Schengen Visas For Thais

For Thais intending to visit Europe, they need to obtain a Schengen visa first. It is a uniform visa valid for all the twenty-five (25) Schengen states namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Not all European countries are covered by the Schengen visa such as Finland, for example. For this, a separate application should be filed.

The Schengen agreement
The Schengen agreement gave birth to the Schengen visa. It aims to facilitate the so-called free movement in Europe via creating a uniform immigration scheme. The above-mentioned countries are the participants in the said agreement. Thus, whenever a Schengen visa Thailand is issued, the Thai holder can use it to enter another Schengen territory, irrespective of whether it is their main destination or not.

Schengen visa flexibility
Schengen visas are characterized by their flexibility which makes them prone to abuses and violations of immigration policies. Consular officers are aware of this matter, thus strict practices are observed during the application. Every applicant is required to satisfy the visa application conditions and pass the interview. A Thai visa candidate is eligible for the Schengen visa if the following eligibility requirements are duly met:

1) Applicant should possess a valid travel document
2) Applicant must demonstrate that he or she is permitted to enter a particular Schengen region
3) Applicant should present that they have sufficient means to cover their stay
4) Applicant should present that they have sufficient accommodation
5) Applicant should have a travel insurance with a € 30,000 coverage

Visa validity
Usually, the tourist and visitor’s visa permit its holders to stay for a maximum of ninety (90) days or three (3) months. Should they need to stay for more than the said period, then they should apply for a long-stay Thailand Schengen visa instead. Thais also have the option to request for an extension. Nevertheless, extensions are only issued if the visa holder can present compelling circumstances or events that require them to stay longer than the intended period.

Visa processing
A decision is usually released within ten (10) to fourteen (14) working days or more. Some applications, to be more specific, those that are intended for settlement or petitions consume more time. Due to this, it is advised to lodge an application three (3) months before the intended departure.

Denials
In case an application is denied, every applicant has the right to appeal the decision. Appeals do not always guarantee an approval most especially if no significant changes are manifested in the applicant’s personal circumstances. Most of the times, a re-application is preferred. But this can be only performed after six (6) months.

This article was provided by Siam Legal, an international law firm with offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. Siam Legal publishes legal guides to acquiring a Schengen visa in Thailand on its website.

Siam Legal International
Interchange 21 Building, 23rd Floor, 399 Sukhumvit Road
North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 662 259-8100