EU visa change opens path to longer Schengen visas for Thais

Thai nationals residing in Thailand may now qualify for Schengen visas valid for up to five years under new EU rules, as reported by The Thaiger on May 25, 2026. The EU has adopted a new ‘visa cascade’ system giving eligible repeat travellers progressively longer multiple-entry visas. This change may benefit Thai travellers with a record of lawful travel and no history of overstaying, as they may qualify for progressively longer visa validity periods. Additionally, travellers who have obtained and properly used a Schengen visa within the past two years may now be eligible for a one-year multiple-entry visa.

What happened

The EU has introduced a new ‘visa cascade’ system, which grants eligible repeat travellers progressively longer multiple-entry visas. This system allows Thai travellers who have a record of lawful travel and no history of overstaying to qualify for progressively longer visa validity periods. The first step in this process is for travellers to obtain a Schengen visa and use it within the past two years. Upon doing so, they may be eligible for a one-year multiple-entry visa. Frequent travellers could later qualify for two-year and eventually five-year multiple-entry visas, allowing them to travel within the Schengen area for extended periods.

The new rules also specify that Schengen visas allow holders to travel within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The Schengen area covers 29 European countries, including 25 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This increased access to the Schengen area is expected to benefit Thai travellers and promote cultural exchange between Thailand and the EU.

Background and context

The EU and Thailand are strengthening travel and cultural links under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. This agreement aims to promote economic, cultural, and social cooperation between the two regions. The new visa rules are part of this broader effort to increase people-to-people exchange and cooperation between Thailand and the EU. This development is also significant in the context of Thailand’s own visa policy, which is being reshaped in response to changing economic and social conditions.

Thailand is currently phasing out its 60-day visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries, which was launched to support the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery. The exemption will be cut from 60 days to 30 days after July 2024. This change is part of a broader effort to reform Thailand’s visa policy and align it with international standards.

Why it matters for Phuket buyers

The EU visa change may indirectly impact Phuket property buyers by potentially increasing foreign buyer flows and rental demand. This is because the new visa rules will make it easier for Thai nationals to travel to Europe, which may in turn increase their interest in investing in Phuket property. As one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, Phuket is already a popular choice for foreign buyers and renters. The increased access to the Schengen area may further boost demand for Phuket property, particularly in the short-term rental market.

Source: The Thaiger

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