Frequently Asked Questions About the Schengen Visa

Applying for a Schengen Visa can be a bit confusing, especially if it's your first time. Siam Legal has been helping travelers from around the world secure Schengen Visas from Thailand for over 20 years, and we’ve gotten a lot of questions about it.

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about the Schengen Visa to help you navigate the application process with ease. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of the Schengen Visa requirements, making your application smoother and less stressful.

How long can I stay with a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This 90-day limit applies to your total stay, but the visa itself may be valid for a longer period. For example, if your visa is valid from January 1st, 2021, you can enter the Schengen Area at any time during the following 180-day period. However, regardless of when you enter, you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days.

How many times can I enter the Schengen area with a Schengen Visa?

The number of entries allowed depends on your Schengen Visa type. A single-entry visa permits one entry into the Schengen Area, a double-entry visa allows two entries, and a multiple-entry visa lets you enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you need within the visa's validity period.

Which nationalities can acquire a Schengen Visa?

Under Schengen regulations, citizens of the countries listed below are eligible to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit or travel through any countries within the Schengen Area:

• Asia: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.

• Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, DR of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland (now Eswatini), Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

• Europe: Belarus, Russia.

• North America: Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Northern Mariana Islands (territory of the United States).

• South America: Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname.

• Oceania: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga.

Do US, UK, and Australian residents or green card holders need a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe?

If you hold a US, UK, Canada, or Australia resident permit or green card, but your passport is from a country without its own visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa at the nearest consulate.

However, if you are a citizen of the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, and possess a passport from that nation, you do not need to apply for a visa if your stay in the Schengen states is no longer than 90 days. These countries have a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area.

Do I need to have medical travel insurance?

Visa applicants must have medical travel insurance, which is valid for all Schengen countries. The insurance must provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. Providers often offer coverage packages for this specific purpose, referring to it as the “Schengen Insurance.”

How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?

The processing time for a Schengen Visa usually ranges from 15 to 30 days, with some applicants receiving their visa in less than two weeks. However, delays can happen and may extend the processing time up to 60 days in rare cases.

These delays might be due to factors like incomplete or incorrect documentation, high volumes of applications, or additional security checks. To minimize the risk of delays and ensure a smooth application process, it's important to follow the application guidelines carefully and consider seeking professional help if needed.

Is it possible to extend my Schengen Visa?

Typically, no you cannot, but it is possible in certain cases. These exceptions include:

• Humanitarian reasons

• Serious illness

• Unusual situations (like airline strikes or other major events)

Remember, your visa can only be extended if it’s still valid and if you haven’t stayed more than 90 days in a 180-day period. If you have already overstayed, you may face penalties.

How much does a Schengen Visa cost?

Starting from 11 June 2024, the Schengen Visa fee increased to 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged six to under 12 years. Besides the visa fee, you should also account for other expenses like travel insurance, courier fees, and biometric data collection. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location and service providers, so it's essential to budget for these additional costs when planning your application.

If you decide to seek professional assistance for a smoother and faster process and give your application the maximum chances of approval, Siam Legal’s service fee is 21,925 THB (excluding visa and government fees).

You can find out more by visiting our page on Schengen Visa prices and insurance.

Do children need to pay for a Schengen Visa?

Children under 6 years old are exempt from paying the Schengen Visa fee. Children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced fee, which is half the cost of the adult fee.

When should I apply for a Schengen Visa?

You should apply for a Schengen Visa at least 15 days before your planned travel date and no earlier than 6 months before your intended departure.

What documents do I need when applying for a Schengen Visa?

You need to provide specific documents depending on your application type. Most applicants must submit these basic documents along with a completed and signed Schengen Visa application:

• Valid passport

• Two passport-sized photos

• Fingerprints (biometric data)

• Proof of travel medical insurance

• Flight reservation out of the Schengen Area

• Proof of financial means (such as a bank statement or pay slip)

• Proof of accommodation (like a hotel reservation)

• Invitation letter (if applicable)

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa?

Applying for this visa can be lengthy and complex. Check out our full page detailing the process for applying for a Schengen Visa from Thailand for a complete overview.

Where can I get assistance with applying for a Schengen Visa?

We make your Schengen Visa application quick and easy at Siam Legal. Our visa team guides you from start to finish, ensuring your experience is smooth and stress-free. We gather and review the necessary paperwork for you, minimize the chances of denial, and help you prepare for every step of the Schengen Visa process so that you're ready for a seamless trip to any Schengen country.

What can Siam Legal do for my Schengen Visa application?

If you want to make sure you can get your Schengen Visa successfully and ensure your European trip goes smoothly, Siam Legal provides the services you need as follows:

1. A full review of your personal, financial, and employment history to determine your eligibility.

2. Consultation with our European Immigration Specialist to answer all of your questions.

3. Comprehensive checklist of documents needed for your visa application.

4. Professional and precise preparation of your visa application to avoid errors that could lead to delays or rejection.

5. Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies to ensure timely approval.

6. Careful preparation of all correspondence to resolve any issues fast.