Last verified: 13 October 2026.
Since 15 September 2026, the visa exemption is 30 days instead of 60
The 60-day exemption scheme has been abolished. Nationals of 60 countries and territories, including France, can enter without a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days, subject to entry conditions. Seychelles and Mauritius qualify for 15 days; Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia fall under the visa on arrival scheme. Bilateral agreements continue to apply (90, 30 or 14 days depending on the agreement). Other nationalities must obtain a visa before departure on the official portal thaievisa.go.th. The duration depends on your nationality: see the table by nationality below.
In force: 15 September 2026. Travelers who entered before this date keep the duration shown on their entry stamp.
Sources: Thai Government · Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) · France Diplomatie (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
Foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea must complete the TDAC online within the 72 hours before their arrival. Exceptions: travelers in transit or connecting without passing through immigration, and Border Pass holders. The TDAC is free on the official portal. It does not replace a visa and does not guarantee admission.
Complete the TDAC on the official portal →If your stay exceeds the exemption period, or if your nationality is not exempt, apply for the appropriate visa on the official Thai e-Visa portal before departure.
Official Thai e-Visa portal →Planning a trip to Thailand? This guide sets out the entry rules, visas and formalities in force in 2026, with a link to the official source for each important rule. Requirements vary according to nationality, passport type, purpose and length of stay: the information below applies to ordinary passports.
Thailand: country information
- Capital: Bangkok
- Currency: Thai baht (THB)
- Official language: Thai
- Main airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT)
| Key facts: Thailand | |
|---|---|
| Visa exemption (tourism) | Depending on nationality: 30 days for 60 countries and territories, including France (since 15 September 2026); 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius; durations specific to bilateral agreements |
| TDAC | Free, to be completed within the 72 hours before arrival on tdac.immigration.go.th, unless an official exception applies |
| TR tourist visa (single entry) | 60-day stay from arrival, subject to the decision and conditions of the visa issued; visa valid for 3 months |
| TR visa fee | 35 € for an application submitted from France (Royal Thai Embassy in France); elsewhere, see thaievisa.go.th |
| Processing time | Variable; about 4 weeks for an application submitted from France, according to the embassy |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from the date of entry |
| Financial means | Immigration may ask for the equivalent of 20,000 THB per person in cash |
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Currency | Thai baht (THB) |
| Main airports | BKK (Suvarnabhumi), DMK (Don Mueang), HKT (Phuket), CNX (Chiang Mai) |
Sources: France Diplomatie (update of 7 October 2026), Royal Thai Embassy in France, Thai Government. Verified on 13 October 2026.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): a formality separate from the visa
Since 1 May 2025, the TDAC has replaced the TM.6 paper arrival card. It is required of foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea, whether they are visa-exempt, visa holders or residents.
How to complete it:
- Go to the official portal tdac.immigration.go.th
- Enter the details of your passport, your trip and your accommodation in Thailand
- Submit the form within the 72 hours before your arrival
- Keep the confirmation provided by the portal and show it if immigration asks for it
Good to know:
- The TDAC is free on the official portal. Third-party sites offer to complete it for a fee: these service fees are not government fees.
- Exceptions: transit or connections without passing through immigration; entry with a Border Pass.
- The TDAC does not replace a visa when one is required and does not guarantee admission.
- If the rules change, the instructions of the official portal and the Royal Thai Embassy prevail.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy in France (TDAC). Verified on 13 October 2026.
Overview
Thailand is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its beaches, Buddhist temples and street food. The main airports are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Visas are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies; entry into the country is handled by the Immigration Bureau.
Since 15 September 2026, Thailand has applied a single exemption scheme per country: 30 days for 60 countries and territories (including France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and India) and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius. Bilateral agreements provide for other durations. Visas are applied for online on the official portal thaievisa.go.th.
Visa-free entry and tourist visa (TR)
Visa exemption: for eligible nationalities, visa-free entry is for tourism only. Maximum stay: 30 days for the 60 countries and territories on the official list, including France. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry; immigration may ask for the equivalent of 20,000 THB per person in cash. At land border crossings, visa-exempt entry is in principle limited to twice per calendar year, with some exceptions (notably for Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore).
Longer stays: beyond the exemption period, an appropriate visa may be required. France Diplomatie states that stays of more than 30 days require a visa obtained from a Thai consulate before departure. An extension in Thailand is never automatic: check with the Immigration Bureau whether an extension is possible under the 30-day exemption, and for how long.
Single-entry TR tourist visa: according to the Royal Thai Embassy in France, it generally allows a stay of 60 days from arrival, subject to the decision and conditions of the visa issued. Applications are made online on thaievisa.go.th. For an application submitted from France, the fee is 35 € and processing takes about 4 weeks. A one-month extension can be requested in Thailand (1,900 THB), subject to approval by immigration. A multiple-entry tourist visa is also available: see the embassy website for conditions and fees.
Business visa (Non-Immigrant B)
The Non-Immigrant B visa covers business activities and employment in Thailand. To work, you also need a work permit issued by the Thai Ministry of Labour. The required supporting documents (letter from the Thai company, company registration documents, etc.) are listed on thaievisa.go.th according to where you apply.
Work and long stays
- Long-Term Resident visa (LTR): a 10-year visa for four categories (people with substantial wealth, retirees with an income, professionals working from Thailand, highly skilled professionals). Fee: 50,000 THB. Detailed criteria on ltr.boi.go.th.
- Thailand Privilege (formerly Thailand Elite): a paid residence program of 5 to 20 years, with no right to work. Fees and benefits on the program's official website.
- Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit: the usual route for employees in Thailand.
- Retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A): for people aged 50 and over. The financial and health insurance requirements are set by the embassy: check the current amounts before applying.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): for remote work and certain activities; conditions and fees on thaievisa.go.th.
Student visa (Non-Immigrant ED)
Foreign students need a Non-Immigrant ED visa, to be applied for before arrival on thaievisa.go.th or at the embassy. Usual supporting documents: a letter of admission from a Thai institution, proof of funds and proof of accommodation. Any extension in Thailand is at the discretion of immigration.
Airport transit
Thailand generally does not require a visa for passengers who remain in the international transit area; they are also exempt from the TDAC if they do not pass through immigration. Some nationalities may need an authorization: check with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) or the embassy.
Required documents (online TR tourist visa)
Indicative list; the exact list for your place of application is on thaievisa.go.th.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent digital passport-style photo
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Completed online form
- Payment of the official fees
Visa fees
| Procedure | Official fees | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption (eligible nationalities) | Free | Thai Government |
| TDAC | Free | Royal Thai Embassy in France |
| Single-entry TR tourist visa, application submitted from France | 35 € | Royal Thai Embassy in France |
| One-month extension in Thailand (TR visa) | 1,900 THB | Royal Thai Embassy in France |
| LTR visa (10 years) | 50,000 THB | ltr.boi.go.th |
| Other visas (non-immigrant, DTV, multiple entry, etc.) | Depending on the category and place of application | thaievisa.go.th |
Amounts are shown in the official currency, without conversion. evisa-card.com is an independent information website: it does not sell visas and does not charge any fees. Official fees are paid only on the official portals or at the embassy. Service fees charged by some intermediaries are not government fees, and you can always submit your application yourself on the official portal.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality is exempt and for how long (table by nationality below, France Diplomatie, Royal Thai Embassy).
- If a visa is required, create an account on the official portal thaievisa.go.th.
- Complete the form, upload the supporting documents and pay the official fees.
- Wait for the decision. Processing times vary according to the visa category, the application and the authority handling it. Check the official information before booking non-refundable travel.
- Within the 72 hours before arrival, complete the TDAC on tdac.immigration.go.th.
- On arrival, present your passport, your visa if applicable and the supporting documents requested. Admission remains at the discretion of immigration.
Official links
- Official Thai e-Visa portal
- Official TDAC portal
- Royal Thai Embassy in France: general information
- Royal Thai Embassy in France: tourist visa
- France Diplomatie: Thailand, entry and stay
- Thai Government: new visa exemption rules
- Thai Immigration Bureau
- Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular affairs
Who is visa-exempt? Table by nationality
| Situation | Maximum stay (tourism) | Nationalities |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day exemption | 30 days | 60 countries and territories: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States |
| 15-day exemption | 15 days | Seychelles, Mauritius |
| Visa on arrival | According to official conditions | Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia |
| Bilateral agreements | 90, 30 or 14 days depending on the agreement | For example, 90 days for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea; 30 days for China, Hong Kong and Russia (to be confirmed with the embassy for your passport) |
| Other nationalities | Visa required before departure | Apply on thaievisa.go.th |
List based on information from the Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand; verified on 13 October 2026. It applies to ordinary passports and tourism. Rules may change: check before every trip.
Always check the current rules on the official websites before traveling.
Main visa categories for Thailand
Thailand offers several visa categories depending on the purpose of travel, the length of stay and nationality. Here is an overview of the main ones.
| Visa type | Duration | Official fees | Main conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | 30 days (France and 59 other countries and territories) | Free | Tourism only, depending on nationality |
| TDAC | Not applicable | Free | Arrival formality, separate from the visa |
| Tourist visa (TR) | 60-day stay | 35 € (application from France) | Single entry; extension possible at the discretion of immigration |
| LTR visa (Long-Term Resident) | 10 years | 50,000 THB | Criteria depend on the category (ltr.boi.go.th) |
| Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement) | 1 year | Depending on place of application | Aged 50 and over; financial requirements and health insurance to be checked with the embassy |
| Non-Immigrant B (business, work) | Depending on the visa issued | Depending on place of application | Work permit required for employment |
| Non-Immigrant ED (studies) | Depending on the visa issued | Depending on place of application | Enrollment in a Thai institution |
| Non-Immigrant O (family) | Depending on the visa issued | Depending on place of application | Spouse or parent of a Thai national; conditions to be checked |
| Thailand Privilege (formerly Elite) | 5 to 20 years | Depending on the package | Paid residence program, with no right to work |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Depending on the visa issued | Depending on place of application | Remote work and eligible activities |
Fees and conditions vary according to nationality and place of application: always check on thaievisa.go.th or with the embassy.
Processing times for Thai visas
Processing times vary according to the visa category, the application and the authority handling it. Check the official information before booking non-refundable travel.
| Procedure | Indicative timeframe | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | No prior application | Thai Government |
| TDAC | To be completed within the 72 hours before arrival | Royal Thai Embassy in France |
| TR visa applied for from France | About 4 weeks, longer if the application is incomplete | Royal Thai Embassy in France |
| LTR visa | Variable | ltr.boi.go.th |
| Other visas | Variable | thaievisa.go.th |
No fast-track processing is guaranteed: beware of paid “express” offers.
Health and entry requirements for Thailand
No vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from France; a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested from travelers coming from at-risk countries. Health insurance is required for some long-stay visas (for example the O-A retirement visa or the LTR): check the coverage amounts with the embassy. For a tourist stay, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Bangkok and the major cities have good-quality private hospitals.
Extending your stay and overstaying in Thailand
An extension is never automatic: you must apply at an immigration office, which makes the decision. For the TR tourist visa, the Royal Thai Embassy in France indicates that a one-month extension is possible (1,900 THB). For the 30-day exemption in force since 15 September 2026, check the extension conditions with the Immigration Bureau. Foreign nationals who stay more than 90 consecutive days must report their address to immigration every 90 days. Overstaying exposes you to a fine (500 THB per day, capped at 20,000 THB), or even deportation and a re-entry ban: never stay beyond the date shown on your entry stamp.
Visa refusal and refusal of entry in Thailand
Thai immigration can refuse entry, even with a visa or an exemption, in particular in cases of insufficient funds, suspected unauthorized work or repeated entries. A visa refusal does not give rise to a formal appeal procedure; a new application can be submitted with a more complete file. Neither evisa-card.com nor any intermediary can guarantee that a visa will be issued or that you will be admitted to the country.
How do I get a visa for Thailand?
- Check whether you need a visa. See the table by nationality above: 30-day or 15-day exemption, bilateral agreement, visa on arrival or mandatory visa.
- Choose the type of visa suited to your trip: tourism, business, study, work or long stay.
- Prepare your documents: passport valid for at least 6 months, recent photo, proof of travel, accommodation and funds.
- Apply on the official portal thaievisa.go.th or at the embassy, and pay the official fees.
- Before departure, wait for the decision, then complete the TDAC within the 72 hours before arrival.
For detailed procedures, see also our pages on the e-Visa and on extending your stay in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for a tourist trip to Thailand?
It depends on your nationality. Since 15 September 2026, official information indicates a 30-day visa exemption for tourism for 60 countries and territories, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan, subject to entry conditions. Visa-exemption rules can change: check the duration that applies on your date of entry with your government's travel advice and the Royal Thai Embassy.
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
It depends on your nationality. Since 15 September 2026: 30 days for 60 countries and territories, including France; 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius; other durations for countries covered by a bilateral agreement. Other nationalities must obtain a visa. To stay longer, apply for an appropriate visa on thaievisa.go.th.
Does the TDAC replace the visa?
No. The TDAC is a digital arrival formality. It does not replace the visa when one is required.
Is there a charge for the TDAC?
The declaration is free on the official portal https://tdac.immigration.go.th/. Beware of third-party sites that present service fees as government fees.
How much does the TR tourist visa cost?
For an application submitted from France, the Royal Thai Embassy in France states 35 € for a single-entry tourist visa, which generally allows a stay of 60 days from arrival. Elsewhere, the fee depends on where you apply: see thaievisa.go.th.
What do I need to enter Thailand?
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, a visa if your nationality or length of stay requires one, and the TDAC completed within the 72 hours before arrival. Immigration may ask for the equivalent of 20,000 THB per person in cash. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Last verified: 13 October 2026.
Important: evisa-card.com is an independent information website, not affiliated with the Thai authorities. It does not sell visas and does not charge any fees. Rules change often: always check the current requirements with official sources before booking a trip. This page is provided for information purposes.