How to apply for a Schengen visa in Thailand

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty aimed at the abolition of the common borders of the European states, signed on 14 June 1985. Only France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and West Germany originally signed, but now there are about 25 members. Now this group of states is known as the Schengen area.

Schengen visa

In accordance with the above agreement, the Schengen visa has been created. This is in the form of a sticker affixed by the issuing consulate in a passport or travel document authorizing the holder to cross the borders of the Schengen area, provided that it meets the conditions of access.

The Schengen visa has several categories: A, B, C, D, D + C, FTD and FRTD. In Thailand, a Schengen-C visa is popularly requested because it acts as a short-term visa allowing the holder to visit the Schengen countries for a maximum duration of 90 days over a period of six months.

Schengen visa search

All consulates of members of the Schengen area can issue Schengen visas. However, the applicant must submit his application to the corresponding consulate. There are three rules for identifying which consulate can receive the request.

First, if he/she wishes to visit a Schengen country, he/she must submit an application to the consulate in that country.

Second, when you intend to visit several Schengen states, the Consulate of the Main Destination can issue visas. For example, the applicant wants to go to Belgium and France, but the planned stay in France is longer, therefore the French consulate is the appropriate consulate to grant the visa.

Third, if the applicant is not sure which country will be their main destination, the appropriate consulate is the country of first entry.

Finally, when there is no consulate for the country that is the main destination or first entry into the applicant's country, he/she can contact the consulate in a Schengen country he represents for the purpose of issuing a Schengen visa, The country with the primary destination or first entry.

Documentation requirements vary depending on the Schengen Consulate and the purpose of the visit. The essential standard documents for applications for this type of visa for all consulates are valid passport, recent photograph, application form and proof of medical insurance. The minimum insurance coverage is EUR 30,000.00.

The Schengen visa application process in Thailand

The visa applicant can complete the application form and obtain the necessary supporting documents before sending the application to the Schengen Embassy in Thailand. The process usually takes 4-5 business days. It usually takes longer if an interview is required.

In the event that the applicant applies for such a sponsorship visa, the sponsor must provide an official sponsorship declaration in their home country which they will then provide the visa applicant with proof of support for the application.