Preparing a trip to Thailand in 2026
A visa exemption cut to thirty days, a digital arrival card, choosing the coast according to the season: the guide to preparing a trip to Thailand.
Thailand is one of the easiest long-haul destinations to enjoy, but the entry rules changed in September 2026, and choosing the wrong coast for the season remains the most common mistake. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Information checked in October 2026, for travellers of French nationality. Thailand's entry rules change often: I check them again before every departure.
Entry formalities
Since 15 September 2026, French nationals can stay in Thailand for thirty days without a visa, compared with sixty days previously. A paid extension can be requested on the spot from the immigration services. For a longer stay, a visa is required.
The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. The French authorities also point out that the immigration services may ask for proof of sufficient funds on arrival.
The digital arrival card (TDAC)
Since 1 May 2025, all foreign travellers must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online, no earlier than three days before arrival. It is free and is completed on the official website of the Thai immigration service. Unofficial websites charge for it: there is no need to pay.
When to go, and to which side
Thailand has two coasts, with seasons that do not coincide. From November to March, the Andaman coast, in the west, is dry and sunny. The Gulf of Thailand, in the east, can get rain at that time, particularly in November. Choosing the right coast at the right time is the single most important point for a successful trip. The month-by-month details are on my Thailand page.
How many days, and which itinerary
Two weeks let you combine Bangkok, the north and a few days by the sea without rushing. In ten days, it is better to choose between the north and the sea. Allow a full day for the transfer between the north and the islands: it is often the one people forget.
Thailand with the family or on honeymoon
Thailand suits both, as long as the pace is adapted. With a family, I limit transfers and favour accommodation where you can rest in the afternoon. For a honeymoon, the end of the stay is usually spent by the sea, on the coast that matches the season.
What to book early
- Flights and accommodation over Christmas and New Year, the most sought-after period.
- Seafront accommodation in high season.
- Domestic flights and ferries to the islands on busy dates.
Organising your trip to Thailand
I build tailor-made trips to Thailand, choosing the coast according to the season: the itinerary, domestic flights, accommodation, transfers and the travel book.
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