Thailand and Liechtenstein weigh possible Schengen visa exemption for Thai passports

Thailand and Liechtenstein have raised the possibility of visa-free Schengen travel for Thai ordinary passport holders, but only as a topic for further discussion. The idea came up during a meeting between the two countries' prime ministers on 16 October 2026, held on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings.

Key facts

• Date of meeting: 16 October 2026
• Who met: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas, who is also Minister of General Government Affairs and Finance
• Also present: Sarun Charoensuwan, Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Visa topic: exploring the possibility of Schengen visa exemption for Thai ordinary passport holders
• Status: exploratory only — no exemption, agreement or timetable announced

What was discussed on visas?

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides explored the possibility of Schengen visa exemption for holders of Thai ordinary passports. The ministry described this as part of a wider exchange that also covered facilitating a high-level visit by the Thai side to Liechtenstein.

The source gives no detail on how such an exemption would work, which countries would grant it, when it might start or what the conditions would be. Nothing has changed for travellers at this stage.

Who could be affected?

The only traveller group mentioned is holders of Thai ordinary passports. No other nationalities, visa categories or travel documents are referred to in the release.

What else did the two governments cover?

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Thailand–Liechtenstein relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also looked at ways to boost bilateral trade and investment through the Thailand–European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (Thailand-EFTA FTA).

Further topics included expanding cooperation in the financial sector and advancing discussions on a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). Prime Minister Haas also noted Liechtenstein's expertise in infrastructure development and advanced technologies, including spacecraft coating technology, and thanked Thailand for the Tipiṭaka presented to Liechtenstein in 2024 for the Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

What this means for travellers

Thai ordinary passport holders still need to follow current Schengen visa rules; the statement announces only that a visa exemption possibility was explored. No application process, fee or deadline is involved, and there is nothing to do at this point.

No timeline for further talks on the visa question has been given. Any concrete change would need to be announced separately.