Thailand visa for French citizens: do you need one?

Visa rules for a tourist visit

France is on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of countries whose citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, in force since 15 September 2026. France Diplomatie (page updated 12 October 2026) says holders of ordinary passports can stay without a visa for up to 30 days, for tourism only, instead of 60 days before.

France Diplomatie says only 2 visa-free entries are allowed per calendar year, and does not limit this to one way of entering. Other official sources differ: the Royal Thai Embassy in Munich and the German Federal Foreign Office say the cap of 2 per calendar year applies to entries over land and sea, and the Munich embassy says entries by air are unlimited. If you plan several trips in one year, check with the Thai embassy before you go.

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 30 days. Thai official sources say the stay can be extended for up to 30 more days, and that an extension is solely at the immigration officer's discretion.

France Diplomatie warns that if you stay longer without an extension from Thai immigration, you risk fines and expulsion.

What to have ready

• Passport: Thai official sources ask for a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Onward travel: the Royal Thai Embassy in London says you may need proof of onward travel scheduled within 30 days of your arrival date.
• Proof of funds: the official sources give different amounts. The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington (updated 17 September 2026) says 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (July 2026) gives 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family for certain visa-exempt cases.
• Fees: there is no visa fee for the visa exemption, and the TDAC arrival card is free.

The arrival form

You must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before you arrive. It is free on the official Thai Immigration website, and our separate TDAC page shows you how to fill it in.

Recent and upcoming changes

• 15 September 2026: the 30-day tourist visa exemption replaced the previous 60-day exemption. Travellers who were already in Thailand keep the stay they were given. France Diplomatie reflects the new 30-day rule.
• Proposed, not confirmed: a 450 baht entry fee for foreign tourists from early 2027, according to a Thai Government Public Relations Department headline of 17 August 2026. It has not been confirmed as approved and has no confirmed start date.