How to Apply Schengen Visa in Thailand

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that lets you visit any of the 29 European countries in the Schengen Area. With this visa, Thai citizens and foreign residents in Thailand can travel freely between these countries without needing to apply for multiple separate visas, making it convenient for tourists, business travelers, and anyone planning a short stay in Europe.

The visa is valid for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the exact validity and allowed stay can vary based on the type of visa and your situation.

When applying, it’s important to know which country you’ll spend the most time in, as this determines where you should submit your application. If your trip involves equal time in multiple countries, apply through the embassy of the country you’ll enter first.

What are the types of Schengen Visas?

There are several types of Schengen Visas you can apply for, depending on the purpose of your visit to the Schengen Area. Here's a breakdown of the most common visa types:

1. Tourist Visa: Perfect if you’re planning to explore Europe’s cities, attractions, and landmarks. This visa is for those visiting the Schengen Area solely for tourism.
2. Business Visa: If you need to attend meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities in the Schengen Area, this visa is right for you. It allows you to legally conduct business during your stay.
3. Family Visit Visa: This visa is for visiting family members or friends living in the Schengen Area. An invitation letter from your host is required to apply.
4. Student Visa: If you’re planning to study, attend a training course, or join an educational exchange program in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, this visa is the right choice.
5. Spouse Visa: This visa is for spouses of EU/EEA citizens who wish to join or accompany their partner in the Schengen Area. It usually has simplified application requirements, but you’ll need to provide proof of your marriage.

Each visa type has its own requirements, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your travel purpose and note what is needed. Failing to provide the right documentation or making errors in your visa application can lead to delays or even a rejection.

Where can you apply for a Schengen Visa in Thailand?

When applying for a Schengen Visa from Thailand, knowing where to submit your application is key. The country where you’ll spend the most time during your trip determines which embassy or visa application center you should use. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Embassy or Consulate of the Main Destination: If your trip involves staying longer in one Schengen country, you should apply for your visa at the embassy or consulate of that country in Thailand.

2. Visa Application Centers: Many Schengen countries use third-party agencies like VFS Global or TLScontact to process visa applications. These centers handle application submissions and services like biometric data collection, all under the supervision of the respective embassies.

   Here’s a list of major Schengen country embassies and visa application centers in Bangkok, Thailand:

• Germany:
• Embassy of Germany
  9 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
• France:
• Embassy of France
  35 Charoenkrung Soi 36, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
• Italy:
• Embassy of Italy
  399 Nang Linchi Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
• Spain:
• Embassy of Spain
  1035 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
• Netherlands:
• Embassy of the Netherlands
  15 Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Portugal:
• Embassy of Portugal
  26 Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
• VFS Global (General Schengen Visa Applications):
• VFS Global Visa Application Center
  12th Floor, The Trendy Building, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok 10110

Before submitting your application, make sure you book an appointment online through the respective embassy or with Siam Legal. Each country may have slightly different requirements, so it’s important to check the specific guidelines provided by the embassy or visa center.

How to prepare for a Schengen Visa Application?

Preparing your documents correctly is one of the most important steps in applying for a Schengen Visa. Here’s a breakdown of the documents you’ll need and how to get them ready:

Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Make sure your passport is in good condition and up to date.

Schengen Visa Application Form:
You can download the application form from the website of the embassy or visa application center where you will submit your application. Fill it out completely and accurately, providing all the required information. Avoid any errors that could lead to delays in processing.

Passport-Sized Photos:
You’ll need two recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen Visa photo requirements. The photos should be in color, taken against a light background, and show your full face. Check the specific guidelines provided by the embassy or visa application center for photo specifications.

Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details:
You need to provide a detailed plan of your trip, including flight bookings, travel dates, and accommodation arrangements. This could be hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host. Ensure the dates and details match your application.

Proof of Financial Means:
You must show that you have enough funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be done by providing recent bank statements, a letter from your employer stating your salary, or proof of sponsorship if someone else is covering your expenses. The exact amount required will vary depending on the country you are applying to.

Travel Insurance:
You’ll need travel insurance that covers the entire Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. You can purchase travel insurance from providers in Thailand that meet these requirements.

Proof of Employment or Study:
If you’re employed, you’ll need a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and the purpose of your visit. If you’re a student, a letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment and granting permission for your absence will be required.

Certified Translations (if applicable):
Some documents, such as those in Thai, may need to be translated into English or the official language of the country you’re applying to. Use certified translation services to ensure accuracy. Popular certified translation agencies in Bangkok include Language Express and Pro Language.

Before submitting your application, double-check that all your documents are in order, correctly filled out, and meet the specific requirements of the embassy or visa application center. Organizing your documents neatly in a folder can help ensure a smooth process during your visa appointment.

How to have a successful Schengen Visa Application?

To boost your chances of getting a Schengen Visa, focus on thorough preparation and attention to detail. Start by:

• Organizing your documents carefully.
• Double checking the validity and condition of your passport.
• Completing the application form and having it checked by a fresh set of eyes. 
• Printing a detailed travel itinerary and accommodation reservations in triplicate just in case.
• Contacting the embassy you are applying from to learn the minimum financial resources you need beforehand. 

Also, make sure your travel insurance meets Schengen requirements, covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. Ensure that all your documents are accurate, complete, and consistent, as even small errors can lead to rejection.

What are the common reasons for Schengen Visa rejections?

Knowing why Schengen Visa applications get rejected can help you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of approval. Here are some of the most common reasons for denial:

1. Insufficient Financial Means:

A common reason for rejection is not proving you have enough funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area. If your financial documents don’t clearly show sufficient resources, your application may be denied as their government does not want to spend public funds to help you if you run out of money. Make sure your financial proof is clear and meets the embassy’s specific requirements.

2. Invalid or Inadequate Travel Insurance:

Your travel insurance must meet Schengen requirements, including coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. If your policy doesn’t meet these standards or cover your entire stay, your application could be rejected.

3. Unclear Purpose of Travel:

If your travel plans are vague or don’t align with the purpose of your visa application, the embassy might question your intentions. For instance, applying for a tourist visa while presenting plans that resemble a business trip could raise concerns. Make sure your travel details are clear, specific, and aligned with the type of visa you’re applying for.

4. Lack of Proof of Accommodation:

You need to show where you’ll be staying during your time in the Schengen Area. This could be hotel bookings, a rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host. Without sufficient proof of accommodation, your application might be denied.

5. Previous Visa Violations:

If you’ve overstayed a visa or violated immigration laws in the Schengen Area before, it can seriously affect your chances of getting a new visa. Past issues like these are major red flags to visa officers who are tasked with stopping illegal immigration.

6. Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms:

Even small errors on your application form, such as missing information or inconsistent details, can lead to rejection. It’s crucial to fill out your visa application form carefully and accurately. Double-check all the information before submitting.

7. Suspicion of Intent to Overstay:

If the embassy suspects you might not return to Thailand after your trip, they could reject your visa application. This suspicion often arises if your ties to your home country (like employment, family, or property) aren’t strong or well-documented.

8. Unconvincing Travel History:

If your travel history doesn’t align with the expectations for a Schengen Visa, your application could be rejected. While a lack of travel history, especially to other countries, can be a disadvantage, it’s less common than other reasons for rejection.

9. Missing or Inconsistent Supporting Documents:

Missing documents or inconsistencies between your application and the documents you provide can quickly lead to rejection. For instance, if the dates in your travel plans don’t match your flight bookings, or if your employment letter doesn’t align with your salary slips, this could create issues.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa in Thailand?

The process of applying for a Schengen Visa can involve various fees and requirements that may seem overwhelming, especially considering the vast collection of embassies and visa centers you can apply from. While the required documents are roughly the same for each embassy, they each have their own application process, languages they work with, and fees.

As such, for the most detailed step-by-step instructions, it is recommended to contact the embassy or visa center of your main travel destination in Europe.

However, to make this process easier, stress-free, and safe from errors that could cause serious problems, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

Professional Schengen Visa Application Services

At Siam Legal, we specialize in helping clients through every step of the Schengen Visa application process, including understanding and paying the necessary fees. Our team will guide you through the following:

1. Hassle-Free Payment Options: Let us handle the payment process for you, ensuring that everything is done correctly and on time.
2. Complete Application Support: From gathering documents to filling out forms, our experts will assist you to avoid any mistakes that could delay your visa approval.
3. Accurate Fee Information: We provide up-to-date details on the specific fees required for your visa type and ensure that you are prepared for any additional costs.

Contact Siam Legal today for assistance with your Schengen Visa application. Our team is ready to guide you swiftly through the process so that you can enjoy an easy and worry-free trip to Europe without fear of travel disruptions ruining your time.