🇹🇭THAILAND

🇵🇹PORTUGAL (SCHENGEN)TH-PT

Do Thailand passport holders need a visa to visit Portugal (Schengen)?

Q: Will ETIAS let Thai travelers skip the visa?

No. ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities. Thai citizens are not visa-exempt and still need a full Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay on a Portuguese Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, valid across all 29 Schengen countries, not just Portugal.

Q: Where do I apply in Thailand?

Through VFS Global in Bangkok, the external service provider appointed by Portugal, after completing the online application.

Q: How much does it cost and how long does it take?

The adult visa fee is EUR 90 plus a VFS service fee. Standard processing is about 15 calendar days, longer in peak season.

Q: What insurance do I need?

Schengen travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage, valid for the entire stay across the Schengen Area.

Thai ordinary passport holders MUST obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Portugal for tourism. There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Portugal is a Schengen Area member. Thailand is on the EU's Annex I (visa-required) list under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, so Thai citizens cannot enter visa-free and are not covered by the upcoming ETIAS scheme (which applies only to visa-exempt nationalities). A Thai tourist must apply in advance for a Schengen Category C short-stay visa, which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. Applications from Thailand are lodged through the Portugal-appointed external service provider VFS Global in Bangkok. The standard adult fee is EUR 90, plus a VFS service fee, with a standard processing time of about 15 calendar days (longer in the May-September peak season). Applicants must show a round-trip itinerary, confirmed accommodation, proof of funds, employment/ties to Thailand, and Schengen travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult) + VFS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (standard)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; up to 90/180 within validity window

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need a Schengen visa

Thai ordinary passport holders are on the EU Annex I visa-required list. You must obtain a Type C Schengen visa from Portugal before travel; there is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival.

· Annex I· Type C

/02

Book a VFS Global appointment in Bangkok

Portugal outsources visa intake to VFS Global. Create an account, complete the online Schengen application form, and schedule a biometrics appointment. Apply no earlier than 6 months and at least 15 working days before departure.

· VFS Global· Bangkok

/03

Assemble supporting documents

Gather passport, photos, travel insurance (min EUR 30,000), round-trip flights, accommodation, itinerary, bank statements, and proof of employment/ties to Thailand.

· Documents· Insurance

/04

Attend the appointment and give biometrics

Submit your file in person, pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the VFS service fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics).

· Biometrics· Fee payment

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is about 15 calendar days; allow up to 30-45 days in peak season (May-September) or if additional checks are needed.

· 15 days· Peak season

/06

Collect passport and verify the visa

Retrieve your passport from VFS or by courier. Check the visa sticker for validity dates, number of entries, and authorized stay before you travel.

· Collection· Verify sticker

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent ICAO-compliant passport photos

required

Schengen travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage

required

Round-trip flight reservation

required

Confirmed accommodation for the whole stay

required

Proof of funds (6 months of bank statements)

required

Employment letter / proof of ties to Thailand (leave approval, business registration)

required

Day-by-day travel itinerary

recommended

Visa fee EUR 90 plus VFS service fee

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Type C fee; non-refundable

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Reduced rate; children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service fee~EUR 25-35Charged by external service provider, varies

Travel insurance~EUR 30-60Min EUR 30,000 coverage for the trip duration

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 185incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

~15 calendar days

Typical turnaround after the biometrics appointment in low season.

Peak-season processing

30-45 days

May-September and holiday periods; book your appointment well ahead.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Thailand is on EU Annex I (visa-required)

Under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, Thai nationals must hold a visa to cross Schengen external borders.

High

/02

Portugal is a full Schengen member

Entry is governed by common Schengen short-stay rules, so a Type C visa is required for tourism.

High

/03

ETIAS does not cover Thai citizens

The upcoming ETIAS authorization applies only to visa-exempt nationalities; Thai travelers still need a full visa.

Medium

/04

No visa on arrival in the Schengen Area

Schengen states do not issue tourist visas on arrival, so advance application is mandatory.

Medium

/05

90/180 stay limit applies

Short-stay visas cap tourism at 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen states.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Thailand to Portugal route verified

Confirmed via Portugal's MNE visa portal and EU Regulation 2018/1806 that Thai ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa; ETIAS (launching late 2026) does not apply as Thailand is not visa-exempt. Fee EUR 90 and ~15-day processing confirmed.

/09 — The questions