Thailand Visa Exemption 60/90 Days: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about Thailand's 2026 visa exemption: 60 days free entry, 30-day extension, requirements, documents, and practical tips for French citizens.
Author
The visa exemption is undoubtedly the simplest way to enter Thailand for French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian citizens. Since 2024, this exemption has been extended to 60 days, with the possibility of extending to 90 days once in Thailand. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the 60-day visa exemption?
The visa exemption is a mechanism allowing citizens of 93 countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, to enter Thailand without a prior visa for tourist purposes. According to Thai immigration regulations, the visa exemption was doubled to 60 days on July 15, 2024, a measure initially temporary that was made permanent by the Thai government to boost tourism.
Historically limited to 30 days, this exemption is now available to eligible nationalities arriving by air or land border.
Key Information
- Initial duration: 60 days
- Possible extension: +30 days (total 90 days)
- Cost: Free (extension: 1,900 THB ~$53 USD)
- Entries: Single entry only
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Nationalities (non-exhaustive list)
Among the 93 nationalities eligible for the 60-day visa exemption are:
- France
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- All European Union countries
- United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea...
Required Documents Upon Arrival
Upon arrival in Thailand, you must present:
- Valid passport for minimum 6 months after entry date
- Return or onward ticket (to another country)
- Proof of funds: 10,000 THB (~$280 USD) per person or 20,000 THB (~$560 USD) per family
- Boarding pass (sometimes requested)
Warning About Immigration Checks
Although rarely requested, proof of funds can be required. Immigration officers have the right to refuse entry if you cannot provide it. Keep proof accessible (cash, bank statement on your phone).
30-Day Extension in Thailand
Once in Thailand, you can extend your stay by an additional 30 days, bringing the total duration to 90 days. As of 2026, this extension is available at any immigration office.
Extension Procedure
- Go to an Immigration office (not at the airport)
- Complete form TM.7 (available on-site)
- Prepare the following documents:
- Original passport
- 1 passport photo (4x6 cm)
- Photocopy of passport identity page
- Photocopy of entry stamp and departure card TM.6
- Completed form TM.7
- 1,900 THB (~$53 USD) in cash
- Wait for processing (generally same day)
Main Immigration Offices
| City | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Chaeng Wattana Government Complex | 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Chiang Mai | Promenada Resort Mall | 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Phuket | Phuket Town | 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Pattaya | Soi 5, Jomtien Beach | 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri) |
Practical Tip
Arrive early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid long queues. In Bangkok, the Chaeng Wattana office can be extremely crowded; plan for the entire morning.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Free: no visa fees to pay before departure
- Simple: no prior procedure, no online form
- Flexible: decide to leave whenever you want
- Easy extension: 30 additional days for 1,900 THB (~$53 USD)
- No appointment needed at embassy or complex documents
Disadvantages
- Limited duration: 90 days maximum, no renewal
- No work allowed: strictly prohibited to work
- Single entry: if you leave Thailand, you lose your remaining days
- Cannot open bank account with this status
- No Thai driver's license: you cannot obtain one
Visa Exemption vs Tourist Visa (TR)
| Criteria | Visa Exemption | Tourist Visa (TR) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 60 days | 60 days |
| Extension | +30 days | +30 days |
| Cost | Free | ~$110 USD (single) / ~$330 USD (multiple) |
| Multiple entries | No | Yes (METV) |
| Prior procedure | No | Yes (embassy) |
| Ideal for | Single short stay | Frequent round trips |
Border Run: Is It Still Possible?
The border run (exiting and immediately returning to Thailand to obtain a new entry stamp) is a practice that has existed for a long time but is increasingly monitored.
Important Warning
Immigration officers can refuse entry if they suspect abuse of the visa exemption system. The following profiles are particularly monitored:
- Multiple entry/exit stamps in passport
- Cumulative stays exceeding 180 days/year on exemption
- No return ticket to home country
If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 90 days, it is strongly recommended to opt for an appropriate visa: multiple-entry tourist visa (METV), education visa (ED), or one of the new visas like the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) for digital nomads.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Work on the Visa Exemption?
No, absolutely not. Any remunerated activity is prohibited, including remote work for a foreign employer (theoretically). To work legally, you need a Non-B visa and a work permit.
How Many Times Per Year Can I Use the Visa Exemption?
There is no official limit, but immigration officers carefully examine passports with numerous entries. Beyond 2-3 exemptions per year (180 cumulative days), you risk being questioned or refused.
Do I Need a Return Ticket to France?
Not necessarily to France, but you must have a ticket proving you will leave Thailand within 60 days (or 90 days if extension planned). A ticket to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia...) is sufficient.
What Happens If I Overstay?
Overstay is a serious offense in Thailand:
- 1-90 days: fine of 500 THB/day (~$14 USD/day, max 20,000 THB ~$560 USD)
- More than 90 days: risk of entry ban (1-10 years depending on duration)
- Possible arrest in serious cases
Is the Exemption Valid for Land Border Crossings?
Yes, the visa exemption also applies to land border entries from neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia). The conditions are identical.
Conclusion: Who Should Use the Visa Exemption?
The 60-day visa exemption is ideal for:
- Tourists discovering Thailand for 1 to 3 months
- People coming for medical tourism
- Occasional visitors not planning to stay long
- Travelers in Southeast Asia making a stopover in Thailand
If you plan to stay longer or return regularly, explore our guides on the DTV Visa (ideal for digital nomads) or the Retirement Visa (for 50+).
Need Help Choosing Your Visa?
Use our Visa Finder to get a personalized recommendation based on your situation.
Official Resources
- Thai Immigration Bureau — official Thai immigration website
- French Embassy in Thailand — consular information for French citizens