schengen visa for thai gf.

[jacksam]

I am AU. Wish to take thai gf to Europe. Any advice from someone who has been through process. Maybe suggest best consulate to apply here in bkk. I live in bkk ...situation of gf ..no job has 150k in bank. I have plenty both here in bank and au. Things like can I sponsor her etc. Surely there are people that have done this on TV.

I have another topic post ...don't know how to cancel it. Have two replies. Go turkey or bolivia. jeesuuzz

[Donutz]

You should check the Schengen sticky thread near the top of the forum first, it answers most general questions.

Where to apply? The country that is going to be your main destination, if there is no clear main destination, apply with the country that you will enter first.

If you are concerned about how difficulty or easy going embassies are, there are plenty of threads on specific Schengencountries around. The Spanish and Belgians seem to be a lot less relaxed then the Dutch and Germans for instance.

Is any embassy much more keen on refusing visa's then others?

If you wonder about the refusal/approval ratings, most are around 2-3%.

Exact ratings can be found here at the bottom (excel files):

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/index_en.htm#stats

Slovakia, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Chech Rep. Netherlands all refused 1% or less, France and Germany refused around 3,5-4%.

Edit: If you'd ask me where to apply and you would be clueless on your travelplans I'd say apply for either Italy, Austria or Spain. I know tha the Dutch staff are all lovely people, I don't know about the other embassies. If the FAQ doesn't answer a specific question please do post it here.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Donutz

[Donutz]

Schengen Stats 2014 from EU Home Affairs webpage, see (click) attached image.

[jacksam]

Thank you Donutz.

[mikebell]

As my wife and I are going to the UK this Summer, I thought I'd apply for a Schengen and visit Spain or France. She has a 5 yr UK & 6 yrs of US visas left on her passport.

The process looks too complicated:

I have to have my Thai marriage Cert authenticated by the money-grabbers at BKK Embassy;

Travel/medical Insurance from an approved list in Thailand;

An itinerary which, as yet, doesn't exist as I thought I'd just get a cheap package in September when the schools re-open;

Air tickets provisionally booked;

Any other complications?

I think I'll just save my Euros until it gets easier for a UK National to take his wife on the continent.

[Donutz]

As my wife and I are going to the UK this Summer, I thought I'd apply for a Schengen and visit Spain or France. She has a 5 yr UK & 6 yrs of US visas left on her passport.

The process looks too complicated:

I have to have my Thai marriage Cert authenticated by the money-grabbers at BKK Embassy;

Travel/medical Insurance from an approved list in Thailand;

An itinerary which, as yet, doesn't exist as I thought I'd just get a cheap package in September when the schools re-open;

Air tickets provisionally booked;

Any other complications?

I think I'll just save my Euros until it gets easier for a UK National to take his wife on the continent.

For EU (UK) nationals the process should be swift and easy. See the recent topic on a visa from the Swiss for instance. You would only need to show

1) family relation of non-EU national to the EU national for which you may use marital papers which they might request to be legalized but the embassy must consider any evidence that proofs family relation. Some embassies just love bureaucracy and demand these stamps though there is no need if you can make evident to them that it's a legal marriage.

2) IDs of the both of you

3) that you travel or join eachother to the EU country (a letter from the EU national should be enough as applicants can skip al questions with an astrix including proof of accomodation, transport to the country, proof of funds, insurance etc. But some embassies wish to see reservations regardless even if this is not something they can demand if you show by other means that you and your Thai spouse intend to travel together.

Alternatively: show up at the border without visa, if you can show the above to the borderguard they must give a visa on the spot. This is how I intend to travel to the UK with my wife via Calais to Dover since the UK application system sucks when applying from the mainland.

So you might wish to try more easy going memberstates such as the Dutch or Germans.

[Donutz]

On insurance: any European travel insurance will do (AXA etc.) but the number of Thai companies they accept is limited not all of them meey the required standards. There is no obligation to pick from Thai based companies only!

But as EU spouse your partner is not required to have a Schrngen insurance. You either misread or you are dealing with an embassy that gives faulty instructions. If so, contact Solvit (EU ombudsman) and/or EU Home Affairs.

[jacksam]

First of all thanks Donutz.

Don't want to sound ungrateful...but...I was really hoping for a reply from a non European national that had been through the process. What I mean is that I have taken my thai gf to AU and having been through the process I have posted advice to others wishing to do same.

I guess I was hoping for a reply from maybe AU or US member starting something like.....

I'm from AU and recently went through the process.....I found out from advice that the Italian consulate here in bkk was good to deal with.....here is a summary of what I included....etc etc.

Surely there is a non European national that has taken thai gf to europe.??

[sandyf]

As my wife and I are going to the UK this Summer, I thought I'd apply for a Schengen and visit Spain or France. She has a 5 yr UK & 6 yrs of US visas left on her passport.

The process looks too complicated:

I have to have my Thai marriage Cert authenticated by the money-grabbers at BKK Embassy;

Travel/medical Insurance from an approved list in Thailand;

An itinerary which, as yet, doesn't exist as I thought I'd just get a cheap package in September when the schools re-open;

Air tickets provisionally booked;

Any other complications?

I think I'll just save my Euros until it gets easier for a UK National to take his wife on the continent.

I went to the UK last year and had a package holiday with my Thai wife in Tenerife. Once you pass the marriage test, the visa should be quite straightforward, most of the requirements go away.

I believe the marriage certificate need to be legalised by the MFA rather than the embassy, maybe someone can clarify, it is not something I had to do.

I am currently trying for a Schengen visa from the Germans and that is proving to be a problem, wishing I had decided to go by train now.

[jacksam]

Thanks Sandy...my problem is I'm not married to thai lady in question. I see no the big problem facing Farang is to travel the world with your thai partner. I mean even with all tickets booked and paid and even accommodation etc....still difficult to get into some countries. In fact I have not heard of say an AU national (not married) taking his partner to europe etc.

[theoldgit]

As the girlfriend of an non EU national then you are in exactly the same boat as the girlfriend of a EU national, though there are a few notable exceptions whereby some consulates are more relaxed with their interpretation of the rules.

I'm an EU national and have lived with my girlfriend in Thailand for getting on for eight years, she applied for Schengen Visas for Italy and France, and has they're not two of the more relaxed two of the more accommodating consulates, she was in the same position as your girlfriend.

When applying for her visas for Italian and French visas she gave full details of our proposed trip, that included evidence of our travel plans, particularly onward flights from the Schengen Area, confirmed hotel bookings, travel insurance for the duration as well as evidence that she had access to sufficient funds. Both the visas were issued and allowed us to travel freely thoughout Schengen, which is exactly what we did.

She should apply at the Consulate for the country which is her main destination, or if touring the country where you are going to be in the longest, if you are visiting countries for an equal time she should apply at the Consulate which has jurisdiction for her point of entry. Be careful with your dates as the French refused to process one of her visas as she was spending a few hours longer on Italian soil than French, despite the fact we were entering and departing Schengen via Paris.

Just bear in mind that many there are many visitors to Schengen who are not from the EU and they are geared up for this, if your girlfriend is able to supply all the evidence required then she really shouldn't encounter any problems.

[jacksam]

Thanks theoldgit...what I hope to do is buy two around world tickets. If the Schengen visa was out of the question, I had planned to include sth Americia instead of Europe (pity because I have never been there)... Apart from the obvious things in include for the schengen visa your thai gf obtained.....such as bank account, flight bookings, accommodation etc....was there any way to include your support (meaning sponsorship of her)

I did this when she applied for tourist visa to AU ....

As I understand it, because I am not an EU national...my support of her and relationship is irrelevant. Correct?

[theoldgit]

Your relationship isn't irrelevant it just doesn't give her any short cuts as the spouse/long term partner of an EU citizen.

If you have evidence of your relationship and are travelling together then there is no reason why you couldn't support her application and provide financial support. Certainly when my girlfriend applied she included evidence of the funds available in my account to support her as required, so yes sponsorship.

She supplied evidence of our trips around SE Asia and of our life together in Thailand which was quite important as she only works part time. When she applied for her first Schengen she'd already been issued with a UK visa.

She was recently issued with her third Schengen and third UK visa.

Your girlfriends visa really should be achievable, you just need to do your ground work, which you seem to be doing.

[jacksam]

Thanks for all that advice. Been together 3 years. My name on house book etc. Also travelled extensively. All the flights to europe and onwards are together also all the accommodation. Feeling little more positive. As you suggest, just need make a comprehensive application.

If we go ahead I will outline my experience on TV to assist others.

[sandyf]

Thanks for all that advice. Been together 3 years. My name on house book etc. Also travelled extensively. All the flights to europe and onwards are together also all the accommodation. Feeling little more positive. As you suggest, just need make a comprehensive application.

If we go ahead I will outline my experience on TV to assist others.

Next month I am going to the UK, Canada and Germany. Of the 3 visas the Germans are proving the most difficult. Your situation is not a great deal different to me taking my wife to the UK or to Canada. They all want the same things, as much information as possible on what the applicant intends to do and how they intend to pay for it. One of the main criteria is some positive indication that they will return to Thailand.

Travelling together helps a lot and I would suggest you write a letter explaining the relationship and living arrangements and that you will meet all expenses incurred. I always do this for my wife.

As far as the Schengen visa is concerned, there is a standard format for the application form which you would normally complete and submit with supporting documents. The problem with the Germans is that the application form is filled in by an online computer program which has a set of pre defined answers. You are not free to complete the application form in the way you may want. May not be a problem but something to be aware of.

[mikebell]

I am following this topic with great interest as I am soon to apply for my wife. We wish to visit Spain. I do not seem to find a link to the Application form on their Thai Embassy web-site. I've emailed them last week but so far received no reply.

[theoldgit]

I am following this topic with great interest as I am soon to apply for my wife. We wish to visit Spain. I do not seem to find a link to the Application form on their Thai Embassy web-site. I've emailed them last week but so far received no reply.

Application details - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/tourist_visaapplicationform.html

Full VFS website - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/

The actual application form is generic and is the same for all member states.

VisaApplicationForm.pdf

[sandyf]

I am following this topic with great interest as I am soon to apply for my wife. We wish to visit Spain. I do not seem to find a link to the Application form on their Thai Embassy web-site. I've emailed them last week but so far received no reply.

Application details - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/tourist_visaapplicationform.html

Full VFS website - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/

The actual application form is generic and is the same for all member states.

That is the theory.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822487-schengen-visa-for-germany-videx/

[mikebell]

Thank you Oldgit. I will print it off and fill it in, this morning.

[jacksam]

I just downloaded the application form. Seems there is no opportunity for me to be a sponsor for Thai gf. Only allows details of EU nationals to be listed.

Back to the drawing board.

Even though she could provide plane tickets , accom etc I don't think that would cut it. I was hoping the history of our past trips, visas to AU and many numerous trips to various countries would be helpful. The main one being that we are travelling together.

Looks like we go to Sth Americia.

[Donutz]

At question 33 you can enter both the left and right side of the form regarding who pays for the trip. You can thus both indicate that she takes cash and a sponsor does so too. Ofcourse you will mention that you are the sponsor. That should take care of the financial sponsorship. Obviously you are going to have to back it up do that it's clear that she and you have sufficient funds (30-65 euro's per day per person, the minimal amount is different for each country).

Since you have no host you'd ofcourse need to show hotel bookings. If you plan to travel around without a strict plan I'd just include a booking for your first hotel, include a travel initiary and explain that you will travel around and arrange hotels on the spot.

Edited May 18, 2015 by Donutz

[sandyf]

I am following this topic with great interest as I am soon to apply for my wife. We wish to visit Spain. I do not seem to find a link to the Application form on their Thai Embassy web-site. I've emailed them last week but so far received no reply.

Application details - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/tourist_visaapplicationform.html

Full VFS website - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/

The actual application form is generic and is the same for all member states.

That is the theory.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822487-schengen-visa-for-germany-videx/

Received from the German embassy this morning.

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx

thank you for your inquiry dated May 1, 2015.

Your wife requires a tourist visa in order to visit Cologne. Since you are a EU national, your wife will not have to pay the fees for the visa. As for the rest, the visa requirements for your wife´s tourist visa are akin to the visa requirements for tourist visa issued to non-EU nationals.

To apply for a tourist visa, your wife needs the following documents:

• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return) with at least two empty pages

• Application form (https://videx.diplo.de/) and declarations duly signed (http://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/3761958/Daten/2922822/SchengenBelehrung.pdf)

• 2 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months

• Personal covering letter with entire travel plan (itinerary), flight reservation, rail tickets, others, proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area

• Travel health insurance (Kindly refer tohttp://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/411506/Daten/4197027/Krankenversicherung.pdf to find out about the travel health insurances accepted)

• Leave letter of your company (if employed)

• Proof of financial status:

If employed: Payslips of the past three months / employment contract

If self-employed: Certificate of Proprietorship or other proof of ownership (proof of land title,

proof of income from agriculture (sales form) etc.)

Personal bank statement of the past three months with sufficient funds

• Further proof of your willingness to return.

I hope the above information proves to be helpful.

Kind regards

On behalf of

Visa Section

Rechts- und Konsularabteilung/ Legal and Consular Section

Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Bangkok / Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Bangkok

9 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120

Tel.: +66 (0) 2287-9000

Fax: +66 (0) 2285-6232

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bangkok.diplo.de

[sandyf]

I just downloaded the application form. Seems there is no opportunity for me to be a sponsor for Thai gf. Only allows details of EU nationals to be listed.

Back to the drawing board.

Even though she could provide plane tickets , accom etc I don't think that would cut it. I was hoping the history of our past trips, visas to AU and many numerous trips to various countries would be helpful. The main one being that we are travelling together.

Looks like we go to Sth Americia.

That is not the case, you can put anything you want in supporting documents.

I would suggest that you use question 32 . In the first field you can enter "Accompanied by common law partner" and then enter your details.

In question 33, tick "other" and put the reference to a supporting document. As I suggested earlier you really do need a covering letter with some documentary support regarding the relationship. In my very first application I had very little so I used a couple of emails that were about 3 years old to establish a timescale for the relationship.

There is no need for your gf to provide any financial information. If you state that you are prepared to meet all expenses then it is up to you to provide the financial information.

We have done 4 UK and 1 Canadian visa and my wife has never given any financial info, I have always accepted the costs and provided the bank statements. As far as the UK is concerned there is little difference between a wife and a gf.

Don't let the wording of the requirements put you off, I often wonder if it is deliberately written to deter applicants.

Look at the last post, other than the fee,I am in the same boat as you as far as a German visa goes.

Edited May 18, 2015 by sandyf

[jacksam]

Again Sandyf thank you.

Being retired and having plenty of funds and evidence to back it up, feeling we have good chance. Esp as everything including accom will be paid for in advance . She actually has 200k in thai bank. I am going to apply later this year and give TV a full account of result and what I included. Thanks again to the Sandy Dontz and others.

[Donutz]

I am following this topic with great interest as I am soon to apply for my wife. We wish to visit Spain. I do not seem to find a link to the Application form on their Thai Embassy web-site. I've emailed them last week but so far received no reply.

Application details - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/tourist_visaapplicationform.html

Full VFS website - http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/thailand/

The actual application form is generic and is the same for all member states.

That is the theory.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822487-schengen-visa-for-germany-videx/

Received from the German embassy this morning.

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx

thank you for your inquiry dated May 1, 2015.

Your wife requires a tourist visa in order to visit Cologne. Since you are a EU national, your wife will not have to pay the fees for the visa. As for the rest, the visa requirements for your wife´s tourist visa are akin to the visa requirements for tourist visa issued to non-EU nationals.

To apply for a tourist visa, your wife needs the following documents:

• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return) with at least two empty pages

• Application form (https://videx.diplo.de/) and declarations duly signed (http://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/3761958/Daten/2922822/SchengenBelehrung.pdf)

• 2 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months

• Personal covering letter with entire travel plan (itinerary), flight reservation, rail tickets, others, proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area

• Travel health insurance (Kindly refer tohttp://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/411506/Daten/4197027/Krankenversicherung.pdf to find out about the travel health insurances accepted)

• Leave letter of your company (if employed)

• Proof of financial status:

If employed: Payslips of the past three months / employment contract

If self-employed: Certificate of Proprietorship or other proof of ownership (proof of land title,

proof of income from agriculture (sales form) etc.)

Personal bank statement of the past three months with sufficient funds

• Further proof of your willingness to return.

I hope the above information proves to be helpful.

Kind regards

On behalf of

Visa Section

Rechts- und Konsularabteilung/ Legal and Consular Section

Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Bangkok / Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Bangkok

9 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120

Tel.: +66 (0) 2287-9000

Fax: +66 (0) 2285-6232

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bangkok.diplo.de

<deleted>?T That's incorrect information. Must be a silly mistake on their end I hope. Incase of EU spouse/family you almost not need anything of that. No need for an initiairy, proof of return, financial means, accommodation, insurance, transport reservation etc. I'd e-mail them back that they must be mistaken and refer to the instructions as on the actual generic paper/PDF application form, the European Commissions instructions ( http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm ) and (I assume) what is stated on the embassies own website.

You could CC the e-mail to the European union (just-citizenship @ ec.europa.eu ) if the German website has these incorrect instructions aswell. Last time I checked (summer 2014) it had correct instructions though.

[keeniau96]

My wife (Thai) traveled to Denmark several years ago and got Schengen visa via the Dane consulate here. No problems, very helpful and efficient lot.

[sandyf]

That is the theory.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822487-schengen-visa-for-germany-videx/

Received from the German embassy this morning.

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx

thank you for your inquiry dated May 1, 2015.

Your wife requires a tourist visa in order to visit Cologne. Since you are a EU national, your wife will not have to pay the fees for the visa. As for the rest, the visa requirements for your wife´s tourist visa are akin to the visa requirements for tourist visa issued to non-EU nationals.

To apply for a tourist visa, your wife needs the following documents:

• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return) with at least two empty pages

• Application form (https://videx.diplo.de/) and declarations duly signed (http://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/3761958/Daten/2922822/SchengenBelehrung.pdf)

• 2 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months

• Personal covering letter with entire travel plan (itinerary), flight reservation, rail tickets, others, proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area

• Travel health insurance (Kindly refer tohttp://www.bangkok.diplo.de/contentblob/411506/Daten/4197027/Krankenversicherung.pdf to find out about the travel health insurances accepted)

• Leave letter of your company (if employed)

• Proof of financial status:

If employed: Payslips of the past three months / employment contract

If self-employed: Certificate of Proprietorship or other proof of ownership (proof of land title,

proof of income from agriculture (sales form) etc.)

Personal bank statement of the past three months with sufficient funds

• Further proof of your willingness to return.

I hope the above information proves to be helpful.

Kind regards

On behalf of

Visa Section

Rechts- und Konsularabteilung/ Legal and Consular Section

Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Bangkok / Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Bangkok

9 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120

Tel.: +66 (0) 2287-9000

Fax: +66 (0) 2285-6232

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bangkok.diplo.de

<deleted>?T That's incorrect information. Must be a silly mistake on their end I hope. Incase of EU spouse/family you almost not need anything of that. No need for an initiairy, proof of return, financial means, accommodation, insurance, transport reservation etc. I'd e-mail them back that they must be mistaken and refer to the instructions as on the actual generic paper/PDF application form, the European Commissions instructions ( http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm ) and (I assume) what is stated on the embassies own website.

You could CC the e-mail to the European union (just-citizenship @ ec.europa.eu ) if the German website has these incorrect instructions aswell. Last time I checked (summer 2014) it had correct instructions though.

It is not a mistake. There are notices all over the embassy wall detailing the documents that must be presented and a guy goes around with a loud hailer reminding people that applications will only be accepted with full set of documents.

When we presented the application, she glanced through and said she would need an itinerary, it was already there, she had just missed it.

Based on the experience of another TV member I had prepared all the documents for the abortive trip we made to the embassy on Friday, the appointment system is another farcical arrangement.

The girl proceeded to examine the documents in detail highlighting various bits of information. I was a bit puzzled why she found it necessary to highlight about a dozen figures on the bank statements. When she had finished, biometrics were taken and she printed off a receipt for the application. It was free being a family member of an EU national, this is the only difference that the Germans recognise.

[Donutz]

If that's the case then the Germans are in clear violation of the rules and should be reported to Solvit and the EU ( JUST-CITIZENSHIP @ ec.europa.eu ) to make them change their ways. If nobody complaints, nothing will happen!

[sandyf]

If that's the case then the Germans are in clear violation of the rules and should be reported to Solvit and the EU ( JUST-CITIZENSHIP @ ec.europa.eu ) to make them change their ways. If nobody complaints, nothing will happen!

Your email comes up as invalid. A complaint has been lodged and I will update the original thread in due course.

[Donutz]

Moved post to the dedicated German visa topic:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822487-schengen-visa-for-germany-videx/?p=9427026

Edited May 20, 2015 by Donutz