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Thailand visa for French citizens

French citizens can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa when arriving on or after 15 September 2026, counting the arrival day as day 1. One extension of up to 30 days is possible at an immigration office before your last day, for about 1900 baht.

Combining Thailand with Laos and Cambodia

French travellers often pair Thailand with Laos and Cambodia. Each return to Thailand starts a new visa-free period, but visa-free entry through a land border is limited to 2 times per calendar year on this passport. Flying back in does not count towards that limit.

Staying longer

For a stay beyond the visa-free days, apply for a visa before you leave France through the official e-Visa site. Your passport is one of the fourteen that can apply for the five-year O-X long-stay visa. See retirement visa requirements.

Before you fly

  • Passport valid well beyond your planned stay
  • Return or onward ticket and your first hotel booking, in case the officer asks
  • The free TDAC arrival card, submitted in the window before you arrive

Worked example

French citizens arriving on Tuesday, 1 December 2026 can stay until Wednesday, 30 December 2026: 30 days, counting the arrival day as day 1. With one approved extension, the last day becomes Friday, 29 January 2027. Leaving two days after the last legal day would mean an overstay fine of 1,000 baht at departure.

Your last legal day

Arriving by
Check an overstay fine (optional)

Choose your passport and entry date to see your last legal day.

Questions from French citizens

Do French citizens need a visa for Thailand?

Not for a holiday within the visa-free period. France is on Thailand's visa-exemption list.

How long can I stay on a French passport?

The visa-free stay was shortened on 15 September 2026. Use the calculator for your exact last day.

Does a trip to Laos reset my stay?

Re-entering starts a new visa-free period, but land entries are limited each calendar year.

Can I extend in Thailand?

Yes, once, at an immigration office before your last day. There is a fee.

Sources

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For information only, not legal advice. The immigration officer at your port of entry makes the final decision. ThaiSpend is an independent site and is not affiliated with Thai Immigration or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.