Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
What is the DTV Thailand?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a long-term visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It costs €350, is valid for 5 years, and allows stays of 180 days per entry. It can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th and requires proof of remote activity or income.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
What is the DTV Thailand?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a long-term visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It costs €350, is valid for 5 years, and allows stays of 180 days per entry. It can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th and requires proof of remote activity or income.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
Can you extend your visa in Thailand?
Yes. It is possible to extend your stay by an additional 30 days directly at a Thai Immigration office (fee: 1,900 baht). Simply present yourself before the visa expires with your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash. The main office is in Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana) but offices exist in every province.
What is the DTV Thailand?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a long-term visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It costs €350, is valid for 5 years, and allows stays of 180 days per entry. It can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th and requires proof of remote activity or income.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
Can you extend your visa in Thailand?
Yes. It is possible to extend your stay by an additional 30 days directly at a Thai Immigration office (fee: 1,900 baht). Simply present yourself before the visa expires with your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash. The main office is in Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana) but offices exist in every province.
What is the DTV Thailand?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a long-term visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It costs €350, is valid for 5 years, and allows stays of 180 days per entry. It can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th and requires proof of remote activity or income.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
In 2026, French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals can enter Thailand without a visa for 60 days. This exemption is free and automatic, but since May 1, 2025, the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is mandatory for all travelers. For longer stays, the TR tourist e-visa is available online for €35 on thaievisa.go.th.
Do you need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
Good news for French speakers: French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Thailand for a tourist stay. The visa exemption grants 60 days of stay without prior application — simply present a valid passport at the border.
This exemption applies to over 60 nationalities, including all European Union countries. It is automatic upon arrival at the airport, port, or land border crossings. Only one obligation has been added in 2025: the TDAC, a digital form to be completed before boarding.
| Nationality | Visa Exemption | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| France | ✅ Yes | 60 days |
| Belgium | ✅ Yes | 60 days |
| Switzerland | ✅ Yes | 60 days |
| Canada | ✅ Yes | 60 days |
| Luxembourg | ✅ Yes | 60 days |
| Algeria | ❌ No | Visa required |
| Morocco | ❌ No | Visa required |
| Tunisia | ❌ No | Visa required |
To learn more about the exemption and tourist visa, consult our guide: Thailand tourist visa and visa exemption.
TDAC — The mandatory Digital Arrival Card since May 2025
The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory formality introduced on May 1, 2025. It replaces the old paper arrival card that immigration officers distributed on board planes. Now, every traveler entering Thailand — with a visa or exemption — must fill out this form online for free before arrival.
The TDAC must be completed on the official website tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival. Accessing it via paid third-party sites is a scam — the service is 100% free on the government website.
- Go to tdac.immigration.go.th
- Create an account with your email address
- Enter your passport information
- Indicate your flight and accommodation in Thailand
- Submit the form and keep the confirmation
- Present the confirmation to the immigration officer upon arrival
⚠️ Beware of fake websites: Many fraudulent sites offer to fill out the TDAC for a fee (€5 to €30). The official website is free. Always check the URL: tdac.immigration.go.th (Thai government domain .go.th).
Comparison table — All types of Thailand visas 2026
Thailand offers several visa categories depending on your situation and desired length of stay. Here is the complete table of visa types available in 2026 with official prices:
| Type | Name | Entries | Duration/entry | Validity | Official Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exemption | Tourist visa exemption | Multiple | 60 days | Upon each arrival | Free |
| TR (single) | Tourist E-visa | Single | 60 days | 3 months | €35 |
| TR (multi) | Multi-entry Tourist E-visa | Multiple | 60 days | 6 months | €175 |
| DTV | Destination Thailand Visa | Multiple | 180 days | 5 years | €350 |
| Visa O | Non-immigrant O (family) | Single | 90 days | 3 months | €70 |
| Visa OA | Non-immigrant OA (retirement) | Multiple | 365 days | 1 year | €175 |
| Visa OX | Non-immigrant OX (long-term) | Multiple | 365 days | 10 years | €350 |
| Visa B | Business / Work | Single | 90 days | 3 months | €70 |
| Visa ED | Study | Single | 90 days | 3 months | €70 |
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is particularly interesting for digital nomads and frequent travelers: valid for 5 years with stays of 180 days per entry, it can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th. For retirees, the OA visa allows for long-term settlement under certain financial conditions.
Documents required for Thailand visa
Whether you are applying for a tourist e-visa or a long-term visa, some documents are common to all Thailand visa applications. Here is the complete list:
Documents common to all visas
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned entry date
- Color ID photo, white background, less than 6 months old (35×45mm format)
- Proof of financial resources: minimum €700 / 20,000 baht (bank statement for the last 3 months)
- Return ticket with confirmed PNR booking number
- Confirmed accommodation reservation for the duration of the stay
- Proof of address less than 3 months old (utility bill, rent receipt, etc.)
Specific documents depending on the visa type
- OA / retirement visa: proof of retirement + proof of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or 65,000 baht/month income + health insurance covering at least 40,000 baht
- B visa (work): invitation letter from the Thai employer + company documents
- DTV visa: proof of remote activity (freelance contract, employer letter, etc.)
For the exhaustive list of documents by visa type, consult our dedicated page: documents required for Thailand visa.
How to apply for Thailand e-visa on thaievisa.go.th
Since 2023, all e-visa applications for Thailand are made exclusively online on the official website thaievisa.go.th. The complete process takes about 30 minutes to prepare the file, and the processing time is approximately 4 weeks.
- Create your account on thaievisa.go.th with your email address
- Select the category “Tourism” and the desired visa type (TR single or multi)
- Fill out the form with your personal and travel information
- Upload scanned documents (passport, photo, supporting documents)
- Pay online by credit card (Visa, Mastercard accepted)
- Wait for approval: average processing time of 3 to 4 weeks — the visa arrives by email
Practical tip: submit your e-visa application at least 6 weeks before your departure to have a comfortable margin. The approved visa is sent by email in PDF format — print it to present to immigration.
For a complete guide with screenshots: complete guide to Thailand e-visa application.
Official prices for Thailand visas 2026
The visa exemption is completely free for French citizens and all eligible countries. For paid visas, it is important to distinguish between official fees (paid directly to the embassy or thaievisa.go.th) and service fees added by third-party agencies.
| Visa Type | Official Price | Agency Fees (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist exemption | Free | — |
| TR single E-visa | €35 | €70-100 via agencies |
| TR multi-entry E-visa | €175 | €200-250 via agencies |
| DTV (5 years) | €350 | €400-500 via agencies |
| OA visa (retirement 1 year) | €175 | €250-350 via agencies |
| OX visa (retirement 10 years) | €350 | €500-700 via agencies |
| O visa (family) | €70 | €120-180 via agencies |
For detailed prices with complete comparisons: complete Thailand visa prices 2026.
Length of stay, extension, and rules to know
Both the visa exemption and the TR e-visa grant 60 days of stay in Thailand. It is possible to extend this stay by an additional 30 days directly in Thailand, for a fee of 1,900 baht (approximately €50) at a Thai Immigration office.
The 90-day in 180-day rule
For travelers who frequently go back and forth to Thailand, the rule of 90 cumulative days over 180 days applies to the visa exemption. Specifically, if you have already spent 90 days in Thailand in the last 6 months, the immigration officer may refuse your entry. This rule aims to discourage repetitive “border runs” used as an alternative to a long-term visa.
Overstay in Thailand — risks and fines
⚠️ Beware of overstay: staying in Thailand beyond the date of your visa or exemption is illegal. The fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. Beyond 90 days of overstay, you risk a ban from entering Thailand for up to 10 years. To avoid any problems: extend your visa on time or leave the territory before expiration.
For all duration rules and extension procedures: rules for length of stay and extension in Thailand. For overstay risks: risks and fines for overstay in Thailand.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand visa
Do I need a visa to go to Thailand in 2026?
No, if you are a French, Belgian, Swiss, or Canadian national. The visa exemption allows you to enter Thailand for a maximum of 60 days without prior application. However, the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is mandatory since May 2025 — it is filled out for free on tdac.immigration.go.th.
What is the TDAC Thailand?
The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory digital arrival form since May 1, 2025. It must be filled out for free on the official website tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand. It applies to all travelers, whether they have a visa or benefit from the exemption.
How much does a visa for Thailand cost?
The visa exemption is completely free. If you need a visa, the TR tourist e-visa officially costs €35 (fees paid on thaievisa.go.th). The multi-entry TR costs €175, the DTV €350. Beware of agencies that charge €70 to €100 for a simple TR e-visa that normally costs €35.
How long can you stay in Thailand without a visa?
French citizens can stay 60 days in Thailand thanks to the visa exemption. This stay can be extended by an additional 30 days in Thailand (fee: 1,900 baht). The rule of 90 cumulative days over 180 days applies to repeated entries by exemption.
How to apply for Thailand e-visa?
The e-visa application is made on the official website thaievisa.go.th. Create an account, select “Tourism”, fill out the form, upload your documents (passport, photo, financial proofs, return ticket) and pay by credit card. The processing time is approximately 4 weeks. Submit your application at least 6 weeks before departure.
What is the difference between visa exemption and e-visa?
The exemption is automatic upon arrival — no prior application, free, maximum 60 days. The e-visa is a visa obtained before departure on thaievisa.go.th (minimum €35) — useful if you want to secure your entry or if your country is not eligible for exemption. For stays up to 60 days, the exemption is sufficient for French citizens.
Can you extend your visa in Thailand?
Yes. It is possible to extend your stay by an additional 30 days directly at a Thai Immigration office (fee: 1,900 baht). Simply present yourself before the visa expires with your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash. The main office is in Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana) but offices exist in every province.
What is the DTV Thailand?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a long-term visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It costs €350, is valid for 5 years, and allows stays of 180 days per entry. It can be applied for online at thaievisa.go.th and requires proof of remote activity or income.
What are the risks of overstaying in Thailand?
The overstay fine is 500 baht per day of overstay, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. If you are arrested with an active overstay, the fine can be heavier and an entry ban may be imposed. Beyond 90 days of overstay, the entry ban can range from 1 to 10 years.
Is the thaievisa.go.th website safe and official?
Yes, thaievisa.go.th is the official website of the Thai government for e-visa applications — recognizable by the .go.th extension reserved for Thai government agencies. Beware of sites with similar names (thaivisa.com, e-visa-thailand.com, etc.) that charge unofficial service fees for the same service.
For a specific guide for French nationals: Thailand visa for French citizens — complete guide 2026.
