The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1
No visa < 60 days for French nationals
Simply present your passport. Free entry stamp valid 60 days.
- 2
Passport valid 6 months after return
Systematic check at boarding. Non-negotiable.
- 3
Return or onward ticket required
Immigration can ask for proof. Refusal possible without ticket.
- 4
Extension possible once (30 days)
Apply on the spot for 1,900 ฿ (~€50) at any immigration office.
- 5
For longer stays, several visas exist
Tourism (60d+30d), Education (ED), Retirement (O-A/O-X), Long Stay (LTR), Marriage.
Visas at a glance
Summary table of the main options to enter Thailand.
| Type | Duration | Price | Where to apply | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exemption (no visa) | 60 days | Free | Airport arrival | Tourists < 60 days |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days (+30d extension) | €40 | Embassy / E-Visa | Tourists 60-90 days |
| METV (multi-entry) | 6 months (60d max/stay) | €200 | Embassy only | Regular travelers |
| Education Visa (ED) | 3 months to 1 year | €80 | Embassy | Students, Thai courses |
| Retirement Visa (O-A) | 1 year renewable | €200 | Embassy | 50+, income 800k฿/yr |
| LTR (Long-Term Resident) | 10 years | ~€1,700 | Thailand BoI | High income, retirees, remote workers |
| DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) | 5 years (180d/stay) | €250 | Embassy / E-Visa | Digital nomads, freelancers |
Official sources
FAQ
Do French nationals need a visa for Thailand? +
No, not for tourist stays under 60 days. You benefit from a visa exemption, in effect since the extension to 60 days in July 2024. Valid passport (6 months) + return ticket suffice.
How much does a Thailand visa cost? +
For a tourist stay < 60 days: free. For a Tourist Visa (60+30 days): €40. For a METV multi-entry: €200. For the DTV digital nomad: €250.
My passport expires in 5 months, can I travel? +
No. Thailand requires a passport valid at least 6 months after your return date. Airlines and immigration systematically refuse. Plan 15 days to 6 weeks to renew your passport.
Can you apply for an E-Visa from France? +
Yes, the official thaievisa.go.th service is open to French residents. Available for TR, ED, METV and DTV visas. 5-7 working days delay, card payment. Beware of intermediaries overcharging up to €200.
What happens if I overstay? +
Fine of 500 ฿ per day of overstay (~€13), capped at 20,000 ฿. Beyond 90 days of overstay and arrest, it's up to 5 years of territorial ban.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Thailand? +
No for tourist exemption and TR. Mandatory for DTV, O-A (retirement) and LTR visas. Strongly recommended regardless, as medical costs can be very high.
Can you work in Thailand with a visa exemption? +
No, that's prohibited. Visa exemption and Tourist Visa are strictly for tourism. To work, you need a Non-Immigrant B visa + work permit, or the DTV (remote workers only).
What about the paper TM6 form? +
Discontinued since April 2025. The TM6 (arrival card) is now fully digital. The immigration agent records your information directly on a tablet.
Marie Laurent
Verified authorSoutheast Asia specialist · 12 years experience.
🔄 Updated: May 15, 2026 · ✓ Verified by 2 experts