Thailand proposes 15 visa-free days for Mexican, Colombian and Uzbek nomads

Thailand may let Mexican, Colombian and Uzbek passport holders enter without a visa again, but for 15 days, not the 60 days they had before Sept. 15. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is taking the plan to the Visa Policy Committee on Nov. 9. Until the committee approves it, these travelers still need a visa before they board.

From 60 visa-free days to e-visas and possibly 15 days

Thailand's visa overhaul took effect Sept. 15. It scrapped the 60-day exemption for 93 countries and territories and gave 60 of them 30-day visa-free stays instead. Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan were among 21 nationalities dropped completely, so their citizens now have to get a visa before departure, mostly through the e-visa portal. Uzbeks also lost their 15-day visa on arrival.

Problems showed up quickly. Emirates complained to the Tourism Authority of Thailand after 20 to 30 passengers per flight from Mexico didn't board because their visas hadn't arrived.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City says processing normally takes five to 10 working days but advises applying at least one month before arrival. Since Oct. 15 it has handled applications strictly in the order received. Uzbek applications go through the embassy in Moscow, which recommends allowing at least 14 working days.

What the proposal covers and what's still open

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the committee must weigh security against economic benefit and the ministry will push for exemptions for countries seen as low risk. Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan are the three countries named. He also referred to "Latin American and other target countries," so the final list could be different. The 15 days is described as a possible first stay and no start date has been given.

Mexican, Colombian and Uzbek nomads still need visas for now

If the committee approves the plan, short-stay visitors from the three countries could fly in for up to 15 days without advance approval.

Anyone travelling before a decision still needs an approved visa and the embassy in Mexico City warns that visa fees are non-refundable.

Fifteen days is short for remote work. The single-entry TR tourist visa allows up to 60 days, so nomads planning longer stays would still need a visa even if the exemption is approved.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) holders aren't affected: it's a separate five-year, multiple-entry visa with stays of 180 days per entry. Citizens of the 60 countries on the 30-day list see no change. More on entry routes is in our Thailand guide.