Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok provides a seamless transit experience for passengers transferring between flights. The airport’s flight transfer facility is designed to eliminate the need for immigration procedures or baggage collection, allowing travelers to move swiftly to their connecting flights.
Flight Booked on a Single Ticket Suvarnabhumi Airport
If your flights are booked on a single ticket, your luggage will be checked through to your final destination, and you can remain airside for international transfers. Upon arrival at level two, passengers can easily follow signs to their airline’s transfer desk.
For international transfers, there are two main concourses. The transfer desk East is located in Concourse B, while Concourse D and G have their own respective transfer desks. After passing through the transfer security checkpoint on the third floor, passengers can complete check-in at the international transfer counter before proceeding to the boarding gate for their next flight.
Flight Booked on Separate Tickets Suvarnabhumi Airport
If your flights are booked on separate tickets, you will need to go through immigration, collect your baggage, and proceed to level four for re-check-in with your onward airline. This process also involves another round of security and immigration checks before reaching the boarding gate.
Domestic to International Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport
For domestic to international transfers, passengers can go through passport control and security checks at the original airport, such as Phuket. These passengers are often issued a CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) sticker for easy identification, allowing direct boarding at Suvarnabhumi without needing additional clearance.
CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) refers to passengers who have completed immigration and customs checks, including luggage inspection, at their departure airport and are ready for their onward journey. For example, passengers traveling internationally from Phuket or Chiang Mai can complete passport control and luggage security checks before boarding their initial flight. These passengers will receive a CIQ sticker, typically worn on their clothing. Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, they will be separated from other passengers and can proceed directly to their connecting flight’s boarding gate.
International to Domestic Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport
When transferring from international to domestic flights, if your flights are booked on a single ticket with partner airlines, your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. You will pass through immigration at the domestic transfer inspection area before heading to the boarding gate.
Booking all your flights on a single ticket has several advantages. It provides protection against delays or cancellations, ensuring that airlines involved in your journey will accommodate you on the next available flight at no extra cost. Additionally, your luggage will automatically be transferred to your final destination, except for specific legal situations like US customs. This arrangement saves time and reduces the hassle of baggage retrieval during transit.
New Visa Policy for Transiting or Entering Thailand
Starting July 15, 2024, citizens from 93 countries able to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
This highly anticipated change was recently confirmed by Thai authorities, extending the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days. The announcement, made last May, was part of a broader effort to update Thailand’s visa policies, which now include a significant extension of the visa exemption period for travelers from 93 countries.
Key Visa Policy Updates On July 15, 2024:
- 60-Day Visa-Free Stay for 93 Countries: Travelers from 93 countries will now be able to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism, business, or short-term work purposes. This is an increase from the previous list of 57 countries.
- Expanded Visa on Arrival (VOA) List: The number of countries eligible for VOA has been expanded from 19 to 31, allowing more nationalities to apply for a visa upon arrival at Thai immigration checkpoints.
- Introduction of the “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV): A new visa category for those wishing to stay in Thailand for work and travel (workcation) purposes. It’s tailored for highly skilled professionals, freelancers, remote workers, and those attending courses like Thai boxing or culinary classes. The DTV will allow stays of up to 180 days per entry and will be valid for 5 years.
- Extended Stay for Foreign Students: Foreign students with a non-immigrant “ED” visa will now be allowed to stay in Thailand for one year after graduation to seek employment, travel, or pursue other activities.
Thailand’s Visa-Free Travel for 93 Countries
Starting July 15, tourists and business travelers from 93 countries will be able to enjoy a 60-day visa-free stay in Thailand. In addition, starting in December 2024, travelers from these countries will need to complete an electronic travel authorization (Thailand ETA) before departure. This requirement will be fully implemented by June 2025.
Countries benefiting from the 60-day visa-free policy include:
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
These changes reflect Thailand’s commitment to making travel more accessible and encouraging international visitors to explore the country longer.
Be Confident in Making a Self-Transfer at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport offers efficient and well-organized facilities for both international and domestic transfers, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers passing through this major Southeast Asian hub.
