The Foreign Ministry has refuted online claims that the European Union is planning to lift the Schengen visa requirement for Thai travellers, calling the reports inaccurate.
Social media posts had suggested that Thais would soon be allowed to enter Schengen countries by completing only the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) registration, eliminating the need for a visa.
ETIAS is an online pre-screening process required for nationals of countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the EU. Travellers must complete the application through the ETIAS website or app before visiting 30 participating European countries.
The reports claimed the new system would be implemented in the final quarter of this year. However, the Foreign Ministry clarified that Thai passport holders are not eligible for ETIAS and are still required to apply for a visa before entering the EU.
The clarification came after the ministry consulted with the Thai Embassy in Brussels.
The Schengen zone currently comprises 29 countries, including four non-EU members. The EU allows visa-free entry for citizens of 61 countries worldwide. Among Southeast Asian nations, only Malaysia and Singapore are included on that list.
While visa requirements remain unchanged for Thai citizens, the EU is preparing to overhaul entry procedures for visa holders. The bloc plans to phase out passport stamping and instead collect biometric data, including facial and fingerprint scans, upon arrival and departure.
According to the Foreign Ministry, a test run of the updated system is expected to begin in October.
