Answered13 hours ago

Can long-term visa holders use the E-gate at Thai airports?

E-gate Long-term visas OX retirement visa Visa regulations Immigration Thailand travel

Richard ********

asked Nov 5, 2026

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We recently left Thailand for our annual return trip to Australia……we currently are both on OX retirement visas, 5 years x 5 years. Tried to use E gate at Suv airport but invalid. Had to be referred to immigration desk, after much head scratching by officers, we were allowed to leave🤷‍♂️ I did read somewhere that the E gate isn’t allowing long term visa holders to use the system! Is it anyone else’s experience at all? I believe that our visa is quite uncommon…….

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the experience of long-term OX retirement visa holders attempting to use the E-gate at Suvarnabhumi Airport for exit, which was unsuccessful. While some users have noted that not everyone can scan out using the E-gate—particularly those on long-term visas—the general consensus indicates that it is hit or miss. Importantly, users clarified that the E-gates for entry are only available for visa-exempt entries, and using E-gates improperly can lead to visa cancellations.

12 repliesnewest first

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Michael ***************

When you leave you can use - when you come you cannot use IT (only on Visa extend entry, Not on Visa)

10 hours ago

Eric *******

The entry E gates at BKK are *ONLY* for those visiting on a visa exempt entry.

If you use the E gates while on a different visa, that pre existing visa will be cancelled.

11 hours ago

Gerar ********

As mentioned by you, The e-gates on departures can be used by anybody without any issues as long you have a valid re-entry permit if applicable.

11 hours ago

Richard ********

Eric Pelot yes I understand, I guess same applies for leaving…..5 year visa so definitely not wanting cancelled

11 hours ago

Gary **********

There were stories going around if you hold a visa other than tourist it cancelled your visa type.

12 hours ago

Gerar ********

Gary Colemann that only applies for arriving e-gates.

The e-gates on departures can be used by anybody without any issues as long you have a valid re-entry permit if applicable.

11 hours ago

Gary **********

Gerar Teuben yeah sorry, I meant arriving.

10 hours ago

Richard ********

Gerar Teuben except ours didn’t so not sure why? Only small wait while they scratched their heads, signed it and off we went🤷‍♂️just a glitch I’m hoping

11 hours ago

Roland *********

Richard Oxford i had issue with exit gate as having multiple passports and I wanted to use same I entered with but that e-gate was recognising flight ticket to passport link and i used my other passport for checkin as i needed that for that flight and country.

10 hours ago

Dick ********

I just used the e gates to exit. I’m on a non O extension

13 hours ago

Tod *********

Not everyone can scan out at the e-departure gates, it's nothing to be concerned about, although I used it no issue exiting before on a year extension based on retirement.

It's hit or miss, wouldn't give it a second thought

Remember though you CANNOT use the e-Arrival (auto-in) gates coming back. Those gates are only for people from 33 countries who are entering thailand on visa exempt entries

You hard stamp in at the manned passport control desks

13 hours ago

Tod *********

𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻… <- not for Auzziez,

there for a while those thai consulates in Oz would almost hand those OX visas out just for the asking. I think Auzziez have the most OX visas of any country allowed to get them. :)

13 hours ago