Thailand Visa 2026: Complete Guide to New Cabinet Measures (February 2026)
The Thai Cabinet confirmed on February 10, 2026, comprehensive visa reforms: permanent 60-day exemption, DTV visa, e-Visa rollout, mandatory TDAC, and simplified categories. Here's what changes for French nationals.
Author
On February 10, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially confirmed a comprehensive set of visa and entry reforms. For French nationals—whether tourists, expats, or future residents—these measures represent a major simplification of administrative procedures. Here's everything you need to know about what's already in place, what's changing, and what it means for you.
What is the 60-Day Visa Exemption for French Nationals?
The 60-day visa exemption is now permanent for nationals of 93 countries, including France. This is the most significant measure for French travelers. If you hold a French passport, you can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days.
This duration was initially extended from 30 to 60 days on a temporary basis in 2024 before being confirmed as a permanent measure. Excellent news for those wishing to make extended stays without dealing with visa formalities.
Even better: this exemption can be extended by an additional 30 days at a local immigration office, bringing the total possible stay to 90 days. For full practical details, see our complete guide to the 60/90-day visa exemption.
Is There a Limit on Visa-Exempt Entries per Year?
No. In January 2026, a persistent rumor circulated on expat forums claiming Thailand would limit visa-exempt entries to two per calendar year. This information has been officially denied. There is no official limit on the number of visa-exempt entries per year.
That said, immigration officers retain discretionary power. If you make frequent back-to-back border runs, you may be questioned about your intentions. But no formal rule prevents you from returning multiple times within a year.
What is the Visa on Arrival (VOA) Program?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program currently covers 31 countries in its phase 1. This visa, obtained directly upon arrival at Thai international airports, allows a stay of 15 days (sometimes extended to 30 depending on the period).
French nationals do not need VOA since they benefit from the much more advantageous visa exemption (60 days vs. 15). However, this is useful information if you're traveling with companions of other nationalities.
Phase 2 in preparation: 8 additional countries are currently being validated for addition to the VOA list. The government has not yet announced the final list, but the objective is clear: facilitate access to boost tourism.
What is the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) remains one of the major innovations confirmed by the Cabinet. This visa, launched in 2024, is specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads.
According to Thai immigration regulations, the DTV offers:
- Duration: 180 days, renewable once (total 360 days)
- Multiple entries: you can exit and re-enter freely during validity
- Flexibility: open to remote workers, participants in training courses, wellness retreats, sports or cultural events
- Cost: 10,000 THB (~$280 USD)
The DTV has become the reference visa for French nationals working online from Thailand. If this applies to you, our complete DTV visa guide details all conditions and application procedures.
For those over 50 hesitating between the DTV and retirement visa, we have a detailed DTV vs. Retirement Visa comparison to help you decide.
What is the ED Plus Visa for Students?
Among the new measures, the government introduced the ED Plus visa, an evolution of the classic Non-ED (education) visa. This new non-immigrant visa covers two scenarios:
- Studies only: for students enrolled in a recognized institution
- Studies + work: a combination that didn't exist in the old system, allowing students to work legally while studying
This is a significant advancement, especially for young French nationals wishing to study Thai or pursue training in Thailand while having supplementary income. To understand the basics of the current education visa, see our Non-ED visa guide.
How Does the e-Visa System Work?
Since January 2025, the e-Visa system has been deployed across all 94 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide. In practice, this means all visa applications can be done online, regardless of your country of residence.
The process is simple:
- Create an account on the Thai e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th)
- Select the desired visa type
- Upload your documents (passport, photos, supporting documents)
- Pay fees online
- Receive your electronic visa by email
No more embassy queues or mailing passports. The e-Visa has considerably simplified procedures, particularly for Non-B work visas and Non-O spouse visas which previously required physical appointments.
What is the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)?
Since May 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has replaced the old TM6 form you used to fill out on the plane. This 100% digital system is now mandatory for all travelers entering Thailand.
How to Complete the TDAC
It's quick and easy:
- Visit the official website tdac.immigration.go.th (or download the app)
- Create your profile with personal and passport information
- Enter your flight details: flight number, arrival date, airport
- Indicate your accommodation in Thailand (hotel name or address)
- Submit the form—you'll receive a QR code
Practical tip: Complete the TDAC at least 72 hours before your flight. You can do it until the last minute, but planning ahead avoids airport stress. Save your QR code on your phone—it will be scanned at immigration.
The TDAC is a real time-saver upon arrival. No more searching for a pen on the plane, and immigration processing is noticeably smoother.
How Were Non-Immigrant Visas Simplified in 2025?
This is a major administrative reform, effective since August 2025. The Thai non-immigrant visa system, formerly composed of 17 different codes (Non-B, Non-O, Non-ED, Non-OA, etc.), was streamlined into 7 more readable categories.
The objective: make the system more understandable for foreigners and reduce administrative confusion. As of 2026, the main categories now cover:
- Work
- Family/reunion
- Education
- Retirement
- Investment
- Long-term residence (LTR)
- Special cases (diplomatic, NGO, etc.)
In practice, old codes are being progressively replaced. If you currently hold a visa under the old system, it remains valid until expiration. The change applies to new applications.
For long-term options, check out our LTR visa guide or the Thailand Elite Visa guide.
What Changes Are Coming to the Retirement Visa?
The Cabinet confirmed that a revision of the retirement visa system is underway. The stated objective is to attract foreign retirees with high purchasing power, with particular focus on:
- Real estate: facilitate property access (or long-term rental) for foreign retirees
- Medical tourism: create bridges between the retirement visa and access to quality care in private Thai hospitals
- Financial requirements: potential revision of thresholds (currently 800,000 THB in the bank or 65,000 THB monthly income)
No specific date has been announced for these changes, but the direction is clear: Thailand wants to position itself as the number one retirement destination in Southeast Asia. For current requirements, see our ultimate Thailand retirement visa guide.
What is the Digital Entry Authorization System?
Among projects in development, the government is working on a digital entry authorization system, similar in principle to Europe's ETIAS or the US ESTA. The concept: an online pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers, allowing further streamlining of arrival controls.
This system is not yet operational, but it fits within the continuation of procedure digitization (e-Visa, TDAC). We'll update this article as soon as concrete information is released.
What Does This Mean for French Nationals?
Let's recap the practical impacts of these measures for French nationals:
Visiting for Vacation (Less Than 60 Days)
Nothing to do visa-wise: the visa exemption automatically gives you 60 days. Simply remember to complete the TDAC before your flight. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Staying 2-3 Months
Enter on visa exemption (60 days) then get a 30-day extension at the nearest immigration office (1,900 THB, approximately $50). Total: 90 days without a visa. More details in our 60/90-day exemption guide.
Working Online (Digital Nomad)
The DTV is designed for you. Up to 360 days in Thailand with multiple exit possibilities. See our DTV guide.
Settling Permanently
Depending on your situation, several options are available: the retirement visa (50+), the spouse visa (married to a Thai national), the Non-B work visa, or the Thailand Elite Visa for comfortable budgets. Our visa calculator can help you find the most suitable option.
Student Status
The new ED Plus visa opens the possibility of combining studies and work. Pending its complete implementation, the classic Non-ED visa remains available.
What is the 90-Day Reporting Requirement?
Regardless of your visa type, if you stay more than 90 consecutive days in Thailand, you must complete the 90-day report (TM47) with immigration. According to Thai immigration regulations, this is a simple but mandatory formality. Our complete 90-day report guide explains everything.
Complete Guide to Expatriating to Thailand
If all these measures inspire you to take the leap, we've written a complete guide to expatriating to Thailand in 2026 covering much more than visas: housing, cost of living, healthcare, banking, mobile phones... it's all there.
Conclusion
The measures announced by the Thai Cabinet on February 10, 2026, confirm a clear trend: Thailand is simplifying and modernizing its visa system to attract more foreign visitors and residents. Between the permanent 60-day exemption, generalized e-Visa, digital TDAC, and simplified categories, the country has never been more accessible for French nationals.
Whether you're coming for two weeks of vacation or settling permanently, options are numerous and procedures increasingly streamlined. Stay connected with Sekaijin to follow the evolution of these measures—notably VOA phase 2, retirement visa revisions, and the future digital authorization system.
Source: Official Thai Cabinet announcement, February 10, 2026.