The European Commission has approved the relaxation of the rules for obtaining short-stay Schengen visas – for periods of less than three months – for Thai nationals, announced the European External Action Service (EEAS) in a press release on Monday 18 May. A new “visa cascade” system will now allow travellers with no history of illegal residence to gradually extend the period of validity of their visas in the 29 countries in the Schengen area.
In practical terms, Thai applicants who have legally obtained and used a Schengen visa in the last two years will be able to receive a multiple-entry visa valid for one year. Thereafter, frequent travellers will be able to obtain permits valid for two years and then five years. These visas do not allow you to work in Europe.
The measure is designed to strengthen relations between the European Union and Thailand under their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)