Answereda year ago
How long does it take to go through immigration and customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport during a 6 PM arrival?
How long does it take to get through immigration and customs, without picking luggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport arriving at 6pm?
*update on my question*
The reason I'm asking this question, is because I have an international connecting flight 4 hours after landing, the connecting flight is not with the same airline. I have to check out and then check in with the other airline. That's why I asked if I gave myself enough time, to go through immigration and customs and then reach the check in desk at the same airport with the other airline.
*update on my question*
The reason I'm asking this question, is because I have an international connecting flight 4 hours after landing, the connecting flight is not with the same airline. I have to check out and then check in with the other airline. That's why I asked if I gave myself enough time, to go through immigration and customs and then reach the check in desk at the same airport with the other airline.
Answer summary
The amount of time it takes to clear immigration and customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport after arriving at 6 PM varies significantly. Most responses indicate a range of about 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on factors like the number of incoming flights, the time of day, and the efficiency of immigration staff. A typical estimate is between 30 to 45 minutes, but it can be quicker for those without checked luggage, and those who can use expedited lines.
132 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Colin *******
1 hr
Colin *******
Good luck
Colin *******
appox
Steve *******
OP@Colin ******
thanks for the informationColin *******
@Steve ******
Just depends on the line up, could be less
Michael ***************
Not tried it since dtac introduced but normally takes me about
*****
minutes
Phil *******
I had no problem, walked thru and out...
Johny ******
I'm not having that 🙏🙏 plse tell some plonker didn't actually ask this question 🤣🤣
James ********
You must be dieing for boom boom
Howard ********
If you are handicap take longer
Bill *******
@Howard *******
There is a special line for people over 70, or in wheel chairs, or with disabilities. I have used it in the passed and it took a lot less time than the regular line. At 1 point, they were telling people from the regular line to go to the handicapped line because it wasn’t very crowded. But like anything, it will vary from time to time…
Erhan *******
a.h.
Dave *********
How deep is a lake?
Michael *******
It's not that bad. Just take your time. You could be first out you could be last out. Enjoy it
Henrik *****
Nobody can say, there are to many variables.
MD *******
Depends on how many flights arrive close to 6pm.
Phil ********
Minutes now.
Brett *********
Dress older. Walk up to immigration dragging your suitcase with a limp. Fast lane hack. Thank me later. Hint: if you don't have grey hair wear a hat....
Tom ****
27 hours
Kathleen ********
Took us 10 mins tops - but we were in the front of the plane and walked quickly once off board.
Alan *****
Depends on what time of year. Around this time you’ll be through in no time
Andy ***********
if you happen to be over 65, you can use the express priority lane, which is to the far right as you approach the passport windows. Works like a charm! basically five minutes and you're through
Bill *******
New system in place, scan QR code, enter information, get a confirmation, stand in line wait…last Wednesday, I came through about midnight, the line was moderate. About 5 minutes later, the line swelled as many more passengers arrived. I waited in line maybe 20 minutes or so, long enough for my Thai wife to go through the Thai line, collect our bags and wait for me… Honestly, the new system does not seem much/any faster…
Steve *******
OP@Bill ******
thanks for the info
Brian **********
@Bill ******
If you’re travelling with your Thai wife, you can go through the Thai line with her.Bill *******
@Brian *********
ok I will check next time we go through.
Jeffrey *****
Depends how many people in front of you in immigration didn't do their TDAC online. That will slow things down quite a bit.
Jay *******
Typically 20 minutes
Jeremy ******
I’d say your best chance at success is to get off the plane as quickly as possible and stay ahead of the crowd. However, you can’t control other planes that have arrived.
Mark ********
Wait till I get my piece of string out!
Chris *********
With elite it's a 4 minute golf cart to immigration 5 minutes and straight into a waiting limo
Steve *******
OP@Chris ********
thanks for the info
Geoff ********
2 TOO 3 hours
Cesar *******
The longest time -in my experience- is walking from the airplane door to immigration. The queue time may vary from 1 to 10 min.
Colten *******
If you want the best idea of time.
Go to suvarnabhumi arrivals online and see how many international flights are arriving within a 10-15 minute range before yours is also arriving.
Go to suvarnabhumi arrivals online and see how many international flights are arriving within a 10-15 minute range before yours is also arriving.
Steve *******
OP@Colten ******
thanks for the info
Gordon *******
It's not particularly the wait in Immigration it's the walk from the plane to Immigration which takes the time
Kerry *******
5-10 minutes if you go through Thai passport holders with a Thai wife
Richie *******
For me normally around
*****
minutes
SH *****
2 hours
Dennis **********
All depends on how many other planes land at the same time, I arrived 10pm and it took longer to get to immigration then go through it , dont offer the dtac if they don't ask as its on the computer as soon as they scan your passport
Steve *******
OP@Dennis *********
thanks for the info
James ******
how many flights arrived at 6 PM?
Mark ********
For me five minutes! I’m over 65 and have a re-entry permit. There’s a special line for senior citizens. If you’re over sixty they pull you aside and let you go to a different window that expedites the process. So anywhere between five minutes and two hours depending on amount of arrivals and your personal situation.
Jonnie *******
@Mark *******
wow, been in/out almost monthly for 16-17 years and wasn’t aware of that, and never pulled over, mind you just last couple years since over 60, maybe because I’m still looking a Hansum man and don’t look 60 even though I bloody feel it,,, 😆 I guess not so relevant now as before since on my recent entries there’s never been more than 3-5 people in front of me at the immigration booth.
Mark ********
@Jonnie ******
wow, I guess the limping has paid off the last five years !! Haha 😆Jonnie *******
@Mark *******
I did a google search on it and the age limit suggests it’s over 70’s but certainly worth a try if I do run into a busy immigration hall.Mark ********
@Jonnie ******
as you approach immigration control on the right there’s a couple of young women. You sort of have to walk up to them. They’re not psychic. I don’t look a day over 60! lol 😂
Robert *********
You have no control.
Nobody can tell you .
You are going anyway .
Just accept whatever happens .
Luck
Nobody can tell you .
You are going anyway .
Just accept whatever happens .
Luck
Steve *******
OP@Robert ********
thanks
Tim ********
Takes 30 - 45 minutes on average from leaving plane collecting luggage and outside
Steve *******
OP@Tim *******
thanks for the info
Greta *****
Anything between 10 minutes and 3 hours
Jonnie *******
Depends where your arrival gate is, likely take you longer to walk to immigration than it will take to to pass through immigration, they seem to be more efficient now, I’ve had 5 entries this year and each entry been fairly quick in passing immigration, I’d agree with earlier reply, should be cleared in around 45 mins.
Steve *******
OP@Jonnie ******
thanks for the information
Lucas **********
9 hours easy
Chad **********
Not long. Depends on what time you land.
Richard *********
Not long,I've never waited more than 20 mins,very efficient.
Leigh ************
Best I've done is 30 minutes .. depends where the plane docks and how far you have to walk
David **********
1 hour
Phillip ********
4 hrs what a question
Steve *******
OP@Phillip *******
what answer 👏Phillip ********
@Steve ******
thank you. I thought it was good.
Marty *********
How Long is in Vietnam.
Mar *****
How longs this Piece of String ...?
Martin ********
@Mar ****
1.53 metresMartin ********
@Steve ******
I was replying to Mar Wan 😁 Just having a little bit of humour with someone to lighten the day. Bless you 🙏🏻Steve *******
OP@Mar ****
thanks for your wonderful advice.
Wim ************
It will be about a 10-15 minutes walk from the plane to the exit. Immigration will take from 2 till about 45 minutes, depends on how many flights come in around the same time.
Steve *******
OP@Wim ***********
thanks for the info
David *******
Up to the day and you.
Simon *********
This time of year, few minutes. Just do the DTAC before you land...
**************************************************
Steve *******
OP@Simon ********
thanks for the info
Luc ************
30 min last Tuesday.
Chris **********
I recently heard yesterday that the unionized taxi workers are doing a protest at BKK has anyone experienced any delays departure or arrivals due to this
Brian ********
White guy from America, 20 minutes. But it depends on how long the line is.
Richie *******
@Brian *******
Oh so your white 🙄 was there really any need to state that ??
Paul *******
@Richie ******
Sniff sniff Need a tissue Shirley?Richie *******
@Paul ******
Twatt
Paul ********
24 minutes and 39 seconds ... give or take a few seconds.
Steve *********
What's your rush?
Steve *******
OP@Steve ********
I arrive 6pm and have another flight leaving Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.30pm. But I need to check in again, so I have to exit and then reenterSteve *********
@Steve ******
gotcha
Janne ***********
@Steve ********
Noone likes to stand in line with hundreds of people, it's like grocery store.
Robert ******
My piece of string is this long
John ********
How long is a piece of string?
Steve *******
OP@John *******
if you read the messages, you weren't the first that said that. But thanks for your advice
Frank **********
Depends obviously on how many flights are arriving at the same time. Or if you are one of the "lucky" one who gets checked out by customs and other variables.
Michael ********
< 15 minutes, when not busy. (Including collecting check-in luggage, if the bags are flagged as priority)
This requires either;
1. You know the Airport well & how to clear immigration fast.
2. You have escort assistance, to pick you up at the plane & take you through.
30 - 60 minutes: If your not familiar with the airport, how to get through immigration fast or if immigration arrivals is very busy.
This requires either;
1. You know the Airport well & how to clear immigration fast.
2. You have escort assistance, to pick you up at the plane & take you through.
30 - 60 minutes: If your not familiar with the airport, how to get through immigration fast or if immigration arrivals is very busy.
Michael ********
If you want airport Fast Track escort service, Iv'e used this company a few times.
But I usually only do it for departures, as I get in very quickly.
But I usually only do it for departures, as I get in very quickly.
**************************************************************
Steve *******
OP@Michael *******
thanks for the info
Sonik ***********************
This time of year it's pretty quick. It will take you longer to walk to immigration from the terminal than it will for you to get stamped in.
Anne *******
Also if you are over 70 you can go through the special line.
Anne *******
Well marked. Or just ask.
Steve *********
@Anne ******
where is that please. ?Mark ********
@Anne ******
it’s over 65. I’ve been using g that line for a few years now and I just turned 70 last week. Or maybe they were giving me a break!! Always good to limp as one approach’s the special line!!! Haha 😆
Mitchell *******
If you want a number, I will say 45 minutes.
I have done it in 10 minutes without luggage, and I have done it in 90 minutes WITH luggage. Depends on:
- number of flights at the same time,
- number of officers working,
- the number of people who "haven't done it all right",
- and how far you have to walk from your plane (sometimes it is 600 meters I think). That walk itself can be 15 minutes for fairly fit people.
I have done it in 10 minutes without luggage, and I have done it in 90 minutes WITH luggage. Depends on:
- number of flights at the same time,
- number of officers working,
- the number of people who "haven't done it all right",
- and how far you have to walk from your plane (sometimes it is 600 meters I think). That walk itself can be 15 minutes for fairly fit people.
Steve *******
OP@Mitchell ******
thanks for the info
Kenny *****
Maybe 5-15 mins
Paul *******
@Kenny ****
😂🤣
Paul ********
How long is a piece of string
Steve *******
OP@Paul *******
I just asked for a little advice, next time I need a comedian, I know where to come
Bob **********
All Night
Tim ****
Fly buisness
You get through quick
You get through quick
Bob *********
Recently i saw a sign at immigration pointing to VIP im sure ive read somewhere if you go this way and pay 200 bht you get through a lot quicker i was gonna try it but the normal queues where going down quickly might be worth checking VIP
Chris **********
You’ll spend more time walking to immigration from your plan than you will spend in it.
Brian *******
depends on amount of incoming passengers and how many workers are working
Fra *****
In who you believe , Jesus, Buddha ….. only they can give you the right answer ! From 15 min to 2 hours all can happen
Nigel *********
Not long at all, it’s never taken me longer than 10-15 minutes, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a bad run. Definitely quicker than when I come back into Australia
Steve *******
OP@Nigel ********
thanks for the info
Adam ********
I did it in a couple minutes arriving at about 5am from Finland. One guy ahead of me when I got to the line and he was already talking to the immigration officer. Another time was mid afternoon and it took over an hour coming from Cambodia.
Walk fast to immigration from the plane and you can get ahead of a lot of people coming off your plane and others.
Walk fast to immigration from the plane and you can get ahead of a lot of people coming off your plane and others.
Steve *******
OP@Adam *******
thanks for the infoSteve *******
OP@Adam *******
thanks for the info
Jeff ********
@Adam *******
if you have luggage you still have too wait we express last time which was good but had to wait for our luggage then the other people caught up with usAdam ********
@Jeff *******
true, I was not express but in both cases I was carry on only.Jeff ********
@Adam *******
true
Greg ***********
*** from exiting the airplane, you can walk to Immigration within 10 to 15 minutes
*** at the Immigration counters, there you might meet a crowd or not. It might take you 5 minutes or another 15 minutes
*** if you don’t have to pick up any luggage, you will have passed Thai customs 1 minute after having entered Thailand
*** at the Immigration counters, there you might meet a crowd or not. It might take you 5 minutes or another 15 minutes
*** if you don’t have to pick up any luggage, you will have passed Thai customs 1 minute after having entered Thailand
Steve *******
OP@Greg **********
thanks for the informationErhan *******
1 minute if early morning…
Erhan *******
What is Funny ?
Janne ***********
Ive arrived in the satellite terminal, made it from plane to immigration and out on the street in 10min, really depends on the arrival rate
Early morning around 6a when most Europeans flights drop in is the busiest.
Early morning around 6a when most Europeans flights drop in is the busiest.
Steve *******
OP@Janne **********
thanks for the information
Nigel **************
Impossible to answer this often asked question. 20 mins to 1 hour best guess
Steve *******
OP@Nigel *************
thank you
Paul **********
I can do it in 10mins. But I do hot foot it off the plane. If a A380 and B777 has also started offloading then allow 45+ minutes.
Janne ***********
@Paul *******
i do brisk walk as well, passing by hundreds of people sometimes. 10min out on the street is my fastest arriving around 845pm'-930pmSteve *******
OP@Paul *******
thanks for the information
David ********
2 Minutes with carry on only
Baz *********
This question gets asked regularly and the simple answer is it takes as long as it takes..
Anything from 15 or 20 minutes to 1 hour plus.
It all depends on how many other flights arrive around the same time as yours and how many immigration staff are on duty that day..
So there is basically no way of knowing until you get there..
Allowing around 30 minutes to 45 minutes would be about average.
Anything from 15 or 20 minutes to 1 hour plus.
It all depends on how many other flights arrive around the same time as yours and how many immigration staff are on duty that day..
So there is basically no way of knowing until you get there..
Allowing around 30 minutes to 45 minutes would be about average.
Rod *********
@Baz ********
just tell the ones waiting for you to wait at MaccasSteve *******
OP@Baz ********
thanks for the informationActivity
84 joined84
people
Related
25What Should I Expect During a Quick Visa Stamp at Suvarnabhumi Airport?
2.1k45810d
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and later extend my stay without an issue?
4.9k2410214d
How can I convert my tourist visa to a NON-O marriage visa in Thailand?
3.1k29302mo
Can I use a fast track service to speed up immigration when entering Thailand?
1k1142mo
What is the experience of arriving in Thailand with a visa on a first entry?
5241114mo
What are the details for traveling from Bangkok to Wang Kelian, Malaysia for a visa run?
2.4k16299mo
How can I efficiently extend my stay in Thailand at Rayong immigration?
2.6k18281y
What are the implications of booking an exit flight for a retirement visa in Thailand?
7.7k561061y
Do I need to go through immigration in Bangkok when connecting to a domestic flight to Phuket?
2.1k331y
Is it possible to do a visa run to Malaysia by train or on foot from Thailand?
1.2k252y
What should I do if my Non-O visa is unsigned before my flight to Thailand?
6.3k311192y
Are there luggage lockers or storage options at BKK Airport?
16.4k14242y
How can my husband obtain a re-entry permit for his non-O guardian visa in Thailand?
2.5k16262y
What is the best and fastest way to obtain a 60-day visa for Thailand from Vietnam?
1.1k653y
What steps should I take after receiving approval for my 60-day visa notification for Thailand?
1.4k4233y
Where can I find the re-entry visa desk at Suvarnabhumi Airport before my flight?
3k19343y
Should I apply for a 30-day extension in Thailand or get a 60-day visa from Australia before my trip?
2.8k25153y
Will I have issues with a 90-day return ticket if applying for an extension on my Thailand visa?
1k664y
What is the process for a successful visa run from Cambodia to Thailand?
2k10295y
What are the key travel requirements for entering Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic?
4.7k33616y
What time should I arrive for my appointment at the Vientiane consulate?
1.6k1377y
Is there a priority lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport?
1.8k8137y
Where can I find the re-entry permit desk at Suvarnabhumi airport before my flight?
936498y
What is the typical wait time for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 6:30 AM?
1.9k1578y
What is the process and duration for obtaining an ED visa in Laos, and can I use baht during my visit?
2.5k22149y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served