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🇹🇭THAILAND
🇩🇪GERMANY (SCHENGEN)TH-DE

Do Thailand passport holders need a visa to visit Germany (Schengen)?

Thai ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Germany for tourism. Apply in advance through VFS Global in Bangkok before you travel. Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and Thailand is on the EU list of nationalities that require a visa for short stays. A Thai ordinary passport holder therefore cannot enter Germany visa-free and must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Category C) visa before departure. This visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are submitted in Thailand through VFS Global, the German Embassy's authorized service provider, with an appointment, biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and a full document set including travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, proof of accommodation, round-trip flight reservation, financial means and ties to Thailand. The standard adult fee is EUR 90 (paid in Thai baht), plus a VFS service fee. Standard processing is around 15 calendar days but can take longer in peak season. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) does NOT apply to Thai nationals: it is only for visa-exempt travelers, so Thai citizens continue to need a full Schengen visa even after ETIAS launches.
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 or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (approx. THB 3,400-3,600) + VFS service fee
consular fee only
Processing time
About 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases)
standard track
Validity
Valid for travel dates granted; apply up to 6 months ahead
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm visa type and gather documents
Identify the correct category (short-stay Type C for tourism) and assemble passport, photos, insurance, itinerary, accommodation and financial proof.
· Tourism / short visit· Type C Schengen
/02
Complete the application form
Fill out the harmonized Schengen visa application form accurately and sign it. Online pre-registration may be required via VFS Global.
· Schengen application form
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Schedule an appointment at the German Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Bangkok. Apply no later than 15 days before, ideally 3-4 weeks ahead.
· VFS Global Bangkok· Appointment required
/04
Attend in person and give biometrics
Submit documents, pay the visa fee and service fee, and provide fingerprints and a digital photo. An interview may be requested.
· Biometrics· Fee payment
/05
Wait for processing
Standard processing is about 15 calendar days; it can extend to 45 days or more during peak periods or if extra documents are requested.
· ~15 days· Track online
/06
Collect passport and verify the visa
Retrieve your passport from VFS or by courier, then check the visa sticker dates, duration and number of entries before travel.
· Check sticker details
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
required
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
required
Two recent biometric photos (Schengen specification, under 6 months old)
required
Travel medical insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 across the Schengen Area
required
Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary
required
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
required
Financial means: bank statements (usually last 3-6 months)
required
Proof of ties to Thailand (employment letter, business registration, etc.)
recommended
Visa fee plus VFS service fee (paid in THB)
required
Day-by-day travel itinerary
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Approx. THB 3,400-3,600; paid in baht at embassy rate
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are usually exempt
VFS Global service feeapprox. THB 800-1,000Per applicant; charged by the visa application centre
Optional courier / SMS / premium loungevariesOptional add-on services at VFS
Total estimateEUR 90 + VFS service fee — EUR 90 + VFS and optional service feesincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
~15 calendar days
Typical timeline once a complete application is submitted at VFS Global.
Extended review
Up to 45 days or more
Applies during peak season or when additional documents or checks are required.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Tourism and sightseeing
Visiting German cities, landmarks and attractions for leisure within the 90/180 limit.
High
/02
Visiting family or friends
Short visits to relatives or friends residing in Germany, often with an invitation letter.
High
/03
Business meetings and conferences
Attending short business meetings, trade fairs or conferences (still under Type C).
Medium
/04
Transit and multi-country Schengen trips
Using Germany as the main entry point for a wider European itinerary.
Medium
/05
Cultural or sporting events
Attending festivals, concerts or sporting events for a short period.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Border control
Carry your Schengen visa, itinerary, insurance, funds proof, and return ticket. Border officers can ask for the same evidence used for the visa.
/02
90/180 tracking
Your allowed stay is counted across the whole Schengen Area, not only Germany. Keep entry and exit dates recorded.
/03
Connectivity
EU roaming works for EU SIMs. Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are available at airports, stations, and electronics shops.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
Thailand to Germany route verified
Confirmed via the German Federal Foreign Office that Thai nationals require a Schengen short-stay visa for Germany. ETIAS does not apply to Thai citizens as it covers only visa-exempt nationalities; the standard adult fee remains EUR 90.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Thai citizens visit Germany without a visa?—
No. Thailand is on the EU list of visa-required nationalities, so a Thai ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa before traveling to Germany.
Does ETIAS apply to Thai passport holders?+
How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?+
Where do I apply in Thailand?+
How much does the visa cost?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Thailand passport

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