The Indonesia eVisa costs approximately £25 (IDR 500,000) and processes in 3 to 5 business days, while the Thailand eVisa costs about £22 (THB 1,000) but takes 5 to 10 business days. Both require a passport with minimum 6 months validity, a digital photo, and proof of accommodation. Thailand mandates proof of onward travel and financial proof of at least 20,000 THB per person; Indonesia does not strictly enforce these. Thailand grants 60 days default stay versus Indonesia’s 30 days.
Do You Need an eVisa for Indonesia or Thailand?
UK passport holders receive 30-day visa-free entry to both Indonesia and Thailand under visa exemption rules. An eVisa is needed only for stays exceeding 30 days, multiple entries, or business purposes. Thailand’s visa-free stamp can be extended to 60 days locally.
| Country | Visa-free for UK? | eVisa needed when? |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | Yes, 30-day stamp | Stays >30 days, multiple entries, business |
| Thailand | Yes, 30-day exemption (extendable to 60) | Stays >60 days, multiple entries, business |
Apply for the Indonesia eVisa at least 7 days before departure via the external government portal evisa.imigrasi.go.id, operated by the Directorate General of Immigration. The Thailand eVisa requires 14 days’ lead time through thaievisa.go.th, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, located at 443 Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.
For UK & European Passport Holders
Both the Indonesia eVisa and Thailand eVisa accept UK and European passport holders. The Thailand eVisa requires that applicants must not currently be in Thailand at the time of application. Passport submission in person at an embassy or consulate is no longer required for the Thailand eVisa; the confirmation email is presented to airlines and immigration officials on arrival.
Indonesia eVisa vs Thailand eVisa: Full Comparison Table
The master comparison table below contrasts the Indonesia eVisa and the Thailand eVisa across 12 criteria side by side: cost, processing time, stay duration, documents, extensions, overstay penalties, and entry points. All figures are current as of September 2026.
| Attribute | Indonesia eVisa | Thailand eVisa | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee (single-entry) | IDR 500,000 (~£25) | THB 1,000 (~£22) | Thailand cheaper by ~£3 |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | 5-10 business days | Indonesia faster |
| Default stay duration | 30 days | 60 days | Thailand double the stay |
| Extension available | Online, +30 days, ~IDR 500,000 | In-person, +30 days, THB 1,900 | Indonesia more convenient (online) |
| Passport validity | Min. 6 months | Min. 6 months | Same |
| Return flight proof | Recommended, not strictly enforced | Mandatory at application | Indonesia more flexible |
| Financial proof | Less enforced | ≥20,000 THB (~£440) per person | Indonesia less strict |
| Payment methods | SIMPONI, JCB, Debit card | Visa/Mastercard | Both accept major cards |
| Overstay fine | IDR 1,000,000/day (~£48) | 500 THB/day (max 20,000 THB) | Thailand capped; Indonesia higher daily rate |
| Refund policy | Non-refundable | Non-refundable | Same |
| Photo specs | 4×6 cm, white, JPEG, max 2MB | 4×6 cm, white, recent | Same dimensions |
| Entry points | Major intl airports (CGK, DPS, SUB) + select seaports | All intl airports | Thailand broader |
Bottom line: the Indonesia eVisa is faster and less strict on return flights; the Thailand eVisa doubles the stay and costs ~£3 less. Both are non-refundable and require 6-month passport validity.
Cost Comparison: Indonesia eVisa vs Thailand eVisa Fees
Indonesia eVisa cost: IDR 500,000 (~£25), single-entry Visitor Visa. Thailand eVisa: THB 1,000 (~£22), single-entry Tourist Visa. Both non-refundable as of September 2026.
| Cost Element | Indonesia | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry eVisa fee | IDR 500,000 (~£25) | THB 1,000 (~£22) |
| Visa on Arrival fee | IDR 500,000 (~£25) | THB 2,000 (~£44) |
| Payment methods | SIMPONI, JCB, Debit card | Visa, Mastercard |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Refund policy | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
Thailand’s VoA doubles its eVisa fee at THB 2,000 (~£44); Indonesia’s e-VOA matches its eVisa at ~£25, with a maximum of 5 simultaneous applicants per application. The Thailand eVisa portal (thaievisa.go.th) states only “wait for processing” without specifics, so the 5-10 day range reflects aggregated traveller reports. The Indonesia eVisa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) processes payments via SIMPONI, accepting JCB and debit cards.
How Long Can You Stay?
The Indonesia eVisa grants 30 days (extendable to 60 online), whereas the Thailand eVisa allows 60 days (extendable to 90 in-person).
Processing Time Compared: How Fast Is Each eVisa?
The Indonesia eVisa processing time is 3-5 business days; the Thailand eVisa takes 5-10 business days as of September 2026. Processing times are aggregated from the official portals and traveller reports collected between June and August 2026. The Thailand eVisa portal does not publish specific timeframes, stating only “wait for the visa to be processed.” Factors affecting both systems include embassy workload, holiday periods, and application completeness. The embassy may request an interview or additional documents for the Thailand eVisa, and submission does not guarantee approval.
Documents You Need: Indonesia eVisa vs Thailand eVisa Requirements
Both the Indonesia eVisa and Thailand eVisa require a 6-month-valid passport, digital photo, and accommodation proof. The Thailand eVisa additionally mandates a return flight ticket and bank statement showing ≥20,000 THB (~£440) per person or ≥40,000 THB (~£880) per family.
| Requirement | Indonesia eVisa | Thailand eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | Min. 6 months | Min. 6 months |
| Photo | 4×6 cm, white, JPEG, max 2MB | 4×6 cm, white, recent (within 6 months) |
| Return flight | Recommended, not strictly enforced | Mandatory at application |
| Bank statement | Less enforced | ≥20,000 THB (~£440) per person, random checks |
| Accommodation proof | Required | Required |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Comparison
| Step | Indonesia eVisa (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) | Thailand eVisa (thaievisa.go.th) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | APPLY: explore and select visa type | Create an account |
| 2 | Prepare and upload supporting documents | Fill in application form |
| 3 | PAYMENT: pay visa fee via SIMPONI | Upload supporting documents |
| 4 | Track application status online | Pay visa fee (Visa/Mastercard) |
| 5 | DOWNLOAD: eVisa link sent to email | Wait for processing; confirmation sent by email |
The Indonesia eVisa platform offers a virtual assistant named Mido for application guidance. The Thailand eVisa system provides user manuals in English and Chinese, plus a video user manual and recommended browser guidance. The Thailand eVisa system supports Vietnamese, English, and Chinese languages.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Indonesia and Thailand Compared
| Aspect | Indonesia eVisa vs VoA | Thailand eVisa vs VoA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost difference | eVisa ~£25 vs VoA ~£25 (same) | eVisa ~£22 vs VoA ~£44 (VoA 2× more) |
| Time saved | Moderate | Significant: eVisa saves long queues |
| Risk trade-off | eVisa rejection = no travel; VoA = no pre-departure risk | Similar |
Decision framework: arriving by air with time to prepare? Apply for the eVisa online before departure. Last-minute trip, no time? Get VoA at the airport but expect queues. Need multiple entries or longer stay? Choose the multi-entry eVisa. For a detailed Indonesia eVisa vs VoA breakdown, remember that Indonesia e-VOA is available at major airports (CGK, DPS, SUB); Thailand VoA is available at select international airports only.
After You Land: Arrival Formalities & What to Watch Out For
The Indonesia eVisa arrival process requires an Arrival Card submitted within 3 days before arrival; Thailand uses the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) system replacing paper cards. Present your printed eVisa confirmation at the airport for both countries.
- Indonesia eVisa: faster processing (3-5 business days)
- Thailand eVisa: longer default stay (60 days vs 30 days)
- Indonesia eVisa: flexible – return flight and financial proof not strictly enforced
- Indonesia eVisa: online extension for +30 days without in-person visit
- Thailand eVisa: slower processing (5-10 business days)
- Thailand eVisa: mandatory return flight and ≥20,000 THB financial proof
- Thailand eVisa: in-person extension required at local immigration office
- Both: non-refundable fees; overstay fines and entry bans apply
Where Can You Use Your eVisa?
Indonesia eVisa: valid at major international airports (CGK, DPS, SUB) and select seaports. Thailand eVisa: accepted at all international airports. Warning: ferry crossings and overland entries may not accept eVisas in either country; a traditional visa may be required at land borders.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Thailand: 500 THB/day, capped at 20,000 THB. Indonesia: IDR 1,000,000/day (~£48). Both can impose entry bans, detention, and deportation costs.
Can You Extend Your eVisa?
Indonesia eVisa: online “Extend My Visa” for +30 days, ~IDR 500,000. Thailand eVisa: in-person at local immigration office, +30 days, THB 1,900.
Beyond the Basics: Long-Term Visa Options & 2026 eVisa Updates
Special Visa Categories
| Special Visa Type | Indonesia | Thailand | For Whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | Yes | No | Investors |
| Second Home Visa | Yes | No | Retirees, long-stay |
| B211A | Yes | No | Long-stay tourists |
| DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) | No | Yes | Digital nomads, workcation |
| LTR (10-year Long-Term Resident) | No | Yes | Long-term residents |
| Smart Visa | No | Yes | Talent/Investor/Executive/Startup |
| Elite/Privilege Card | No | Yes | Privileged entry programme |
What Changed in 2026
Indonesia 2025-2026: eVisa platform updates, digital arrival card integration, new eligible nationalities. The Indonesia eVisa platform also offers a Bridging Stay Permit and visa exemption for ASEAN foreigners. Thailand 2025-2026: eVisa expansion to more Thai embassies and consulates, TDAC rollout replacing paper arrival cards, processing improvements.
Data sources: evisa.imigrasi.go.id (Directorate General of Immigration, HR. Rasuna Said Blok X-6, Kav 8, Kuningan, South Jakarta) and thaievisa.go.th (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Last reviewed: September 2026. This article is updated quarterly; next review scheduled for December 2026.
FAQ: Indonesia eVisa vs Thailand eVisa
What is the difference between an e-Visa and a Visa on Arrival in Indonesia?
An eVisa is pre-approved online before departure; a VoA is issued at the airport. Cost is similar at ~£25 each, but the eVisa helps you avoid long queues.
Which eVisa is cheaper for UK citizens: Indonesia or Thailand?
Indonesia eVisa: IDR 500,000 (~£25). Thailand eVisa: THB 1,000 (~£22). Thailand’s VoA is significantly more expensive at THB 2,000 (~£44).
How long does it take to get an Indonesia eVisa from the UK?
Indonesia eVisa: 3-5 business days. Thailand eVisa: 5-10 business days (September 2026).
Do I need 20,000 baht in my bank account for Thailand eVisa?
Yes. Thai Immigration requires ≥20,000 THB (~£440) per person or ≥40,000 THB (~£880) per family. Checks are random but can happen at the airport upon arrival.
Can I extend my Indonesia eVisa online?
Yes. Indonesia allows online extensions for +30 days (~IDR 500,000). Thailand requires in-person visit to immigration office (+30 days, THB 1,900).
Which eVisa should I get for Bali?
Bali is in Indonesia, so you need the Indonesia Visitor Visa or e-VOA. The Thailand eVisa is not relevant for Bali.
Is Thailand visa-free for UK citizens?
Yes. UK passport holders enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. An eVisa is needed only for stays >30 days or specific visa categories.
What happens if I overstay my Indonesia or Thailand eVisa?
In Thailand: 500 THB/day, capped at 20,000 THB. In Indonesia: IDR 1,000,000 (~£48)/day. Both can impose entry bans.
Which Southeast Asian country has the fastest eVisa processing time?
Indonesia: 3-5 business days vs Thailand’s 5-10.
Can I apply for both an Indonesia eVisa and Thailand eVisa for one trip?
Yes. If your itinerary covers both countries, submit separate applications through each respective government portal before departure.
