Thailand Travel Requirements: The Complete Checklist Before You Go

The entry requirements for Thailand are fairly straightforward, but two of them have changed recently, and many websites are no longer up to date. As of now, a French citizen traveling with a passport valid for at least six more months must complete the TDAC digital arrival card online within three days before the flight and does not need a visa for a stay of less than 60 days. That’s all that’s required. Please note, however, that the Thai government has approved a return to a 30-day visa-free stay; the effective date has not yet been set, and this page will be updated as soon as it is.

The rest of the preparations aren’t required at the border, but they make all the difference once you’re there: travel insurance with exclusions you’ve read through, enough cash to pay in places where credit cards aren’t accepted, an eSIM activated before landing, and an international driver’s license if you plan to drive. Here’s the complete list, in the order you should take care of them.

The Checklist at a Glance

Passport: valid for six months and in good condition

Thailand requires a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. If your passport expires in four months, you will be denied boarding, even for a two-week stay.

The condition of the document also matters: a torn, peeled, or damaged passport may be rejected. If yours is damaged, have it replaced before purchasing your tickets; renewal times vary significantly depending on the time of year.

Visas: Nothing to do for 60 days, but the rule is changing

The Rule Today

Currently, French citizens can enter the country without a visa for a stay of up to 60 days. No paperwork is required before departure; the visa stamp is applied upon arrival. A 30-day extension can then be requested locally at an immigration office.

The approved change: a return to 30 days

On May 19, 2026, the Thai government approved the end of the 60-day visa exemption. France is among the countries that will retain a visa exemption, though it will be reduced to 30 days. The measure takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Thai Official Gazette, which has not yet occurred. In practical terms: check the rules in effect at the time of booking, not when you’re just dreaming about your trip. This page is updated whenever there is a change.

Beyond: The Tourist Visa

To stay longer than the visa-free period allows, you must apply for a visa before departure. Information on visa types, requirements, and procedures is available on the Thailand Visa page.

TDAC: Required, free, five minutes

As of May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must completethe TDAC(Thailand Digital Arrival Card). It replaces the old paper form distributed on the plane. It must be completed online on the official immigration website within three days prior to arrival, and a QR code is generated that must be presented at passport control.

It's free. Some well-ranked third-party websites sometimes charge several dozen euros for it—but they don't add any value. And since the official website isn't available in French, the step-by-step guide can be found on theTDAC Thailand page.

The exit permit

Airlines may ask for proof of departure from Thailand at check-in: a return ticket or a ticket to another country, within the authorized stay period. A one-way ticket with no onward travel plans may result in being denied boarding at check-in. If your itinerary is open-ended, be sure to have at least one changeable outbound ticket.

Travel insurance: not required, but please read this paragraph

No insurance is required at the border for a tourist visit. However, this is the area that deserves the most attention: a doctor’s visit must be paid for on the spot, and hospitalization or repatriation can quickly run into the thousands of euros. Credit cards include coverage, but it has a cap and is full of exclusions.

What's covered, what isn't, and how to choose: you'll find all the information on the Thailand travel insurance page.

Money: A Card Alone Isn't Enough

Two things to keep in mind before you leave: make sure you have some cash in baht as soon as you arrive, and bring a card with no international fees, because every withdrawal in Thailand incurs both the local ATM fee and your bank's fee.

Details on fees, the euro-baht exchange rate, and recommended cards can be found on the " Travel Credit Cards" page ( coming soon).

The phone: set up before landing

An eSIM—a digital SIM card that you can set up from home—costs just a few euros and works as soon as you land. The alternative is a physical SIM card at the airport, which is a good option as long as you shop around at different counters. Details on how it works, prices, and potential pitfalls are on the “eSIMThailand” page (coming soon).

If you plan to drive: the international driver's license

A French driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Thailand. You can apply for an international driver's license online; it's free, but processing times vary widely—so be sure to submit your application as soon as your trip starts to take shape. To ride a scooter, you need the motorcycle category; without it, your insurance company may refuse to cover an accident. Details are available on the "Renting a Scooter inThailand" page ( coming soon).

Vaccines: None are required when traveling from France

No vaccinations are required to enter Thailand from France. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the length and type of your stay. A complete overview, with official medical sources, is available on the Thailand Vaccinations page ( coming soon).

In summary

Two requirements: a passport valid for six months after arrival, and the free TDAC form completed online within three days before the flight. No visa is required for stays of 60 days or less at this time, but the 30-day return requirement has been approved and may vary from month to month: check when you book. The rest—insurance, cash, eSIM, and international driver’s permit—aren’t checked at the border, but these are the details that make the difference between a well-planned trip and a complicated one.