain travellers.

Proposal follows changes to visa-exemption rules

The latest proposal comes after Thailand revised its visa-exemption policy earlier this year. From September 15, the previous arrangement allowing stays of up to 60 days was replaced by a narrower 30-day exemption covering fewer nationalities.

Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan were among the countries affected by the changes. Citizens of these countries now need to obtain visas in advance under the current rules.

The proposed 15-day visa-free arrangement is being considered as a possible way to reduce barriers for travellers while the authorities review options for managing entry requirements.

No final decision has been announced. Until the proposal is approved and officially implemented, travellers from the affected countries must continue to follow the existing visa rules.