Easy Tips and Tricks

Thais who wish to travel all over Europe to fulfill their romantic dreams and discover more of world history with the continent’s rich cultural heritage are now given a hint of good news with a more convenient way to travel.

Making a fascinating trip around Europe is made easier by applying for a Schengen Visa prior to your trip. The Schengen Visa allows you to visit the countries who have signed the Schengen agreement (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Norway) without the need to apply for a separate visa for each country. However, traveling to the United Kingdom and Ireland requires you to get a separate visa.

The Schengen Visa allows you to travel around the said countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. It would be best to apply for your Schengen Visa at least 6 weeks before your trip, and it would be best to make your travel arrangements prior to the trip as extending this kind of visa is a rather difficult process.

You must file your application for the Schengen Visa on the consulate/ embassy of the country where you intend to stay for the most part of your trip, or where you will make your first point of entry, in case you are planning to visit several Schengen states without having a main destination.

As for the requirements, you must fill up the Schengen Visa application form with your personal details and provide a copy of your passport along with the original version. You will also be asked to show proof of a stable financial background in the form of bank statements, property certificates, and other related documents. Proof of travel arrangements and accomodations are also required, along with hotel booking receipts, airline tickets and itineraries. Health and Travel Insurance is also a main requirement prior to obtaining a Schengen Visa.

If you are currently employed, it will also be best to present a certification from your employer verifying your occupation, along with presenting your most recent income statements. You will also need to present an invitation letter (along with its translation) if there is a person/ organization hosting you during the trip, which will be certified by the Foreign Ministry of the country where you have filed your application for the Schengen Visa.

Even if you present all the required documents, obtaining a Schengen Visa is not guaranteed. The consulate or embassy may ask for additional documents as required, and it is best not to make any non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received the visa.

Therefore, it will be best to engage the services of a reputable Thai law firm if you want to apply for a Schengen Visa. As the application can become a tedious process with all the required paperwork, seeking the services of a law firm may be a good option if you want all your documents in order, thus expediting the process.

With the help of an efficient law firm specializing in visa applications, your trip to Europe is assured to be a most unforgettable one.