How to Apply Schengen Visa in Thailand

Thinking about traveling to Europe from Thailand for a short visit? Before you pack your bags, you'll have to apply for a Schengen Visa. Rest assured that once you have it, you can travel around all 29 countries of the Schengen Area on the same trip with the same visa. There is no need to deal with a fresh visa every time you pass a border — how wonderful is that?

The visa application process can seem complicated, so this page is intended to demystify the application and give you a way to explore Europe with ease. Let’s take a look at what this visa does for you, and how you can apply for a Schengen Visa of your own.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is your all-access pass to 29 European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a super convenient option for Thai citizens and foreign residents in Thailand, allowing you to move between these countries without the hassle of getting separate visas for each one. Perfect for tourists, business travelers, or anyone planning a short European stay.

This visa typically covers stays up to 90 days within 180 days, but the exact length of your stay can depend on your visa type and personal situation. If you successfully apply for and use a Schengen Visa, longer-duration versions will become available to you.

When applying for a Schengen Visa, you’ll need to figure out which country you’ll spend the most time in, as that’s where you’ll submit your application. If your trip has equal time in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country you’ll be entering first.

The 29 countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement include: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What Schengen Visa do you need?

If you're planning a visit to the Schengen Area, it's important to know which visa best suits the purpose of your trip. There are several types of Schengen visas available, each is targeted to specific travel needs.

Also, each Schengen Visa type comes with its own set of requirements, so it’s key to pick the one that matches your travel plans and make sure you know what’s needed. Messing up the paperwork or missing something could mean delays or even getting your European visa in Thailand rejected.

Here's a quick breakdown of the most common options:

1. Tourist Visa: Ideal if you're heading to Europe to soak in the sights, visit landmarks, and explore different cities. This one’s strictly for tourism.
2. Business Visa: Going to Europe for meetings, conferences, or business-related events to attend in the Schengen Area? This visa lets you participate in unpaid business activities like these while you're there.
3. Family Visit Visa: Planning to visit family or friends living in the Schengen Area? You'll need this visa, along with an invitation letter from your host.
4. Student Visa: If you're heading to Europe for short-term studies, a training course, or an educational exchange program (up to 90 days), this is the visa you'll need.
5. Spouse Visa: This is for spouses of EU/EEA citizens who want to join or travel with their partner in the Schengen Area. The process is usually a bit easier, but you'll still need proof of marriage.

Regardless of which kind of Schengen Visa you get, it will provide access to all 29 countries in the Area.

What documents do you need for the Schengen Visa?

Getting your documents right is one of the most critical steps in applying for a Schengen Visa. Before submitting everything, double-check that your documents are in order and meet all the embassy’s requirements. Keeping everything neatly organized in a folder will help make your visa appointment run smoothly.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and how to prep everything:

• Valid Passport
  Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your stay in the Schengen Area and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Plus, double-check that it’s in good condition and up to date.
• Schengen Visa Application Form:
  Download the form from the embassy or the Visa Application Center’s website. Fill it out completely and accurately, and avoid any mistakes that could slow down your application process.
• Passport-Sized Photos:
  You’ll need two recent passport-sized photos that fit Schengen Visa requirements. They should be in color, against a light background, and show your full face. Check the embassy’s specific guidelines for the exact specs.
• Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details:
  You’ll need a detailed plan of your trip — this includes flight bookings, travel dates, and where you’re staying (hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a host’s invitation letter). Make sure all the dates and details match your application.
• Proof of Financial Means:
  Show you have enough funds to cover your trip by providing recent bank statements, a letter from your employer detailing your salary, or proof of sponsorship. The amount required varies depending on the country, so check the embassy’s guidelines.
• Travel Insurance:
  You’ll need insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation and is valid for your entire stay in the Schengen Area. Make sure the policy meets Schengen requirements, and get it from a provider that’s recognized. Many providers offer special “Schengen Insurance” packages for just this purpose.
• Proof of Employment or Study:
  If you're employed, get a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and the reason for your trip. If you’re a student, provide a letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment and permission for your absence.
• Certified Translations (if needed):
  If any of your documents are in Thai, you might need to get them translated into English or the official language of the country you’re applying to. 

How to Successfully Get Your Schengen Visa

To boost your chances of getting that Schengen Visa, make sure everything’s accurate, complete, and consistent because even tiny mistakes could lead to rejection. Start by:

• Organizing your documents so everything’s easy to find.
• Double-checking your passport’s validity and condition.
• Completing the application form carefully and having someone else look it over for mistakes.
• Printing extra copies of your travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.
• Contacting the embassy to check the minimum financial resources required for your trip.
• Getting travel insurance that meets Schengen rules, covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Why might your Schengen Visa get rejected?

Knowing the reasons Schengen Visa applications get rejected can save you a lot of hassle and improve your chances of approval — just make sure everything is in order, clear, and consistent to avoid these common pitfalls. Here are some of the top reasons for getting denied:

1. Insufficient Financial Proof: One of the biggest reasons is not showing enough funds to cover your trip. If your financial documents don’t clearly show you can support yourself, the embassy might worry you’ll run out of money and become a burden. Make sure your proof of funds is solid and meets the embassy’s requirements.
2. Invalid Travel Insurance: Your travel insurance needs to meet Schengen standards, covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. If your insurance doesn’t meet this or doesn’t cover the entire trip, expect your application to be rejected.
3. Vague Travel Plans: If your reason for travel isn’t clear or doesn’t match the visa type you’re applying for, this could raise red flags. For example, if you’re applying for a tourist visa but your plans seem more like business, it’ll be an issue. Make sure your plans clearly align with the visa.
4. No Proof of Accommodation: You need to show where you’ll be staying — whether it’s hotel bookings, a rental agreement, or a host’s invitation. If you don’t provide this, your application could be denied.
5. Previous Visa Violations: If you’ve overstayed or violated any immigration rules in the Schengen Area, it can seriously hurt your chances of getting a new visa. Visa officers don’t take these violations lightly.
6. Application Form Errors: Even small mistakes, like leaving out information or inconsistencies, can lead to rejection. Fill out the form carefully and double-check everything before submitting it.
7. Suspicion of Overstaying: If the embassy thinks you won’t return to Thailand after your trip, your visa could be denied. This often happens if you don’t prove strong ties to your home country like a stable job, family, or property.
8. Weak Travel History: While not as common, a lack of travel history or trips that don’t match Schengen expectations can sometimes be an issue. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it helps to have a solid travel record.
9. Missing or Inconsistent Documents: Any missing or mismatched details between your application and supporting documents — like inconsistent travel dates or salary slips not matching your employment letter — can cause rejection.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Thailand

When applying for a Schengen Visa from Thailand, you can do so from an embassy of any of the Schengen states. However, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Which Embassy or Consulate? If you’ll be staying longer in one Schengen country, apply at that country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand. If you will be spending an equal amount of time in each planned destination, apply from the embassy of the country you will enter first.
• Visa Application Centers: Many countries use third-party services like VFS Global or TLScontact for visa processing. You will begin your application there, but the final decision is made by the embassy.
• Differing Processes and Timelines: Because so many different embassies offer this visa, the application process details are not all completely uniform. Contact the embassy of the country you are applying through beforehand to find out what exactly you need to do.

Key Schengen State Embassies in Bangkok

• Germany: 9 South Sathorn Road
• France: 35 Charoenkrung Soi 36
• Italy: 399 Nang Linchi Road
• Spain: 1035 Wireless Road
• Netherlands: 15 Ton Son, Lumphini
• Portugal: 26 Charoen Krung 30

Check each country’s specific requirements before submitting your application. Typically, you will submit your application to a third-party service provider like VFS Global, then book an appointment to register your biometrics at their location. This means getting your picture and fingerprints taken for their records. They will then pass the application to the appropriate embassy which will make the final decision to approve or reject your visa.

Get Professional Help with Your Schengen Visa

If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen Visa from Thailand, it can feel overwhelming with all the paperwork, costs, and different procedures at various embassies or visa centers. While most documents are similar across countries, each embassy has unique requirements and fees.

Want a stress-free approach? Contact Siam Legal to consult with a European visa expert to ensure a smooth application process, avoiding any delays or costly mistakes. We’ve been providing visa consulting services for Europe and beyond for over 20 years, so we have the knowledge and expertise to ensure immigration worries don’t get in the way of your travels.

Schengen Visa FAQs

How many times can I enter the Schengen Area with a Schengen Visa?

The number of entries allowed depends on your Schengen Visa type. A single-entry visa allows one entry into the Schengen Area, a double-entry visa permits two entries, and a multiple-entry visa lets you enter and exit as often as needed during the visa’s validity.

Do I need to have medical travel insurance?

Visa applicants must have medical travel insurance valid for all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR. Many providers offer specific packages for this, often called "Schengen Insurance."

How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa processing, on average, takes 15 to 30 days, with some applicants receiving their visa in under two weeks. In rare cases, it can take up to 60 days due to factors like incomplete documents, high application volumes, or extra security checks. To avoid delays, carefully follow the application guidelines and consider professional assistance if needed.

Is it possible to extend my Schengen Visa?

Usually, no, but in certain cases, it is possible. Exceptions include:

• Humanitarian reasons
• Serious illness
• Unusual situations (like airline strikes or major events)

Your visa can only be extended if it’s still valid and you haven’t stayed more than 90 days within a 180-day period. Overstaying may lead to penalties.