How to Get a Schengen Visa for Your Thai Girlfriend: A Practical Guide

Getting a Schengen visa for a Thai girlfriend is an essential process if you plan to travel to Europe together. The Schengen visa allows your girlfriend to visit one or more countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the application steps and get a Schengen visa for your girlfriend.

1. Determine the Primary Country of Stay

Before starting the procedure, it is crucial to determine which country in the Schengen area will be the main country of stay. If your girlfriend plans to travel to multiple countries in the Schengen area, the visa must be applied for for the country where she will spend the majority of her stay. If the length of stay is similar in each country, the visa application must be made to the country of entry.

2. Types of Schengen Visa: Short Stay Visa (Type C)

For a tourist trip or a short-term visit, the Schengen visa type C is required. This visa is for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Make sure you choose this type of visa for a tourist or private stay.

3. Documents Needed for the Schengen Visa Application

To apply for a Schengen visa, several documents must be provided. Here is the list of the main documents required:

Basic Documents :

Valid Thai passport : The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the expected date of departure from the Schengen area and must contain at least two blank pages.
Schengen Visa Application Form : The form must be duly completed and signed. You can download it from the website of the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Recent photos : Two recent passport photos that comply with Schengen visa requirements.
Travel insurance : Travel medical insurance covering all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and medical repatriations.
Booked round-trip airfare : Tickets must be booked to prove travel dates.
Proof of accommodation : If staying in a hotel, a hotel reservation is required. If she is staying with you, a letter of invitation and proof of accommodation must be provided.
Proof of financial means : Documents such as recent bank statements or payslips showing that your girlfriend has the necessary funds for her stay.

Additional documents :

Cover letter : A letter explaining the reasons for the trip, the duration and the details of the stay in Europe.
Proof of relationship : Documents that prove the relationship (photos together, message exchanges, etc.) and explain the purpose of the trip (tourism, private tour).
Work or study documents : If they are working or studying, documents that prove their employment or student status.

4. Submit the Schengen Visa Application

Once all the documents are ready, the application must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Most countries in the Schengen area require a prior appointment to submit the application, so be sure to plan this in advance.

Processing time : The application typically takes between 10 and 15 business days to process. It is recommended that the application be submitted at least 3 to 4 weeks before the scheduled departure.
Interview at the embassy : In some cases, an interview may be requested to assess the reasons for the trip and the validity of the documents provided.

5. Prepare for the Interview at the Embassy or Consulate

If an interview is requested, prepare your girlfriend by providing her with all the necessary details regarding her trip to Europe. It is important that it is clear about the dates of the trip, the places to stay, and the travel plans.

Common questions : Why do you want to visit Europe? Where will you be staying? Who will finance the trip? How do you prove that you will return to Thailand at the end of the stay?
Counsel: Be prepared to provide additional information if necessary, such as evidence of family or professional ties in Thailand.

6. Schengen Visa Receipt and Travel Arrangements

Once the visa is granted, you can prepare for your trip. Be sure to keep a copy of all documents and check that the visa is valid for the dates of travel.

Tips for a Stress-Free Journey :

Keep a copy of important documents : Take copies of visa documents, airline tickets, hotel reservations, and insurance.
Respect the visa dates : Make sure you do not exceed the 90-day allowed duration in the Schengen area. Penalties and travel bans may apply.

7. What to Do in Case of Visa Refusal?

If the visa application is denied, the first step is to examine the reason for the refusal. If necessary, you can appeal the decision by following the procedures specified by the embassy or consulate. You can also adjust the request based on the recommendations and submit a new request.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Schengen visa for a Thai girlfriend requires careful preparation and submission of specific documents. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximize the chances of getting a visa for your trip to Europe together. Remember to regularly check the specific requirements of the destination country and comply with all the necessary formalities to ensure a carefree trip.