Are children under 15 exempt from bans for overstaying a tourist visa in Thailand?

Fake!

Who told you this?

With it on the record, there is risk of a shadow ban in the future as noted by James Miller.

NOT 🚫 TRUE...

An 11-year-old child is generally not subject to overstay fines in Thailand and cannot be banned from the country for overstaying until they turn 18, though an overstay stamp will still be placed in their passport.

However, they are still subject to immigration laws and must have a valid entry or extension of stay, and repeated violations can have serious consequences.

Key Points

Overstay Stamps:

Even without fines or bans, a child's passport will receive an overstay stamp if they remain in Thailand longer than their authorized stay.

No Fines for Under 15s:

Children under 15 are exempt from fines for overstaying their visa.

No Bans for Under 18s:

Children under the age of 18 cannot be banned from Thailand for overstaying.

Visa Requirements Still Apply:

The exemption from fines and bans does not mean children don't need a visa or a valid extension of stay.

Consequences for Repeated Violations:

Multiple or significant overstays can still lead to serious consequences, though the specific penalties may differ for minors.

What to Do

Apply for Extensions:

It is advisable to apply for a visa extension for children to avoid an overstay, even if a fine is unlikely.

Check Passport:

Always check the child's passport for any overstay stamps and be aware of potential difficulties if attempting to re-enter the country in the future.