France is an alluring travel destination for tourists due to its rich historical significance, invaluable cultural marvels, and absolutely picturesque landscapes. For every traveler, France offers a plethora of captivating experiences, whether they are visiting to Schengen area for the first time or seasoned veterans of Europe. French Rivera allures with its opulent coastlines, whereas the romantic epicenter, Paris, is adorned with renowned architectural monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. The French countryside is full of picturesque villages and vineyards for an enjoyable adventure, extending beyond the urban landscapes. In this article, learn more about how to apply for French Schengen Visa from Thailand, French visa appointment booking, visa application processing time, and French visa application process in Thailand.
Visitors from Thailand to France
According to European Union Statistics, the number of visitors from Thailand visiting France yearly and the settled visa approval rate by the French consulate is almost 98%.
Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
2018 | France | THAILAND | BANGKOK | 62,120 | 60,408 | 1,276 | 2.05% |
2019 | France | THAILAND | BANGKOK | 51,900 | 49,310 | 2,224 | 4.29% |
2020 | France | THAILAND | BANGKOK | 9,905 | 9,271 | 448 | 4.61% |
Applying for a French Schengen Visa from Thailand
A Schengen visa is required for Thai passport holders to visit France. Thailand citizens and residents who are legally residing in Thailand are eligible to apply for a visa at the Embassy of France in Bangkok, Thailand. The Embassy alone is authorized to accept or reject visa applications.
Moreover, if you are Thai citizen and desired to visit other Schengen countries like Italy or Spain then you may redirect to attached links for getting complete application procedure from Thailand.
Documents Required for French Schengen Visa from Thailand
Thailand citizens require a bunch of documents for applying for French Schengen visa from Thailand. The documents required are:
- A Thai passport that has a validity of at least up to 6 months.
- Copy of passport’s photo page
- Completely fill out the application form from the official website for the French Schengen visa by the French Government. Application form can be obtained by selecting the type and purpose of the required French visa.
- Two ID photographs colored in white background with 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm measurement.
- Any proof of employment that specifies the applicant’s position
- In case the applicant is self-employed a copy of the business registration certificate is required
- A letter from a French Resident indicating sponsorship
- The reason for visiting France is specified in a motivation letter.
- Proof of accommodation including hotel booking or residence
- Bank statements of the applicant of the previous 3 months of the current account are required or of the Company, or 3 last pay slips, or pension certificate, indicating the monthly amount of the pension (with translation in French). The statements should justify that you have sufficient funds for your trip.
- Flight booking proof
- Travel health insurance certificate
Types of French Schengen visas offered at The Embassy of France in Thailand
There are three types of visas depending on your reason for traveling to France from Thailand:
- Short-term Schengen Visa for up to 90 days for tourists, individuals visiting family/friends, or short educational purposes.
- Long-term Schengen Visa for more than 90 days for employment, business, education or family reunion
- Airport Transit Visa for people who have a connecting flight to another destination
Process to apply for French Schengen Visa from Thailand
The steps to follow when applying for Visa are as follows:
Step 1 – Identification of the type of required visa
Step 2 – Start your visa application
Step 3 – Booking an appointment
Step 4 – Payment of required charges
Step 5 – Submission of application to the Visa
Step 6 – Tracking the application
Step 7 – Collection of Passport
Step 1 – Identification of the type of required visa
Identify the type of required visa
After selecting the type of Visa select the visa wizard
Fill in the required information, your nationality, age, place of application submission, visa type, place of destination, and travel document.
Next, enter your plans and purpose of stay and click search
A set required documents list will appear
Note the amount to be paid according to your French Schengen Visa requirement and click Submit online application form
Step 2 – Start your visa application
On clicking submit an online application you will be asked to register if you are a new user or login on the website
Start the application by clicking on the tab
Fill in the application and once it is finished print the form and sign it.
Step 3 – Booking an appointment
Register on the Visa Application Centre website and make an appointment to submit the application
Step 4 – Payment of required charges
Here are the Schengen visa fees that you should pay before starting visa processing
Short-stay = 3,093 THB
Children under 6 = 0 THB
Children aged 6 – 12 = 1,546 THB
Long-stay = 3,828 THB
The Visa charges are paid in cash or by debit/credit card. All dues paid are non-refundable.
Step 5 – Submission of application at the Visa Center
Submit the application at the TLS Visa center by following the below:
Try to reach the center 15 minutes prior to the appointment
Don’t send someone in your place for the appointment
Take all supporting documentation (originals and copies) along with the printed and duly signed application form.
You will be asked to submit biometric identification at the center. A digital finger scanner will scan images of all 10 digits, and a digital photo will be taken. The application will not be processed
without biometric identification.
You may also inquire regarding your application. Such as:
- What do you know about France and if you know anyone residing there?
- Will you be traveling alone?
- What do you do in Thailand?
Step 6 – Tracking the application
Track your application through the TLS Contact Center website
Step 7 – Collection of Passport
Applications take around 15 to 30 days to process. As soon as the decision is made regarding the
Visa, the passport can be collected from the TLS Visa Center where the application was submitted or the
center’s Express Courier Return service can be used.
TLS Contact Center In Bangkok, Thailand
- All French Schengen Visa applications in Thailand are examined by the French Embassy in Bangkok, only the Embassy is authorized to make decisions about visas.
- Visa applicants can visit any of the TLScontact centre to have their visa application processed
- TLS contact center in Bangkok CALL CENTER: +66 (0) 26 96 38 88
- French Embassy in Bangkok: 35, Charoenkrung soi 36 – Street Brest, Bangrak 10500 Bangkok Thailand. CALL CENTER: +66 (0) 26 57 21 55