Criteria and Conditions for Allowing Foreign Nationals to Use Automated Passport Control Channels
Background
The Immigration Bureau introduced Automated Passport Control Channels under the Order No. 322/2566 (the “Previous Order”), effective 15 December 2023, to support tourism and improve immigration processing efficiency.
However, the original framework was relatively narrow in scope, covering only a limited group of foreign nationals and restricting outbound automated processing to Suvarnabhumi Airport. To enhance accessibility and accommodate a wider range of travelers, the Immigration Bureau subsequently issued the Order No. 196/2569 (the “Current Order”), which substantially expands the scope of the Automated Passport Control System.
Immigration Bureau Order No. 196/2569
To further facilitate immigration clearance for foreign travelers, the Immigration Bureau issued the Current Order, effective on 24 August 2026. The Current Order significantly expands access to Automated Passport Control Channels by broadening eligible nationalities, visa categories, and airport checkpoints. Here is what has been changed compared to the previous order.
- Expanded Eligible Nationalities
The most significant change is the expansion of eligible nationalities from only Singapore and Hong Kong under the Previous Order to 33 countries and territories under the Current Order.
The expanded list now includes major business and tourism markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Canada, and Singapore.
As a result, a substantially larger number of foreign travelers are now eligible to use Automated Passport Control Channels when entering and departing Thailand.
- Expanded Visa Eligibility
The Previous Order primarily limited access to permanent residents, diplomats, government representatives, and certain designated individuals.
Under the Current Order, eligibility has been extended to holders of specified Non-Immigrant Visas as listed in its Appendix, covering a wider range of foreign nationals residing, working, studying, investing, or living with family members in Thailand.
- Expanded Airport Access
Under the Previous Order:
- Inbound automated channels were available only to a limited group of foreign nationals and specific type of passport holders.
- Outbound automated channels were available only at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Under the Current Order:
- Eligible foreign nationals as listed in its Appendix can use automated channels for both inbound and outbound travel.
- Access is available at any international airport equipped with the Automated Passport Control System.
- Operational Improvements
The Current Order also introduces procedures enabling immigration officers to promptly correct minor system errors, including issues related to visa classification, period-of-stay records, and automated overstay alerts, thereby helping to reduce delays and unnecessary processing.
- Broader Coverage of Eligible Travelers
The Current Order also broadens eligibility to include:
- Business: employees, executives, assignees, and investors;
- Education: teachers, researchers, and students;
- Family: spouses, parents, children, and other qualifying family members of Thai nationals, permanent residents, and eligible foreign residents.
It is crucial to note that each criterion is evaluated independently. Therefore, if a foreigner fits into one of the eligible groups (such as holding a qualifying visa or belonging to an eligible nationality), they will be allowed to use the automated channels
Practical Examples
- Long-Term Business Professionals and Expatriates Holding Non-Immigrant “B” Visas
Under the Previous Order:
- Inbound: No access to the Automated Passport Control System was allowed; even senior executives of multinational companies and citizens of major economies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. They were required to use manual immigration counters.
- Outbound: The Automated Passport Control System is available only at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Under the Current Order:
- Inbound and Outbound: It is accessible at any international airport equipped with the Automated Passport Control Channels, provided the traveler qualifies under the Appendix of the Current Order and holds a valid re-entry permit where required.
- Short-Term Business Travelers and Tourists
Under the Previous Order:
- Inbound: No access to the Automated Passport Control System was allowed, except for Singaporean and Hong Kong passport holders.
- Outbound: The Automated Passport Control System is available only at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Under the Current Order:
- Inbound and Outbound: Eligible travelers from countries listed in the Appendix to the Current Order, including the United States, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom, can use Automated Passport Control Channels at any international airport equipped with the Automated Passport Control System.
Key Takeaways
- Significant Expansion: Eligibility has increased from only two nationalities to 33 countries and territories under the Current Order.
- Broader Access: Business travelers, expatriates, investors, academics, students, and family-based visa holders can now benefit from automated immigration processing.
- Nationwide Availability: Automated outbound processing is no longer limited to Suvarnabhumi Airport, and it is now being used at any international airport equipped with the system.
- Improved Efficiency: Immigration officers are now authorized to resolve minor system errors immediately, helping to reduce delays and unnecessary procedures.
Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.
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