Thai citizens must still secure a visa to visit Schengen countries, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has clarified, amid reports stating otherwise. Correspondingly, travelers are not eligible for Schengen visa-free travel.
The Ministry had to clarify rampant misinformation making the rounds on social media. In particular, the misleading news claimed that Thai nationals would be exempt from visa requirements.
Moreover, the false information stated it starts in late 2025 under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS scheme.
Still Require Schengen Visas
In response, the Foreign Ministry has quickly addressed the confusion. Specifically, officials clarified that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) only applies to countries enjoying visa-free status. Thailand is not one of them.
“Thai passport holders must continue applying for Schengen visas through the usual process,” notes The Nation Thailand as one of the Ministry’s key points.
In fact, Thai nationals must still obtain a Schengen visa to enter 29 European countries. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Correspondingly, travelers must submit their applications at relevant embassies or visa centers with full documentation.
EES Will Not Replace Schengen Visas
Additionally, the European Union is set to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. Specifically, this biometric system will replace manual passport stamping at border points.
However, the EES does not change Thailand’s visa status. To clarify, it only streamlines border checks for those who already have the right to enter.
Following this, the EU projects a 2026 launch for the ETIAS. Still, this program will only impact travelers from countries with existing Schengen visa-free agreements.
Reports of Visa-Free Entry Untrue
Many Thai travelers believed recent posts claiming a visa waiver was imminent. But in reality, the EU has not announced any policy shift regarding Thailand.
Hence, the Foreign Ministry urged travelers to verify travel policies directly with embassies and official EU websites.
At the moment, visa requirements still remain strict. In fact, according to the European Commission, Thai applicants had a Schengen visa rejection rate of 17.5% in 2023. Overall, most were due to incomplete documents or lack of travel history.
Neighboring Countries Have It Easier
In contrast, nearby nations like Singapore and Malaysia benefit from visa-free entry to the Schengen area. Specifically, passport holders can enter for up to 90 days without a visa.
In particular, Thailand ranks 63rd on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 82 countries. However, the EU is not among them.
As a result, the Foreign Ministry continues to pursue stronger diplomatic ties with the European Union. Yet they have not reached a formal agreement.
Travelers Must Stay Informed
Officials advise all Thai nationals to stay updated through credible sources. This includes embassy announcements, the Ministry’s official website, and EU travel platforms.
Moreover, Schengen visa applicants should begin the visa process well in advance, especially during high travel seasons.
In summary, Schengen visa rules remain the same for Thai travelers. The Thai government will officially announce any updates, and not through unverified social media posts.
Photo by Mathilda Khoo on Unsplash
