🇹🇭THAILAND

🏳ATTH-AT

Do Thailand passport holders need a visa to visit AT?

Q: Can Thai travellers use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities. Thai citizens are not visa-exempt, so they must still apply for a full Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay on a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the validity printed on your visa.

Q: Where do I apply in Thailand?

At the VFS Global Austria visa centre in Bangkok, which processes applications for the Embassy of Austria. Biometrics are taken in person.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The standard adult Schengen visa fee is EUR 90, plus a VFS service fee of roughly THB 800-1,000 per applicant.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply about 3-4 weeks before travel. Standard processing is around 15 working days but can be longer in peak season.

Thai ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa to visit Austria for tourism. ETIAS does not apply to Thai nationals. Austria is a member of the Schengen Area, and Thailand is not on the EU visa-exempt list. A Thai ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before travelling to Austria for tourism. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are submitted in Bangkok through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of Austria, with biometrics collected in person. As of 2026 the visa fee is EUR 90, plus a VFS service fee. The new ETIAS travel authorisation, launching in late 2026, applies only to visa-exempt nationalities and therefore does NOT replace the visa requirement for Thai citizens — they will continue to need a full Schengen visa. Separately, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) now records biometric entry/exit data at the border instead of passport stamps. Plan to apply roughly 3-4 weeks ahead, as standard processing is about 15 working days and appointment slots can be limited in peak season.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 + VFS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 working days

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker (often aligned to trip; multiple-entry may be longer)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm visa type and book appointment

Choose the Schengen Type C tourist visa and book an appointment at the VFS Global Austria centre in Bangkok, which handles applications for the Embassy of Austria.

· Type C· VFS Bangkok

/02

Complete the application form

Fill in the Schengen visa application form completely and honestly, signing all required pages. Use Austria as your main destination if it is where you spend the most days.

· Schengen form· Main destination

/03

Gather supporting documents

Assemble passport, photos, travel insurance (min EUR 30,000), flight and hotel bookings, day-by-day itinerary, bank statements, and proof of employment/ties to Thailand. Documents in English or German.

· Insurance EUR 30,000· Proof of funds

/04

Attend appointment and give biometrics

Submit documents in person, pay the fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) unless exempt from a recent prior collection.

· Biometrics· In person

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is about 15 working days from the appointment; it can be longer in peak season or if additional checks are required.

· ~15 working days

/06

Collect passport and travel

Retrieve your passport with the visa sticker, verify all details, and carry your full document set when entering the Schengen Area.

· Check sticker· Carry documents

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent biometric passport photos

required

Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage

required

Round-trip flight reservation

required

Confirmed accommodation for the whole stay

required

Day-by-day travel itinerary

required

Bank statements (typically last 6 months) proving sufficient funds

required

Employment letter / proof of leave and ties to Thailand

recommended

Visa fee EUR 90 plus VFS service fee

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard Type C short-stay fee; non-refundable

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Under 6 years usually exempt

VFS Global service feeapprox. THB 800-1,000Per applicant; varies, paid to VFS centre

Travel medical insurancevariesMinimum EUR 30,000 coverage required

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 120+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

About 15 working days

Normal processing from the appointment date; apply 3-4 weeks ahead to be safe.

Peak-season / extended

Up to 30-45 days

During high season or when additional documents or checks are needed, decisions can take longer.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Thailand is not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area

Thai ordinary passport holders are not on the EU visa-free list, so a Schengen visa is mandatory for any short stay.

High

/02

Austria is a full Schengen member

Entry to Austria follows Schengen short-stay rules: 90 days within any 180-day period across all member states.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply to Thai nationals

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travellers; Thai citizens still need a full visa and cannot use ETIAS instead.

Medium

/04

Biometrics required

Fingerprints and a photo are collected at the VFS centre unless valid biometrics were given recently.

Medium

/05

Proof of funds and ties scrutinised

Applicants must show sufficient funds, accommodation, insurance and intent to return to Thailand.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Thailand to Austria route verified

Confirmed Thai ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa for Austria; verified ETIAS does not apply to Thai nationals and the EUR 90 visa fee remains current.

/09 — The questions