What visa options are available for a foreign-born child traveling with parents in Thailand under Visa on Arrival?

Visa on Arrival Non O visa Non B visa Thai immigration rules Child visa Overstay policy Visa procedures for minors

Apr 10, 2024

8 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello

We are in need of an urgent advice and any help is highly appreciated.

My wife and I are both foreigners with Non B and Non O. 

Our son was born here in Thailand (2023) and has a passport but not a Thai visa yet. 

We are having an unexpected 3 days trip abroad that let us with not enough time for my son to apply for a Non O. 

As our home country is entitled for Visa on Arrival (not visa exemption) for a 15 days stay what could be our choices?

Can our son be stamped to such 15 days on arrival and then do overstay? And in this case would he need to show a departure flight? Will he be stamped overstay?

I've heard there is no issue for children from countries under Visa Exemption but i am not sure about countries under Visa on Arrival. 

Thank you very much for your kind help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post seeks urgent advice on visa options for a foreign-born child traveling with parents in Thailand under Non B and Non O visas, particularly concerning a short trip abroad without a Non O visa for their son. Various comments provide insights, confirming that the child can enter Thailand on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 15 days, though they would be marked for overstaying upon departure but will not incur penalties until age 15. It is highlighted that all requirements must be met for VOA entry, and caution is advised due to potential complications experienced by others in similar situations.

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James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies 😊

Comments Closed

8 months ago

Martin ********

I can't help or advise on the visa or needs for the kid. BUT you need to bring with you the ORIGINAL birth certificate of your kid. Without it (ok, I admit it'd about 20 years ago) they would let us pass immigration to exit the country with thr daughter (born in thailand)

8 months ago

Tony *********

Does being born in Thailand not entitle one to a Thai passport?

8 months ago

Tod *********

@Tony ********

nope not when both parents are foreigners, not in any way shape or form

8 months ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Khan ********

My son was born here too and we were given this advice that it's ok for babies or young children to be without visa but we had to face a lot of trouble while entering Thailand again after a short trip without him having a Non O visa.

He had to take a 15 days on arrival visa which was not extended and we had to leave the country and get a tourist visa for him which was then transferred to a Non O visa.

Do not leave until your son has a Non O visa or you can get him a tourist visa not the on arrival visa when you come back to Thailand. I hope this helps. (All this was last year)

8 months ago

Tod *********

@Khan *******

they can't get a Non-O visa for a child that isn't on ANY entry stamp inside the country (one that was born here and hasn't left yet) 😕

You're correct, as Ellie stated they could not get a Non-O visa for the child from a 15 day visa on arrival entry.

BUT

They could come back in to the country on the 15 day visa on arrival, and make a plan to go get a tourist visa for the child so that when they come back from that trip they could start the process of getting a non-O for the child

8 months ago

Khan ********

@Tod ********

I am not sure about that. You should check with the immigration before doing anything.

8 months ago

James ********

@Khan *******

FYI Tod Daniels is the expert on Thai Immigration matters re Thai Visa Advice with 20 years experience.

8 months ago

Tod *********

@Khan *******

I am sure a foreign child born here can't get ANY visa until they exit/re-enter and get on a stamp that allows that nationality to get one 😕

If they're from VOA country they would need a tourist visa for the child to switch to a Non-O 90 day visa inside the country

8 months ago

Khan ********

@Tod ********

Yes

8 months ago

Reply to

Khan ********

Ellie *******

Q. Can our son be stamped to such 15 days on arrival and then do overstay?

-> It is possible. he will be stamped for overstaying when he leaves Thailand again, but no overstay fine or penalty until he turns 15 yo.

Q. And in this case would he need to show a departure flight? Will he be stamped overstay?

-> To enter Thailand by applying for VOA at the entry point, yes, he needs to meet all requirements for VOA.

These are some facts.

- Children under 15 yo are not fined but will be stamped for overstaying when they are into overstaying

- Even minors need to meet the all requirements to enter on Visa On Arrival for a 2000 baht fee

- Any foreigner cannot apply for an in-country visa (or so-called converting to Non-O) after entering on VOA. 15 days of VOA entry are not enough remaining days to proceed in-country visa process

- No foreigners including minor children on overstaying can apply for an in-country Non-O visa

8 months ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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