Visas & paperwork · Thailand

I’m sharing my successful e-Visa application experience because I’ll admit—I really struggled with the website and gathering all the required documents. https://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/les-types-de-visa-et-les-documents-necessaires/visa-touristique/ I recommend preparing everything in advance according to the instructions below and trying to complete the 60-day TR tourist e-Visa application in one go. You can save and return to it later, but I didn’t find the site very intuitive (it took a lot of time to figure out how it works, etc.). For the 60-day TR tourist e-Visa, it took me about 2 to 3 hours to prepare all the required documents and fill out the online form completely. (Next time, though, it’ll take me much less time since I’ll know how it works better, etc.). I received my e-Visa 15 days later, but according to the embassy, the processing time can be much longer (the embassy recommends in section 4.3: “We advise you to submit your visa application between 2 and 3 months before your planned departure.”) https://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/infos-generales/ ⚠️ RECOMMENDATION: 4 months before applying (so 6 months before your trip if you apply 2 months ahead), make sure your bank statements show a minimum balance of 700 € for each of the 3 months prior to your application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE 60-DAY TR SINGLE-ENTRY E-VISA IN THAILAND

A digital copy of your passport: Color copy of the double-page spread with your photo. It must show the entire machine-readable zone (the two lines of characters at the bottom) and all four corners of the page. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. (Format: JPEG or PDF) A color ID photo: Official ID photo on a plain white background, max 3 MB in size, and taken within the last 6 months. If you use the same photo as the one printed in your passport (if it was issued 2 years ago, for example), the system will detect the inconsistency and reject your application. The background must be strictly white, with no shadows, no glasses, and your face must be fully visible. Proof of financial means: Official bank statements (checking and/or savings) for the last 3 months. They must clearly display your name and show a minimum balance of 700 € for each month (1,000 € is preferable), per person (even for couples). Bank statement format and date: Screenshots from mobile banking apps (without your name or the bank’s logo) are systematically rejected. You must provide the full official statement in PDF format, downloaded from your online banking. Additionally, the most recent statement must be less than 30 days old at the time of submission. Don’t forget to merge the 3 statements into a single PDF, as only one document can be uploaded per category. Entry and exit tickets: A reservation or confirmation of flight tickets showing your entry into and exit from Thailand. The document must include the PNR (Passenger Name Record: a 6-character booking code used as a reference by the airline) and/or the e-ticket number.

90-day rule: Your exit flight date must not exceed 90 days after your arrival in Thailand. If you have separate tickets: If you have two different tickets for entry and exit, merge them into a single document showing only the entry and exit from Thailand within 90 days (exclude other flights). For example, if you have a round-trip Paris-Bangkok ticket spaced 6 months apart but plan to stay in Indonesia after 60 or 90 days, only submit the inbound flight to Thailand from your first ticket (exclude the return flight that’s 6 months later) and the outbound flight from Thailand to Indonesia (without the flight out of Indonesia, which is likely separate). Merge the two PDFs into one.

Proof of residence in France (less than 3 months old): Mobile phone, landline, internet, or electricity bill in your name. This document must prove that you currently reside in the country from which you’re applying. (Format: PDF or JPEG)

Hotel reservation in your name: Covering the first few nights with your name on it, or an official invitation letter signed by your host along with a copy of their ID. (Format: PDF or JPEG)

⚠️ FOR COUPLES: The official confirmation of your first accommodation in Thailand (hotel, Airbnb) must clearly display the names of BOTH members of the couple, as it will need to be attached to each individual e-Visa application. The second name is essential because each visa applicant must provide proof of accommodation in their name. If your partner’s name doesn’t appear anywhere on the hotel document, their visa application may be blocked or rejected, even if you include a marriage certificate. Prepare the addresses of the first two hotels for the online form; Write down (on paper) the exact address of the first hotel and the next one, as the form also asks for the address of the second hotel (without requiring proof of reservation). Look up the name of the sub-district, district, and province of these establishments online. When applying for the e-Visa, you’ll need to enter the exact address and select the province, district... from dropdown menus. How to add your partner’s name to the hotel reservation?

Log in to your account (Agoda, Booking, etc.), go to your reservations, and look for the option to modify traveler details. You can often add the second person’s name or, in the main traveler name field, enter both names separated by a slash or comma. If you can’t modify it online, ask the hotel for an official reservation confirmation letter (“Confirmation Letter”) explicitly stating: “Room booked for and ”. Thai hotels are used to this process for visas and will send it to you quickly by email in PDF format.

How to merge PDF files? To combine your multiple bank statements or flight tickets in the correct order into a single PDF, you can use a free and intuitive online tool like iLovePDF or Smallpdf. No software to download—everything is done online.

PS: I’ve shared the steps I followed to get my e-Visa. I put them together by comparing recommendations from several AIs and the official e-Visa website. ID photo: I had 6 ID photos taken in an automatic photo booth (found in shopping malls). I cut one out and scanned it in color with a regular scanner. Bank statements: I downloaded the last 3 official monthly bank statements in PDF format and merged them into one. However, 3 years ago, a friend told me he didn’t submit his statements but instead provided a document from his bank (requested from his banker, with stamps, the bank’s logo, and the banker’s signature) clearly stating he had the required funds. I don’t know if this option is still available, but I’m mentioning it. File names: For all files (PDF, JPEG) attached to my e-Visa application, I used my name followed by a description of the document (e.g., “Name photo”).

I have two questions about applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa at the Thai embassy in France for someone over 50: - - Do I need to provide the address(es) of stay in Thailand (hotels, staying with a Thai friend)? - - Financial proof: Is a retirement statement showing over 2,000 € per month sufficient, or are bank statements also required?

I know there’s already a lot of information about the visa requirements on the embassy’s website, but from my experience—having dealt with embassies in other countries in previous years—I know that the information is sometimes (!) incomplete or inconsistent. So, I’d rather hear from people who’ve recently gone through this process to avoid any surprises after submitting my application, which could cause unpleasant delays.

Hi there,

I’m heading to Laos next spring, but I have a question about the Thai arrival/departure form. I’ll be flying PAR-BKK, then taking the train to Laos (so exiting Thailand), and later re-entering Thailand by train to catch my return flight. Do I need to fill out two forms in this case?

Thanks for your help! !

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Laos from France with a transit through Thailand involving 2 entries. I might spend up to 7 days max in Thailand (round trip). The flight I’ve spotted: arrival at BKK and return to France 31 days later.

With the new regulations/visa: "Starting September 15, 2026, French nationals holding an ordinary passport will be able to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes only, down from the previous 60 days."

How do you think the counting is done? - Number of days spent in Thai territory? - Entry and exit dates: number of days between the two?

I’m leaning toward the first option, but to avoid any administrative hassles with Thailand (fines, etc.) and before booking my ticket, your input would really help.

Thanks, have a great weekend!

Hi,

Starting September 15, the visa exemption for Thailand will be reduced from 60 to 30 days.

Anyone entering before this date will still get 60 days.

A return or onward ticket (flight, bus, train) is mandatory.

20,000 baht or the equivalent in cash may be requested by immigration (random checks).

Land entries with a 30-day visa exemption will be limited to 2 per calendar year.

Hi everyone, I bought a new apartment in Pattaya that will be finished at the end of 2013, and I’d like to buy more later... I think it’s a good investment idea, but I’d love to hear from those of you with experience—what do you think? I’d also like to know how to handle rentals... Should I go through agencies, or are they usually rented out directly by the building management companies? Thanks in advance for your replies! 🙂

Hello,

Last year, we stayed for 3 months in Thailand, north of Khao Lak, and were able to benefit from the 2-month visa exemption, renewable for one month by going to Takua Pa to validate a 1-month extension (1,900 baht). This year, it’s a disaster for us—not only were we planning a 4-month stay, adding a visa run in between (which some say is quite risky), but the law is apparently changing in the coming months with the return of the 1-month exemption (plus the usual 1-month option). So, we looked into applying for a 6-month multiple-entry visa, allowing a maximum of 60 consecutive days in Thailand. However, I can’t find anywhere the minimum time required outside Thailand between two stays—do any of you have an idea? Thanks for the info! If you’d like tips on Khao Lak and the surrounding areas, we’ve got some experience, though things change fast! Cheers, Bruno.

Hello to all the Thailand regulars.

I’ve been to Thailand several times, but it was about 20 years ago…

There’s a new system in place now, it seems.

TDAC – Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Before arriving, I apply for a TDAC, okay. If during my stay I cross the border to spend a few days in Malaysia and then re-enter Thailand, do I need to submit a new TDAC application? Do I use the same TDAC as when I first entered the country?

Or do I initially have to pay for a Thai multi-entry visa?

Thanks in advance for your insights—I can’t find the answer online.

Pierre

hi everyone, I’m French and live in France, and my Thai girlfriend just told me she’s pregnant—she lives in Thailand. First step, a paternity test to set my mind at ease. What steps do I need to take to recognize the child? Can I do it before the birth or only after? Where do I need to go, and what paperwork is required?

Just to clarify, I want him to stay in Thailand but be able to come to France anytime without any issues! Thanks for taking the time to read and reply.

Hi everyone, is there anyone sure about this topic? I’ve heard two different things. I’m leaving for Thailand on March 2nd and returning to France on March 30th, and my passport expires on September 25th. When I look at the rule that says the passport must be valid for more than 6 months upon entry, I’m good until March 25th, but on the way out, I’ll be 2 days short of the full 6 months (5 days early, to be precise).

Most people tell me it’s okay because it’s the entry date that counts, and even ChatGPT confirmed that for me. But some say no, it’s the return date that matters. So I called Qatar Airways, and even there, I got two different answers—one person said no, it’s the return date, and another said it’s fine for them. I’m not sure they fully understood what I was asking, and since I’m not in Paris, I can’t go in person either...

Just to be safe, I applied for a passport renewal at the town hall. They told me it would take 4 to 6 weeks, and I applied on January 14th, leaving on March 2nd, which is 6 and a half weeks. On the ANTS tracking, it’s been marked as "in production" since January 17th...

So, are there any experts on this topic out there? Either about whether boarding is allowed with the old passport or about the usual timeline for receiving a new passport... Am I wrong to worry in either case?

Thanks to those who reply!

Hi everyone, could someone clarify a doubt for me? Here's the thing: my passport expires on 25/09, and I want to go to Thailand from 03/3 to 30/3. So, on the day of departure, it will be 6 months and 22 days before the passport's expiry date.

...So, for entry into Thailand, will there be a problem? Apparently not, but I'm not sure. And for the return, since it will exceed the expiry date by 5 days, should I be careful with the layover outside Europe due to the 6-month passport validity rule? For safety, should I choose a European layover to avoid the 6-month passport issue?

I understood that what matters is that on the date of entry into Thailand, the passport must be valid for more than 6 months, and it will be exactly 6 months and 23 days.

However, for the return to France, I leave on 30/03, which is 5 months and 25 days (just 5 days short).

I heard that they don’t check it, and if I have a layover in Doha, for example, where the 6-month rule applies, as long as I stay in the transit area and don’t go through immigration, there shouldn’t be a problem either.

But I’m not sure about anything—even ChatGPT tells me there’s no issue...

Is there an expert on this topic on this forum? Thanks in advance!

Can I enter Thailand with a one-way ticket?

Hi, I’ve got another little question about filling out the TDAC regarding the address to provide, given that I’m staying for 2 months and 3 weeks and I’ve booked an exit ticket to Malaysia (which I’ll cancel on-site before the 60 days). I’ve booked a hotel for one night, and after that, I’ll be staying at my Thai wife’s house—she lives with me in France and has her ID card with the house address. But her *tabien ban* is still in Thailand. Which address should I put? The hotel for one night or the house address? And in that case, I’m worried they might ask me for the TM30.

Hi there, Just a quick question about filling out the TM6 (TDAC) for Thailand. I'm going for 2 months and 3 weeks (I bought a round-trip ticket) and I'll arrive under the 60-day visa exemption since I didn't get a visa. However, I bought an exit ticket to a neighboring country before the 60 days are up to avoid any hassle at Paris airport. For the TM6, they ask for the return date—what should I put? My actual return date? The website doesn’t give me the option to upload my exit ticket from Thailand. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for an O-A Visa from France, and they’re asking for a criminal record extract. In the site’s FAQ, there’s a question that interests me: "I want to present my criminal record extract to the administration of another European Union state. What do I need to provide?" But when I click for the answer, I get a "404 error"... of course 🤪.

My questions are simple: - Is it really the "extrait n°3" that’s required for the O-A Visa application? - Do I need to have it translated into English?

Thanks in advance! Olivier

Hi everyone!

Quick message for the visa experts!

I was planning to enter Thailand with an OA visa applied for from France. This one requires mandatory insurance, in short, it’s a bit "restrictive."

I was wondering if you see any issues with this "setup": 1- Enter with a Non-Immigrant O visa (valid for 90 days) applied for from France (relatively easy to obtain) 2- Apply for an extension with multiple entries for one year before the 90 days expire (Extension of Stay Based on Retirement) That way, I don’t have to provide "visa-compliant" health insurance (I’ll get one separately, don’t worry! :)) 3- Renew the extension year after year.

Constraints: - File a presence declaration every 90 days - Don’t forget to request the "multiple re-entry permit" for 3,800 THB - Open a Thai bank account upon arrival + transfer the 800,000 THB

Side question: Can you open a Thai bank account with an O visa, specifically to make the required funds deposit for the extension?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! Olivier

Hi everyone,

When applying for an OA visa from France, is it okay to provide the address where I’ll just be staying for the first few days while I look for a permanent residence?

Thanks! Olivier

hi, and help! I need to complete my TDAC, but the site is stuck on page 2 under Accommodation Information: I can't fill in the "province" field—it's mandatory! I enter Bangkok, but when I scroll down to add the address... everything disappears.

What should I do? Thanks for your help! Elisabeth

hi I’ve got a flight planned for mid-November from Chennai, India, to Chiang Rai with AirAsia via Bangkok, obviously. My question is: where do I go through immigration—Bangkok or Chiang Rai? Thanks in advance, Christian

Hi everyone, My question is simple. Do you need an international driver's permit in Thailand to ride a basic scooter?

Hi there,

I’m filling out a visa application for Thailand on the official thaievisa site, and I’m unsure about my second first name on my passport, which I need to enter in the online form: Jean-François. The site doesn’t accept hyphens or "ç"

I assume the site will accept "Jean Francois" as my "middle name," but I’d like to be sure this won’t lead to my visa being rejected...

Thanks for your feedback! :) Olivier

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to go to Thailand for 90 days (departure on 20/06).

- I thought I’d read that the processing time for the E-Visa had been reduced to just a few days since June 2025 (so very recent). Can you confirm? However, on the embassy’s website and when I try calling them, they’re still quoting 3-4 weeks. Hasn’t this been updated yet? Because I’m starting to sweat here…🤪

- I was a bit hasty in declaring the funds to prove my solvency. Should I wait for their response rather than submitting a second visa application, which might conflict with the first one?

Thanks for your feedback! Have a great day

Hey everyone, hope you're doing well! :) I’m planning to go back to Thailand at the start of next year—once just wasn’t enough 😅 I’ve seen that nothing’s official yet, but they’re considering reducing the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days. If I book for 58 days like last time and they change the rules last minute, what happens? It takes forever to get a visa—I saw you have to prove you have enough funds to cover your stay. How much money do you need in your account? Thanks!

Good evening, I booked a one-month stay in an Airbnb in Thailand. Is the booking confirmation enough for the 3-month single-entry tourist visa?

Hi, I’d like to know if a flight reservation for Bangkok is enough for the visa or if I need to wait until I have the actual ticket. Thanks

Hi everyone, in a few months I need to bring my Thai partner to France. I’m going to prepare the "attestation d’accueil" for 3 months. On the form, they ask me to act as a financial guarantor for her stay—no problem for me. But on the visa application, France asks her to prove she has sufficient income to get the visa. Is it still necessary for her to prove that, given that I’m acting as her financial guarantor? Thanks

Hi there, hope you're doing well! :) I’m leaving from Bordeaux for Thailand this Tuesday and should land on Wednesday. I wanted to ask about the TDAC—I don’t quite get it: Do you have to do it a maximum of 3 days before departure or 3 days before arrival? How long does it take to get the document, and what form does it come in? I’m worried about messing this up—if you were arriving on Wednesday, when would you fill it out? Thanks for your feedback!

Has it gone back to 30 days for visa exemption? Valid from when? And is a flight ticket mandatory for leaving the country? Thanks!

Hello,

We’re leaving in November 2025 for a stay of more than 60 days in Khao Lak and need to apply for a 30-day extension on-site to be allowed to stay nearly 90 days. Should we declare the flight ticket dates (November 13, 2025, to February 9, 2026) directly on the electronic form (if it’s applied from May 1st) before leaving, at the risk of being denied entry (over 60 days), or declare 60 days and quickly apply for a 30-day extension once there? Are flight tickets checked upon arrival (Phuket) or earlier on the electronic entry request? I remember that the arrival check is quite "serious" and after 18 hours of travel, you’re pretty impressionable! Thanks for your help, Best, Bruno.

Hello,

We’re French nationals planning a tourist trip to Asia with the following itinerary:

First entry into Thailand from Paris: 3 days in Bangkok (visa exemption).

Departure to Cambodia (we have a Cambodia e-visa) then to Laos (we have a Laos e-visa) for 5 days in each country, totaling 10 days outside Thailand.

Second entry into Thailand from Laos: 8 days in Chiang Mai (visa exemption) before returning to Paris.

This means two entries into Thailand in less than a month, with a total stay of 11 days in the country.

**Can you confirm if we can do this trip under the visa exemption policy, or do we need to apply for a double-entry tourist visa?**

Thanks for your help!