Exited BKK to Singapore with new automated machines. This saves me a stamp. And I fly in and out Thailand 2 times a month so that’s 48 stamps per year. Now that will be halved so slowing down a passport replacement. I wonder if they will have these on entry?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The introduction of automated immigration gates at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for departures has provided convenience for frequent travelers who exit and re-enter Thailand multiple times a month. However, questions remain about the availability of similar automated systems for re-entry, especially for those holding visas. Current information suggests that these automated lanes will initially be available for visa-exempt entries once the ETA system is implemented. There are no confirmed plans for visa holders to access the automated lanes in the near future. Discussions among community members reveal various concerns and experiences related to the automated gates, including the requirement for stamps at entry and check-in processes at hotels.
They've delayed the entry gates for non-Thais twice but I think the online registration for vis-exempt entries will change that. They did say the online registration will now start in Dec/Jan
Joel *******
That's good. I've always appreciated how Singapore doesn't do passport stamps, it's all electronic. Let's hope other countries like Thailand follow suit.
David **********
Under the old system of entry and exit stamps, I filled up my passport in 5 years. Hopefully, my current passport will last the full ten years by saving Thai exit stamps, entry and exit in Malaysia and Singapore, and stampless entry and exit in Macao and Hong Kong.
John-Paul ******
Good question! Yet I am sure there is an good answer... perhaps like everything else here in the Kingdom... "I have no idea. It just works!"
David ******
Can anyone respond to this question: When checking into a hotel, they ask for your passport to photocopy the picture page and the Entry Stamp page. For those without a stamp page, are the hotels overlooking that now?
almost certainly not. I got explicitly asked for this in September
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Joel *******
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Arjun ********
This is not for international arrivals. You will still be stamped.
Graham ********
I have retirement visa yet when I left last week immigration officer said no problem and I was guided to exit electronic gates. All will be undoubtedly be stored electronically. Find out on reentry in a few weeks whether any problems. Hope all goes smoothly.
Danny *******
Does any one use a Singapore bank to pay for items via qr scan in Thailand ? Been tough to get a bank in Thailand but I’m already applying Singapore bank and was curious is this could solve the problem , chat gpt said it could 😁
I have UOB sg and use the app for Prompt Pay here. It works 99% of the time if the restaurant/shop uses one of the big thai banks for Prompt Pay QR codes. UOB sg also let's me transfer money to my thai friends using their phone number
You can use SG bank debit card to make payments in Thailand.. provided you have activated the card for overseas use.. which avoids the need for QR application.
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Ally ************
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Dava ********
So you have to go on website and get bar code for travel to Bangkok thanks
Coby **********
These Electronic gates are awesome except for the fact that visa applications often still ask for evidence of a stamp. I look forward to the requirements/processes for the embassies catching up with the electronic gates.
Derek **********
Same with Malaysia. No stamps at all on entry or exit with the caveat that you MUST do the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrivals Card) before hand. I done this recently and seen those that did not have their MDAC and proof of it (via print out or smartphone copy) were directed to the regular immigration check point.
Can anyone confirm if travelling to the Phillipines on a UK passport will take up space on the passport via a visa and/or entry and exit stamps?
I recently went to the Philippines with a US passport and they stamped my passport. They make you fill out a form online as well before going through the immigration line.
they only do it on the out? As he finished with the question: I wonder if they will have this on entry
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Markus **********
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Lee-Ann *******
I hate this, every time in Perth and Singapore, because I have to remove my glasses to do I it, I'm blind as a bat without them and fail every time because of it and end up having to go to a person anyway, just a waste of my time and holds up people behind me waiting
yes but once I remove my glasses I can't see properly at what I'm supposed to be doing and fumble doing it and get errors every time and end up having to go to a person to do it anyway, I take it you don't have eyesight issues and don't understand the frustration of it all
Exited BKK in August through automatic gates with re entry permit returned October still had to re enter the old way but being over 70 could go through Thai gate with my Thai wife so still got a stamp but avoided long line up
They will be available for entry at some point. The only thing we know so far is that once the ETA system is active for visa exempt entries, that those with an active ETA will be able to enter using automated lanes.
No mention of anyone with a visa being able to use automated entry lanes, and I doubt it will happen any time soon.
I am wondering, how they plan to control people with a lot of entries with visa exemption then. Or people who spend a lot of time in Thailand in one calendar year.
Actually that was my question,maybe I was not clear at the beginning.
So before this automatic gates,each immigration officer could make decision to let you in or not let you in. If automatic gates will make that decision by itself,means we can clearly know which criteria we have to meet to enter without drama or additional questioning.
It will likely still be an immigration officer that is making the decision on the ETA. So you'll know if you are allowed to enter before you travel to Thailand yes, but you'll still be at the mercy of an immigration officer same as now.
incorrect if foreign visitors to bali who have nline evisa can enter through egates yes but on departure when leaving Bali you still pass through immigration on exit and passport is stamped at that point there is no egates for exit
didn't say i know more my partner works in Surabaya and Bromo I live there for 6-9 months of the year we just returned to Australia for a few weeks for business Saturday just gone and there is no egates for exit of Bali you still pass through immigration and your passport is stamped on departure for your entry online evisa and egates is entry only at this present time
in Korea it's the opposite, only people with an alien registration card (issued to foreigners residing with any valid visa for more than 90 days) can use the auto entry doors, while tourists with K-ETA need to do it trhu a counter. I thought it would be the same here, as an ETA doesn't really guarantees entry, while having a visa kindda does especially the non tourist visas.
a lot of countries have automated gates now. It's down to the person to make sure they know the rules and when to leave. If someone ends up overstaying they only have themselves to blame. It's not hard to calculate dates and set reminders