The issue of visa requirements for minors travelling to Thailand is an important one. Here is the essential information on this subject:
General rules
In general, minors are subject to the same visa requirements as adults when entering Thailand. This means that :
- If the minor's country of origin requires a visa for Thailand, the minor will also need one.
- While nationals of the country of origin benefit from visa exemption, this also applies to minors.
Specific case of e-Visa
For Thai e-Visa :
- Minors of any age can obtain an e-Visa.
- The application procedure is the same as for adults.
- A parent or legal guardian must make the application on behalf of the minor.
Additional documents required for minors
In addition to the standard documents, minors must provide :
- A copy of the birth certificate
- Parental authorisation signed by both parents
- Copies of parents' passports
Important recommendations
- Always check the latest requirements on the official Thai government website.
- Make sure that the minor's passport is valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date.
- If the minor is travelling with just one parent, authorisation from the other parent may be required.
Visa exemptions
Some countries offer visa exemption for short stays in Thailand. In these cases, minors do not need a visa either, but must respect the authorised length of stay. As a reminder, Since 1 June 2024, passports from more than 93 countries are visa-free for tourist or business stays less than 60 days in Thailand (including French passport).