Thailand will change the entry rules for tourists starting September 15, reducing from 60 to 30 days the period during which Portuguese citizens will be able to stay in the country without a visa. The new rule was published in the Thai Royal Official Gazette on August 31 and establishes different categories of entry, depending on the traveler's nationality. The change is part of a review of entry regimes applicable to 60 countries and territories.
Portugal joins the group of countries eligible for a 30-day visa exemption for tourism purposes, no longer benefiting from the current 60-day regime. Among the other countries that will also have 30 days are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. Holders of passports from Seychelles and Mauritius will be entitled to 15 days, while citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will need a visa on arrival.
Those who benefit from the 30-day exemption and enter Thailand through a land border are subject to a specific limitation: entry through border checkpoints is, in general, limited to twice per calendar year. This exception does not cover citizens of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Singapore. The Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends that travelers confirm in advance the entry requirements corresponding to their nationality.
The change comes at a time when other destinations are also reviewing the conditions applicable to certain travelers. Days earlier, Australia had paused applications for the Work & Holiday visa for Portuguese citizens, due to high demand and the approaching limit of 500 annual visas. Bilateral agreements and other specific provisions remain in force when applicable and may establish different exemption periods.