Answered3 days ago
What is the process for applying for a DTV dependent visa for a newborn born abroad with a medical condition?
Bit of unique question.
My wife and I are both Americans. Currently based in Thailand
My wife just gave birth to our first child in another country in Asia and now need to get him his DTV dependent visa before going back to Thailand
However, our son was born with a very rare heart condition, which prevents him especially at such a newborn stage, from flights longer than three hours or else it could be fatal. Technically with the new rule we would need to apply for his dependent DTV in America , but we’re stuck because we can’t fly back to the US with him to apply, and he would have a limited number of visa-free entries back into Thailand before they wouldn’t allow him to enter.
When applying in your home country, is there any actual proof of residency for a dependent they ask for besides a passport, driver’s license or mail? They’re not going to ask an infant to show up at the embassy, or his visa stamp or anything like that as an American citizen. How do they know you’re ‘in’ America when you apply?
My wife and I are both Americans. Currently based in Thailand
My wife just gave birth to our first child in another country in Asia and now need to get him his DTV dependent visa before going back to Thailand
However, our son was born with a very rare heart condition, which prevents him especially at such a newborn stage, from flights longer than three hours or else it could be fatal. Technically with the new rule we would need to apply for his dependent DTV in America , but we’re stuck because we can’t fly back to the US with him to apply, and he would have a limited number of visa-free entries back into Thailand before they wouldn’t allow him to enter.
When applying in your home country, is there any actual proof of residency for a dependent they ask for besides a passport, driver’s license or mail? They’re not going to ask an infant to show up at the embassy, or his visa stamp or anything like that as an American citizen. How do they know you’re ‘in’ America when you apply?
Answer summary
An American couple currently in Thailand seeks guidance on obtaining a DTV dependent visa for their newborn son who was born abroad and has a rare heart condition that prohibits long flights. They are particularly concerned about the proof of residency required for dependents when applying from the U.S. while unable to travel back due to their child's health. Responses in the community address the necessity of obtaining a U.S. passport for the infant, the implications of overstay fines for children, and the option of acquiring a medical certificate to support their case.
26 repliesnewest first
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Thomas ********
Lots of good advice here. Just want to say — I’m so sorry about the heart condition. We just had a baby (our fourth) back in April, and she had something minor. It feels like a sack of bricks on your heart when something isn’t working right with babies and kids.
Tyler ********
Question… as my wife is also about to have a baby. I’m American so obviously it’s normal for me. Questions is if you did, could you recommend a doctor to do c*rcumcision?
Mark *********
Children are not affected with overstays
Anonymous ******************
My husband and I are both on the DTV. Our daughter was born in Bangkok and doesn't have a DTV yet. We had planned to add her as a dependent but since they changed the rules about doing it in neighboring countries, we haven't gotten around to going back to the US or UK to do it. Just wanted to mention that the last two times we entered at immigration they gave us a really hard time and told us off for not having her as a proper dependent. We had been told by so many people that kids under a certain age don't need a visa and we're officially advised by our former job in Bangkok that we didn't need to worry about it. It seems like they are cracking down on this issue. They told us they had left a note in her passport that the next time she entered without a visa, they may deny entry. I hope you are able to sort everything out and maybe getting a medical certificate could help. Just wanted to let you know our experience so you have as much info as possible
Anonymous ******************
My husband and I are both on the DTV. Our daughter was born in Bangkok and doesn't have a DTV yet. We had planned to add her as a dependent but since they changed the rules about doing it in neighboring countries, we haven't gotten around to going back to the US or UK to do it. Just wanted to mention that the last two times we entered at immigration they gave us a really hard time and told us off for not having her as a proper dependent. We had been told by so many people that kids under a certain age don't need a visa and we're officially advised by our former job in Bangkok that we didn't need to worry about it. It seems like they are cracking down on this issue. They told us they had left a note in her passport that the next time she entered without a visa, they may deny entry. I hope you are able to sort everything out and maybe getting a medical certificate could help. Just wanted to let you know our experience so you have as much info as possible
SkilledCra**********
OPAnonymous participant 997 thank you so much for sharing your experience and story! I’m so sorry they’ve given you a difficult time about it. 🙏🏼
SkilledCra**********
OPThank you all for your help and taking the time to reply. This is very encouraging.
I wasn’t aware that children under a certain age do not have overstay fines or penalties. But I’m still concerned that when they go through immigration with us, wouldn’t the officer still say something? Or is it so normal that they would just ignore the repeated visa-exempt entires and any possible overstay 
I wasn’t aware that children under a certain age do not have overstay fines or penalties. But I’m still concerned that when they go through immigration with us, wouldn’t the officer still say something? Or is it so normal that they would just ignore the repeated visa-exempt entires and any possible overstay 
John *******
SkilledCranberry4628 - While they waive the overstay fees, it is still considered an immigration violation. If possible I wouldn't do this, as we know how the government can easily change how they deal with things and who is to say they wouldn't change something that would impact a foreigner (even a child) that has multiple visa violations in their passport. If the child still needs ongoing treatment in Thailand, have you thought about applying for a Medical Treatment Visa (Non-Immigrant O or Non-MT)? I believe you can apply for that via the embassy in the country where you currently are (initially 90 days) and then extend while in country.
Liza ********
SkilledCranberry4628 i really would encourge you to have a consultation with a credible agency to understand the details. Or contact the embassy where you are directly to discuss.
Nongnuch ********
you need a passport for the newborn, issued by the US embassy in the country where you currently stay. Once the passport is issued, your baby can enter Thailand visa-exempt, and this can maybe be achieved by crossing at a land border, so no flight is needed. . . . . Children up to the age of 15 do not get fined for an overstay
SkilledCra**********
OP@Nongnuch *******
thank you! Yes, of course, we’re in the process of getting his passport now. My concern was about the visa, thank you for the information you shared! You say they don’t get a fine for overstay, but is there still any issue when they go through immigration? 
Nongnuch ********
SkilledCranberry4628 no, no issues
DrivenPassi***********
We have 2 year old and both parents on DTV.
Our child has no Visa (born in Thailand - British Passport)
When we leave and return after 170 ish days to reset DTV clock there is no issue with our child overstaying.
Our child has no Visa (born in Thailand - British Passport)
When we leave and return after 170 ish days to reset DTV clock there is no issue with our child overstaying.
Anonymous ******************
DrivenPassionfruit8033 this is not been my experience. Exact same situation.. we have a 2-year-old that was born here. They have told us off twice for her overstaying, and have left a note on her passport apparently
DrivenPassi***********
It seems to flag as an overstay then we go to a second desk (assume a manager) who checks the babys passport, and waves us through.
Its never delayed us more than a couple of minutes to date.
Its never delayed us more than a couple of minutes to date.
SkilledCra**********
OPDrivenPassionfruit8033 thank you for your reply! What does immigration do when you go through with your child? Did they ever tell you Danny to go get their own DTV? Do they ask you anything about overstayed? Or do they just pass you through no problem? 
Henrik *****
Why do you think they have requirements ?
It is not something can choose which you want to fulfill and which you don’t want to comply with, because they need you to do an effort.
And yes they will know that you aren’t in the resident country when the application is made and during the whole visaprocess, thats why you have to show your passport and the passport get scanned and stamped.
It is not something can choose which you want to fulfill and which you don’t want to comply with, because they need you to do an effort.
And yes they will know that you aren’t in the resident country when the application is made and during the whole visaprocess, thats why you have to show your passport and the passport get scanned and stamped.
M*
Children are not held for overstay, until a certain age (longtime away from now), just make a normal tourist visa. And sort it in Thailand, or just leave in the backburner for the next 16 years.
(Please verify this info or any info you receive, ask immigration, this is just my ignorant advice)
(Please verify this info or any info you receive, ask immigration, this is just my ignorant advice)
Elías ********
No need to worry, visa wise, for the baby, for the time being.
DioPar******
I believe that once your son is here in Thailand he could get a medical certificate that states the newborn can't travel by plane. Btw, anyone below 16 won't get any trouble even while overstaying
Greg ********
Children under 16 I think it is do not get overstay fines or blacklisted. I would also get the medical evidence as well as backup. Could you do the 180 day runs separately and the other parent takes care in Thailand. Good luck. PS: not odea about proof of location but they may ask the parent for theirs?
Kool *******
Just get the child his US passport. That is the first think needed no matter what you do. Then he can enter Thailand with you on visa exempt entry, and stay until he is 15 years old, without any overstay fine, or other penalty. The two entries only refers to land border entries, not flying in. Thailand, and Bangkok specifically, has some of the best medical in the world, concerning your child's heart condition
Anonymous ******************
I have no help but it seems so absurd they would make you go all the way back with a newborn just to apply as a dependent! I guess this is something to keep in mind if we ever decide to expand our family while we are here. Hope you can figure something out ❤️
Elías ********
Participante anónimo 850 that's why children below 18 y/o are exempted from immigration fines and reentry bans.
911l****
@Elías *******
below 14 and still at the discretion of officersElías ********
@911l****
yes, but especially when there's a good reason, like in this caseActivity
18 joined18
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