Answereda year ago

What experiences have people had with the Non-Immigrant O visa regarding children's entry to Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O visa Thailand immigration Children visa entry Visa exemption Family visa Passport control experiences

Tanja ******

asked Aug 15, 2025

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Has anyone had experience with the Non-Immigrant O visa for Thailand?

I have two questions:

1. Has it ever happened to someone that accompanying children (under 18 years old) were not allowed to enter Thailand or were rejected, even though a parent held a Non-Immigrant O visa?

I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences ,thank you!

Answer summary

The Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand can pose challenges when accompanying children under 18 enter the country. Instances have been reported where children, despite being with a parent on a valid Non-O visa, were questioned at passport control due to entry regulations. It is essential to note that children do not require a visa for entry if they are under 15, but they may still face scrutiny depending on the immigration officer. Experiences indicate that it is advisable for parents to secure a 'piggy back' Non-O visa for their children to avoid issues during entry.

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Tod *********

Okay keep in mind that just because there is no overstay fine for children under 15 and no banning for children under 18 that is not the same as saying they "don't need a visa to be here"

There was just a recent case where a foreigner was flying back in to thailand on a valid visa and their young (8 y/o) child was coming back in with them on a 'free stamp' (visa exempt entry).

They were pulled aside by passport control questioned as to why the child didn't have a valid visa AND the child only got into the country because the parent was able to contact their employer who assured immigrations that they would apply for a "piggy back" Non-O visa for the child (family member of a foreigner who legally works here)..

So whether you can or can't get a child in free stamp if you're on a Non-O visa seems to come down to the officer you're in front of at passport control

remember once a child hits 15 and overstays while they still can't be banned (that happens only when they turn 18) they can be fined for overstay @ 500 baht a day like everyone else

a year ago

Dca *****

@Tod ********

Generally, even without a ban or fines, will there be an overstay stamp and/or overstay note/notation in the child's passport?

a year ago

Tod *********

@Dca ****

I have seen most every child get the overstay stamp but it has the notation fine waived due to age

a year ago

Tanja ******

@Tod ********

What options does my child have for a visa? I get the non immigrant o.

a year ago

Tod *********

@Tanja *****

you send them to school and they get an ED visa based on studying at a school,

OR

you get them an Non-O visa, based on being the family of a foreigner here on Non-O visa

a year ago