BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has expanded access to its automated passport control gates to travelers from 33 countries and territories, effective September 2026. The move aims to shorten waiting times, ease congestion, and improve efficiency at immigration checkpoints as international arrivals continue to rise.
Under Immigration Bureau Order No. 196/2026, dated 24 August 2026, eligibility for the Automated Border Control (ABC) system has grown from two countries and territories to 33. The service is open to eligible travelers entering Thailand under visa exemption arrangements or with electronic visas, subject to specified conditions.
Eligible countries and territories:
– Asia: South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia
– Middle East: United Arab Emirates
– Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
– Americas: Canada
– Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Travelers who complete their registration through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system will receive an email if they qualify to use the automated gates.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport currently operates 39 automated gates for arriving passengers and 67 for departing passengers. The service is also being expanded to Don Mueang and Phuket International Airports. (PRD)
