New EU scheme offers Thai travellers longer-validity Schengen visas

Thai nationals applying for short-stay Schengen visas at EU embassies in Thailand will now be eligible for longer-validity multiple-entry visas under the EU’s “Visa Cascade” scheme, according to a statement issued on Monday by Thailand’s Foreign Ministry.

  The European Commission approved the measure on May 8 for Thai passport holders residing in Thailand. The ministry stressed that the “Visa Cascade” scheme is not a visa exemption programme and that Thai nationals will still be required to apply for Schengen visas through the normal process prior to travel and comply with all existing requirements.