Thailand expands Suvarnabhumi e-gates to 31 new nationalities by Aug. 31

Foreign arrivals at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport will soon bypass manual passport queues under an expanded automated immigration rollout.

E-gate clearance expands to 31 new passports

Thailand approved an expansion of its automated passport gates at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to include 31 additional nationalities by the end of August 2026. Automated gates will process up to 53% of inbound international travelers once active, covering an estimated 6.5 million short-term visitors and 900,000 long-term visa holders each year.

Immigration authorities haven't released the full country list, which was selected based on Henley Passport Index rankings and entry-refusal records. First-time visitors must still clear manual immigration counters so border officers can capture fingerprints and facial biometrics.

Only returning travelers with biometric data already stored in the immigration database can use the e-gates upon landing.

Digital arrival cards and entry app rules

Every non-Thai traveler must still submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand, immigration officials confirmed. The filing is free, must be completed at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of arrival and generates a QR code required at the border.

The Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) mobile app remains an optional pilot on iOS and Android. The app lets travelers scan passport pages to prefill entry details, but it doesn't replace the mandatory TDAC requirement.

A proposed 450-baht tourist entry fee remains under government review and isn't currently collected at any port of entry.