The European Union has adopted new Schengen visa facilitation rules for Thai nationals living in Thailand, making it easier for frequent travellers to obtain long-term multiple-entry visas for Europe.
Under the new “visa cascade” system, Thai citizens who have previously used Schengen visas legally and without overstaying may gradually qualify for visas with longer validity periods.
Travellers who have lawfully used a Schengen visa within the past two years can now receive a one-year multiple-entry visa. Frequent travellers may later qualify for visas valid for two years and eventually five years.
The new rules apply to Thai nationals applying for short-stay Schengen visas through embassies or consulates of Schengen countries in Thailand. Schengen visas allow travel across 29 European countries for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The EU said the new visa rules are intended to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and reflect closer cooperation between Thailand and the European Union under their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
