As of June 2026, visiting Thailand without a visa is still possible for a tourist stay, but several new requirements demand attention: mandatory completion of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), keeping track of changes to the visa exemption scheme, and awareness of areas with deteriorating security. Here is what you need to know to plan your trip with confidence.
Visa and Length of Stay
What the current visa exemption covers
French nationals are entitled to a visa-free stay in Thailand for tourist purposes. Since July 2024, this exemption has allowed 60-day stays. On 19 May 2026, the Thai Cabinet voted to reduce the exemption to 30 days for 93 countries, including France. The measure takes effect 15 days after publication in the Thai Royal Gazette: as of the time of writing, it has not yet officially come into force.
Practical tip: check the France Diplomatie travel advice page in the days before you travel to confirm the exact duration currently in force.
Extending your stay
If you wish to stay beyond the period granted on entry, a 30-day extension can be obtained at any Thai immigration office for 1,900 baht (around €50).
Passport: minimum requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. A passport in poor condition (torn pages, damaged cover) may result in boarding being refused, regardless of its expiry date.
The TDAC: the new requirement you cannot afford to miss
Since 1 May 2025, all foreign travellers entering Thailand by air, land or sea are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaces the old paper TM6 form. The process is free of charge.
How to complete it:
- Visit the official website tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of your arrival.
- Enter your personal details, flight number and accommodation information.
- Download the QR code sent to you by email and present it to immigration officers on arrival.
The process takes only a few minutes, but do not leave it to the last minute: allow extra time in case of technical issues or delayed confirmation.
Documents to prepare before you fly
Beyond your passport and TDAC, immigration officers may ask you to provide proof of:
- A return or onward ticket (or proof of travel to another country)
- A confirmed accommodation booking for at least the first few nights
- Sufficient funds: the equivalent of 20,000 baht (around €500) in cash or on a bank card
These checks are discretionary, but it is not worth risking entry refusal.
Areas to avoid: the security situation in 2026
Thailand remains a safe destination in its main tourist areas (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, the Gulf islands…). Two regions, however, are subject to official travel advisories.
Cambodian border: officially advised against
Armed clashes occurred along the Cambodian border in late 2025. A ceasefire was signed on 27 December 2025, but the situation remains volatile and unexploded ordnance poses an ongoing risk. Travel within a 50 km zone of the Cambodian border is officially advised against by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The deep south: avoid unless essential
The provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla (on the Malaysian border) are advised against due to separatist activity. These areas do not feature on standard tourist itineraries.
Everyday risks in tourist areas
In tourist destinations, the usual precautions apply: stay alert to petty theft in busy areas, exercise caution on the roads (accidents are common, especially on scooters), and be wary of tuk-tuk scams and self-appointed guides.
Health: what to sort out before you go
Recommended but not mandatory vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Thailand. That said, keeping routine jabs up to date (diphtheria/tetanus/polio, hepatitis A) is recommended, as is a consultation with a GP or travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
An active measles outbreak has been reported across several parts of South-East Asia, including Thailand: check your vaccination status before you go.
Dengue fever: the one precaution you must take
Dengue fever is present throughout the country, with peaks during the rainy season (June to October). Use an effective insect repellent (DEET or IR3535), wear covering clothing in the evenings, and opt for accommodation with air conditioning or mosquito nets.
Medical care: excellent but expensive
Thailand’s major cities, Bangkok in particular, are home to excellent private hospitals. However, costs are steep: a hospital stay or medical repatriation without adequate cover can quickly run into tens of thousands of euros.
Get my Thailand travel insuranceTravel insurance for Thailand: what you need to know
What the regulations require
For a standard tourist stay, no insurance is legally required to enter Thailand. However, holders of a retirement visa (O-A or O-X) must have health insurance meeting Thai minimum requirements: USD 40,000 for inpatient care and USD 10,000 for outpatient treatment.
What the experts recommend for everyone
Even without a legal requirement, industry specialists agree on a minimum of €150,000 in medical cover, together with a medically supervised repatriation guarantee. Repatriation from Thailand can cost between €20,000 and €50,000 without cover.
A good travel insurance policy typically covers:
- Hospital admission and emergency treatment costs on the ground
- Medical repatriation to France
- 24/7 telephone assistance to help you find the right medical facility quickly
For a closer look at what different policies can cover, our guide what is travel insurance for? breaks down the main benefits by contract type. If you are concerned about cancellation before departure (airline strikes, health issues…), it is also worth exploring the terms of flight cancellation insurance.
Customs: what you are allowed to bring in
| Product | Permitted limit |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco |
| Alcohol | 1 litre per adult |
| Foreign currency | Declaration required above USD 20,000 |
| Personal effects | Duty-free up to 20,000 baht (around €530) |
Medications, even common ones in France, must be accompanied by a prescription, preferably written or translated into English. Some medicines available over the counter in France are classified as controlled substances in Thailand: check with the Thai embassy before you travel.
Key cultural and legal rules
- Lèse-majesté: criticising the royal family, including on social media, is a criminal offence carrying severe prison sentences. Do not write on banknotes, which bear the King’s image.
- Temples: remove your shoes at the entrance and cover your shoulders and knees to enter religious sites.
- Drugs: penalties are severe, even for small amounts. Zero tolerance.
- Driving: an international driving permit is advisable for renting a scooter or car; wearing a helmet is compulsory.
FAQ
Do French nationals need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
As of June 2026, French nationals still benefit from the 60-day visa exemption. The Thai Cabinet voted on 19 May 2026 to reduce this to 30 days, but the measure only comes into force 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which had not yet taken place at the time of writing. Check the latest updates on the France Diplomatie website before you travel.
What is the TDAC and how do I complete it?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the mandatory digital arrival form introduced in May 2025. It replaces the old paper TM6 form. Visit tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of your arrival, complete the form free of charge and keep the QR code you receive.
Is travel insurance compulsory for Thailand?
No, except for retirement visa holders on O-A and O-X visas. That said, given the high cost of private medical care and a potential repatriation, cover of at least €150,000 is strongly recommended.
Which areas are advised against in Thailand in 2026?
The 50 km zone along the Cambodian border is officially advised against by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, due to the aftermath of the armed conflict in late 2025. The deep south (Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces) is advised against unless travel is essential. Standard tourist destinations are not affected.
Are there specific health risks in Thailand?
Dengue fever is present year-round, peaking during the rainy season (June to October). A measles outbreak has recently been reported across South-East Asia. No vaccinations are mandatory, but keeping routine jabs up to date and using mosquito repellent are strongly recommended.
