Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Thailand to visit family or friends

Bring: original document

You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.

Complete the application form

Complete your own application form online. Only then will you receive a form with a unique code. Forms without this code may cause issues while processing your application. For that reason, do not use someone else’s form.

Bring: original document

You will need a valid travel document, such as a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:

• it is no more than 10 years old
• it must have at least 2 empty visa pages
• it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• it must bear your signature

Bring: original document

You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:

• colour photo
• no more than 6 months old
• 3.5cm by 4.5cm
• white or light-coloured background

Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken in Thailand

If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need a name change certificate, if you have changed your name.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally residing in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:

• a passport or other travel document
• a residence permit, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• a visa
• a work permit

If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.

You must be able to prove that you have social or economic ties to the country where you live. What you can use for this depends on your situation:

Bring: colour copy of the document

• If you are employed: a company registration and a statement of employment. This document must state the number of vacation days granted, your position in the company and your monthly salary.
• If you are self-employed: evidence of business ownership, for instance a company registration.
• If you are a student: a document proving you are enrolled in a study programme in your country of residence. The document must state your area of study and the duration of the programme.

If none of the above situations apply to you, you can show that you have social or economic ties using, for instance:

• a document proving that you are a caregiver in your country of residence
• a document (title deed) showing that you have a home or other real estate property
• if you have them, an original marriage certificate or birth certificate(s) of your child(ren)

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to show that you have enough money to cover the costs of your travel and stay in the Netherlands. This also applies if you are under 18 years old. You need at least €55 per day.

• If you will pay these costs yourself, you must provide your bank statements for the previous 3 months. Or other documents showing you have enough money for your journey and stay.
• If someone else will pay these costs, you must provide their bank statements for the previous 3 months.
• If the person who has invited you will pay for all your expenses, you will need a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Question 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”. Read how to arrange sponsorship. You will also need to bring 3 recent pay slips, a recent employment certificate, or a valid employment contract (valid for at least 12 months at the time of your visa application) from this person.

You need documents showing where you will stay during your visit.

Bring: colour copy of the document

Are you staying in a hotel or rental accommodation? Then you need a hotel reservation or rental agreement for the entire duration of your trip.

Bring: original document and colour copy

Are you staying with the person who invites you to the Netherlands? Then you must bring a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Read how to arrange private accommodation.

• Are you staying with the person who completes the sponsorship form? And is this person sponsoring the costs of your stay, medical care and repatriation? Then questions 3A and 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”.
• Is the person paying the costs of your stay in the Netherlands someone other than the person you are staying with? Then the person you are staying with must provide a separate sponsorship form.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name.*

The document must state that:

• the insurance provides cover in all Schengen area countries for the entire duration of your stay.
• the insurance covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes the costs of a hospital stay and treatment, emergency care, prescription medication and repatriation to your country of residence (including in the event of death).

Find out what requirements your travel medical insurance must meet

*Holders of diplomatic passports are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must prove your relationship with the inviting party. You do this by submitting a copy of the page of the travel document containing the biometric personal details of the person inviting you. You must also show his/her travel history.

• Are you visiting family? You need proof of your immediate family ties, such as an original birth or marriage certificate, or a family record book.
• Are you visiting your boyfriend/girlfriend? You can prove your relationship with previous correspondence.

If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18 who will be travelling without 1 or both of their parents or guardians, you will need the following documents:

Bring: original document and colour copy

• a recent extract of the child’s birth certificate
• proof of custody. For instance: a marriage certificate, divorce certificate or registration of residence.
• a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor. This form must be verified by a legal entity such as a municipal registration office or court.

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a signed valid travel document (such as a passport) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has a valid Schengen visa: the biographical data page of their passport and of their valid Schengen visa. The biographical data page contains the passport holder’s details and photo
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has died: the death certificate of the deceased parent or guardian
• if a guardian has been appointed: official proof of guardianship
• if there is a court order in place: permission from the court for the minor to travel