To avoid last-minute and unnecessary delays, the Head of the Visa Section and Third Secretary of the German Embassy in Bangkok, Christine Messelken, strongly encouraged all visa applicants to apply for the document as early as possible.

Messelken further reminded Thai nationals that Schengen visa applications can be filed up to six months before the intended date of travel.

On the other hand, she stressed that visa applications made later than 15 calendar days before the start date of the intended visit will be considered inadmissible and may not be accepted.

In addition to Messelken, representatives from Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Switzerland also made the same recommendation regarding early applications. They advised Thai visa applicants to complete the procedures themselves via VFS Global, too.

Avoid Scammers Demanding Payment for Visa Appointments, Representatives Said

The representatives, speaking on behalf of the embassies of Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Switzerland in Bangkok, advised Thai nationals applying for Schengen visas to be aware of scammers and other fraudulent entities that require large amounts of money to secure appointments.

The Head of the Consular Section at the Embassy of Czechia in Bangkok, Veronika Hadravova, said that all applicants should be wary of scammers who try to take advantage of the peak travel season to exploit applicants.

At the same time, she called on the Thai travellers applying for Schengen visas to use official channels.

The Head of the Australasia VFS Global, Kaushik Ghosh, also gave his recommendations. He explained to applicants that VFS Global is not associated with any third-party entities and advised against waiting until the last minute to submit an application.

Ghosh also reminded everyone that visa appointments are free of charge and that applicants have to pay only the processing fee.