Travel EU Visa Requirement for Thais Remains Unchanged, Ministry Confirms

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Foreign Ministry has firmly dismissed circulating social media reports suggesting that the European Union intends to lift the Schengen visa requirement for Thai nationals. These claims have inaccurately stated that Thai travellers would need only to complete the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) registration, bypassing the usual visa application process.

 

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a recently introduced procedure aimed at enhancing security across EU borders. It requires visa-exempt travellers to submit a digital application before entering the 30 countries covered by the EU scheme. However, Thai citizens do not fall under the visa-exempt category, making the visa application indispensable for them.

 

The spurious reports claimed that this new process would be implemented in the final quarter of the year, causing significant chatter and speculation online. The Schengen Area, comprising 29 countries—four of which are non-EU members—maintains strict entry protocols to control and secure its borders effectively.

 

Currently, the EU permits citizens from 61 countries to travel without a visa, including Malaysia and Singapore, the only ASEAN nations with such privileges. This visa-free access is coveted by travellers worldwide for its convenience and ease.

 

A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry emphasised that after consulting with the Thai embassy in Brussels, there is no change in the visa requirements for Thai travellers. Thais planning to visit Schengen countries must still obtain a visa, maintaining the status quo.

 

In related developments, the EU has announced plans to modernise its entry and exit procedures for visa-holding travellers. The current practice of stamping passports will be discontinued in favour of collecting personal biometric data, including facial and fingerprint scans. This change aims to streamline the process and bolster security measures across the region.

 

The ministry mentioned that a test run of the new biometric system is expected to commence in October, marking a significant step towards a more advanced border control setup. However, this technological shift does not alter the existing visa requirements for Thai nationals.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-30

 

 

[ikke1959]

The Government said they were negotiating with the EU several months ago about visa free travel. But as usual now they don't  want to be blamed and it are rumours on social media... But the Government started the false information

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The spurious reports claimed that this new process would be implemented in the final quarter of the year, causing significant chatter and speculation online.

Spurious reports don't change anything...accurate written confirmation does

[Caldera]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Schengen Area, comprising 29 countries—four of which are non-EU members—maintains strict entry protocols to control and secure its borders effectively.

 

I wished less desirable people from other countries - who basically just walk in - would get the same scrutiny in Schengen as Thai people get. It's a complete joke. I'd rather have more Thais there than more you-know-whats.

[BMW Overlander]

20 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

I wished less desirable people from other countries - who basically just walk in - would get the same scrutiny in Schengen as Thai people get. It's a complete joke. I'd rather have more Thais there than more you-know-whats.

 

You are right! I was shocked to find out that Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Kosovo, Albania, and Venezuela are allowed 90 days visa-free entry into the Schengen Area. Ridiculous.

[lapamita]

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The Government said they were negotiating with the EU several months ago about visa free travel. But as usual now they don't  want to be blamed and it are rumours on social media... But the Government started the false information

Yees, thank you. a lot of blabla bla last year, with stating the need of visas would be cancelld at end of year.

 

here, thaialnd is always blablabla

[Mike_Hunt]

56 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

I wished less desirable people from other countries - who basically just walk in - would get the same scrutiny in Schengen as Thai people get. It's a complete joke. I'd rather have more Thais there than more you-know-whats.

I feel the same about the USA.

[ujayujay]

That's right, as long as Thailand doesn't change its complicated and harassing visa policy! It's like the echo from the forest.

[Toby1947]

What goes around comes around, how can Thais expect to enter countries willy nilly whilst enforcing their own ridiculously complicated rules. Even if they are the most superior race on the planet 🤣😂🤣😂

 

 

[JJ-Thailand]

No surprise!

[French mate]

4 hours ago, BMW Overlander said:

 

You are right! I was shocked to find out that Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Kosovo, Albania, and Venezuela are allowed 90 days visa-free entry into the Schengen Area. Ridiculous.

Its mostly a matter of reciprocial arrengement.

As french i can go without visa in
Mexico 180 days
Colombia 90 days
Argentina 90 days
Kosovo 90 days
Albania 90 days
Venezuela 90 days


Thailand ? 60 days actualy, was 30 not long ago and could be 30 again tomorow.
If someone is to blame there, its the Thai gouvernement who have no clue of what is a reciprocal agreement and cultivate the anytime ramdom turn around policy.
 

[ncc1701d]

having just been through the utter ball ache process for my girlfriend to get to Europe - I wish they'd do something to make it easier.

[Trek800]

I think EU should do the same like Canada. Thais who have had a Schengen visa in last 10 years should be able to use ETIAS.

If I’m not mistaken Thai citizens who have had US or Canada’s visitor visa in last 10 years are able to use just ETA for their travels to Canada.

[Lung Khao]

Use a dinghy, throw you passport away, and you get easy access to EU soil, free b&b, medical care, social benefits. This is how it works in EU now.

[DonniePeverley]

Thailand would empty if the EU opened up their borders to Thailand

[Samui fella]

The Schengen Area, comprising 29 countries—four of which are non-EU members—maintains strict entry protocols to control and secure its borders effectively.

 

THE PLACE IS OVERRUN WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS AND THE UK IS A JOKE FULL OF ILLIGALS ITS A SHAME THEY DID NOT HAVE THE BALLS TO DO WHAT THE THAI DO 

[geisha]

On 7/1/2025 at 8:44 AM, ncc1701d said:

having just been through the utter ball ache process for my girlfriend to get to Europe - I wish they'd do something to make it easier.

Sorry to say that Thai ladies do not have the best reputation in EU and UK.

I saw a program on TV last year that showed live footage of what they get up to, especially in London.  A friend of my brother recently married a Thai lady and needless to say he was the laughing stock of his mates. Very unkind , yes, but  a lot have blokes have been to Thailand , and none can say that the prostitution is not in your face and cannot be ignored. Thailand does not have the best reputation abroad.

[chickenslegs]

On 7/1/2025 at 1:24 PM, French mate said:

Its mostly a matter of reciprocial arrengement.

As french i can go without visa in
Mexico 180 days
Colombia 90 days
Argentina 90 days
Kosovo 90 days
Albania 90 days
Venezuela 90 days


Thailand ? 60 days actualy, was 30 not long ago and could be 30 again tomorow.
If someone is to blame there, its the Thai gouvernement who have no clue of what is a reciprocal agreement and cultivate the anytime ramdom turn around policy.
 

Speaking as a Brit ... IMO you French should be permitted to import your bread, cheese, and wine to Thailand without any impediments.