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Can long-term visa holders use the e-gates at Thai airports for departure and arrival?

OX visa e-gates usage Thailand immigration long-stay visa retirement visa departure procedures

Richard ********

Richard ********

OP

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

Users shared mixed experiences regarding the use of e-gates at Thai airports for long-term visa holders. One person faced issues using the e-gate for departure with an OX retirement visa, while others had no trouble using it with different visa types. Importantly, it was noted that e-gates cannot be used for arrival into Thailand for most long-term visa holders, who must go through manned immigration counters.

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Trevor ***********

Trevor ***********

I am OX and walked through them less than 2 weeks ago. Returning you can't use them.

0

Jim *******

Jim *******

Non O 1 year extension, departed BKK 22. October 2026, officer told me on departure I can use E gate but on arrival I have to use manned gate so my visa does not get cancelled.

1

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

It's not uncommon for eGates for departure to get errors from time to time. I've seen several times people try the eGates for departure, get an error, and queue up again at a manned counter, scratching their heads.

0

Richard ********

Richard ********

OP

we’ve had confusion on other times coming in regarding the long term visa! We’ve still got another 15 months on this one!

0

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

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

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

1

Cool_Ba********

Cool_Ba********

I use it every time with a year long extension of stay. No issues. Maybe OX is different, as it is a visa.

0

Eric *******

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.

1

Gerar ********

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.

1

Richard ********

Richard ********

OP

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

0

Gary **********

Gary **********

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

1

Gerar ********

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.

1

Gary **********

Gary **********

Gerar Teuben yeah sorry, I meant arriving.

0

Richard ********

Richard ********

OP

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

1

Roland *********

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.

0

Dick ********

Dick ********

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

1

Anthony ******

Anthony ******

Dick Greene Just saying, hope you’ve got a re-entry permit

0

Tod *********

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

6

Tod *********

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. :)

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