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What visa options are available for a friend of my daughter wanting to stay with us in Thailand for six months?
Sep 30, 2025
7 months ago
Ariella ******
ORIGINAL POSTERProbably a bit of a strange request here! Partner and I are on DTV and each have two children attached to our visas.
My daughter’s best friend wants to come and live with us - which is fine for us and for her parents, of course!
The two teen girls will be traveling with us for at least half a year without school enrollment - and as her parents will not be joining us (except maybe for a couple of short visits), how do we go about her visa?
Should one of her parents get a DTV and then just leave her with us when they go? What other kind of legal caregiver documentation should we have in place, like in case she gets hurt and needs a hospital?
Thanks!
My daughter’s best friend wants to come and live with us - which is fine for us and for her parents, of course!
The two teen girls will be traveling with us for at least half a year without school enrollment - and as her parents will not be joining us (except maybe for a couple of short visits), how do we go about her visa?
Should one of her parents get a DTV and then just leave her with us when they go? What other kind of legal caregiver documentation should we have in place, like in case she gets hurt and needs a hospital?
Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry is about the proper visa arrangements for a friend's child who wishes to stay with an expat family in Thailand for at least six months without being enrolled in school. Various suggestions include having a parent apply for a DTV visa and making the child a dependent, or using a tourist visa with a boarder bounce. Additionally, legal documentation such as a signed letter from the parents granting permission for medical decisions, along with copies of ID and insurance details, is recommended for emergencies.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Ally ************
You don't mention the age of the child.. which could have a bearing on matters.. depending on what country/s you will be visiting whilst she's in your care.. but as mentioned elsewhere a parental letter of authority is essential.. and in addition to copies of the parent's passports.. take copies of any national ID cards.. and a copy of the child's birth certificate naming said parents!
Clare *****
Re: paperwork. I would have thought a signed letter from the parents stating their child is in your care and they give permission for you to make medical decisions on their behalf. Alongside photocopies of both parents & child’s passports also signed will be enough for all possible situations.
Make sure this teen has correct insurance and you having the details will be vital.
Maybe make sure parents tell insurance company that you are ‘in charge’ and to accept your calls etc.
Hope you all have an amazing time!!!!
Make sure this teen has correct insurance and you having the details will be vital.
Maybe make sure parents tell insurance company that you are ‘in charge’ and to accept your calls etc.
Hope you all have an amazing time!!!!
Clare *****
If she wants to stay with you for 6 months she could enter on a pre-arranged tourist visa or visa exemption on arrival.
She would only need to do 1 boarder bounce half way through (alongside extensions)
Sounds like her parents could time their visit to assist with her leaving the country at 90 days. .
Seems like a lot of unnecessary paperwork and money to get 2 DTVs for this scenario.
She would only need to do 1 boarder bounce half way through (alongside extensions)
Sounds like her parents could time their visit to assist with her leaving the country at 90 days. .
Seems like a lot of unnecessary paperwork and money to get 2 DTVs for this scenario.
Graham ******
Yes that would work, get her as a dependent on a parent's DTV
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Graham ******
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