Thai nationals residing in Thailand may now qualify for Schengen visas valid for up to five years under new European Union (EU) rules announced yesterday, May 18, aimed at making repeat travel to Europe easier.
The change is part of a new “visa cascade” system adopted by the EU, giving eligible repeat travellers progressively longer multiple-entry visas.
It applies to Thai nationals residing in Thailand who apply for short-stay Schengen visas through an embassy or consulate of a Schengen state in Thailand.
Under the system, Thai travellers with a record of lawful travel and no history of overstaying may qualify for progressively longer visa validity periods.
Travellers who have obtained and properly used a Schengen visa within the past two years may now be eligible for a one-year multiple-entry visa. Frequent travellers could later qualify for two-year and eventually five-year multiple-entry visas.
The EU said the changes would make travel easier for regular Thai visitors to the Schengen area and strengthen travel and cultural links between Thailand and Europe.
The move also reflects growing cooperation between Thailand and the EU under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Schengen visas allow holders to travel within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visas do not permit holders to work.
The Schengen area covers 29 European countries. These include 25 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Thailand is reshaping its own visa policy, with visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries set to be cut from 60 days to 30 days after officials confirmed plans to end the July 2024 policy.
The 60-day exemption was launched to support Thailand’s post-pandemic economic recovery. It applied to travellers from 93 countries, but officials said the scheme has been misused by some foreigners for illegal work, overstays, and criminal activity.
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