In the myanmar evisa vs evisa thailand comparison for 2026, UK citizens face a stark contrast: a mandatory Myanmar eVisa ($50 USD, 28-day single entry, minimum 3 working days processing) versus visa-free entry to Thailand for 60 days at no cost. Myanmar’s eVisa is limited to Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw international airports plus select land borders; Thailand permits entry at all international crossings. Apply for the Myanmar eVisa directly at evisa.moip.gov.mm at least 7 to 10 days before travel to account for 2026 public holiday closures.
Last checked: 11 September 2026 against evisa.moip.gov.mm and thaievisa.go.th. Visa rules can change without notice; confirm with the relevant embassy before paying.
This is an independent comparison guide for UK travellers, not affiliated with evisa.moip.gov.mm or thaievisa.go.th. Always use the official government portals for the final application.
Myanmar eVisa vs Thailand eVisa: At a Glance for UK Travellers
UK citizens pay $50 USD (~£39 GBP) for a mandatory Myanmar eVisa but enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days at £0. This asymmetry defines the myanmar evisa vs evisa thailand comparison for British passport holders.
| Criterion | Myanmar eVisa | Thailand (UK visa-exempt entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | 5 steps via evisa.moip.gov.mm | N/A (visa-exempt stamp on arrival) |
| Official Fee | $50 USD (~£39 GBP) | £0 |
| Processing Time | Minimum 3 working days | N/A |
| Permitted Stay | 28 days, single entry | 60 days |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Visa-Free for UK? | No (mandatory eVisa) | Yes |
| Official Portal | evisa.moip.gov.mm | thaievisa.go.th |
How to Apply for Myanmar and Thailand eVisas
The Myanmar eVisa requires a five-step online application at evisa.moip.gov.mm; UK nationals skip the Thailand eVisa entirely under the 60-day visa exemption.
Create an account
Register at evisa.moip.gov.mm and fill in the secure online eVisa form with personal and travel details
Upload supporting documents
Passport bio-data page scan plus a digital photo (4.8 cm × 3.5 cm, JPEG, white background)
Confirm and pay
Pay $50 USD (~£39 GBP) by card
Receive approval letter
Get the e-Visa approval letter by email; visa stamped upon arrival at a designated port of entry
The Thailand eVisa follows a six-step flow at thaievisa.go.th (create account, fill form, upload supporting documents, pay fee, wait for processing, receive e-Visa confirmation by email), but UK passport holders do not need it. Both systems require a passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry, proof of accommodation, and onward travel proof.
eVisa Cost Breakdown: Official Fees vs Agency Markups
Myanmar’s official eVisa fee is $50 USD (~£39 GBP) for a Tourist Visa or $70 USD for a Business Visa, paid directly at evisa.moip.gov.mm. Third-party agencies such as VisaHQ charge $109 USD, a commercial markup over the sovereign consular fee; VisaHQ offers next-business-day expedited processing versus the standard 3 working days.
| Fee Item | Myanmar eVisa | Thailand (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Official government fee | $50 USD (~£39 GBP) | £0 |
| Agency markup (VisaHQ) | $109 USD | N/A |
| Refund policy | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
| Visa on Arrival alternative | $50 USD at select airports | Not required (visa-exempt) |
Both countries’ fees are non-refundable, even if an application is denied. Myanmar also offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at select airports for the same $50 fee; UK citizens require no VOA for Thailand.
Processing Time, Validity, and Entry Points Compared
The Myanmar eVisa requires minimum 3 working days to process, a central factor in the myanmar evisa vs evisa thailand comparison. For a detailed breakdown of Myanmar eVisa processing times, including standard versus urgent options, see our dedicated guide. The Thailand eVisa demands no processing time for UK citizens, who enter visa-free for 60 days. Myanmar eVisa approval validity is 90 days from issue; permitted stay is 28 days single entry. Thailand’s visa exemption grants 60 days, extendable by 30 days at a local immigration office (~1,900 THB).
| Attribute | Myanmar eVisa | Thailand (UK visa-exempt) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | Minimum 3 working days | None (stamp on arrival) |
| Approval validity | 90 days from issue | N/A |
| Permitted stay | 28 days, single entry | 60 days (+30-day stay extension) |
| Port of entry | Yangon (RGN), Mandalay (MDL), Nay Pyi Taw (NPT) airports; Tachileik, Myawaddy land borders | All international crossings |
| Overstay penalty | ~$3 USD/day | 500 THB/day (max 20,000 THB) |
Apply for the Myanmar eVisa 7 to 10 days before travel. Processing halts during 2026 public holidays including Full Moon Day of Tabaung (2 March), Armed Forces Day (27 March), Thingyan (11 to 19 April), Full Moon Day of Kasong (30 April), Labour Day (1 May), Eid Al Adha (28 May), and Full Moon Day of Waso (29 July). When last checked on 11 September 2026, the Myanmar eVisa telephone helpline (+95-67-3431125) remained unavailable due to earthquake disruption; travellers should use the email contact listed on evisa.moip.gov.mm.
eVisa Types, Visa on Arrival, and Longer-Term Alternatives
Myanmar offers two online eVisa types: a Tourist Visa at $50 USD (~£39 GBP) and a Business Visa at $70 USD. Thailand’s online platform at thaievisa.go.th lists 15+ categories including Tourist, Business, Transit, Study, Media & Film Crew, Retirement, Smart Visa, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for workcation and soft-power activities, Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa valid for 10 years, and Thailand Privilege Card. Myanmar has no equivalent long-stay option.
The Myanmar eStay extension service at estay.moip.gov.mm (resumed 1 September 2025) is available exclusively for business visa holders. Myanmar’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) at select airports costs the same $50; UK citizens need no VOA for Thailand. Both overstay penalties carry risks of detention, deportation, and future visa restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Myanmar eVisa vs eVisa Thailand for UK Travellers
Do UK passport holders need a Myanmar eVisa or a Thailand eVisa in 2026?
UK citizens need a mandatory Myanmar eVisa ($50, single entry, 28 days) for any visit to Myanmar. For Thailand, UK passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days; no eVisa or prior application is required in 2026.
How long does the Myanmar eVisa take to process?
Minimum 3 working days. Processing halts during 2026 public holidays including Thingyan (11 to 19 April) and Armed Forces Day (27 March). Apply 7 to 10 days before travel.
How much does the Myanmar eVisa cost for UK citizens?
The official government fee is $50 USD (approximately £39 GBP) for a tourist eVisa, paid directly on evisa.moip.gov.mm. Third-party agencies such as VisaHQ charge $109 USD, a commercial markup.
Can I use one eVisa to visit both Myanmar and Thailand?
No. Myanmar and Thailand operate separate sovereign visa systems. UK citizens enter Thailand visa-free but must independently obtain a Myanmar eVisa before departure. The two systems have no mutual applicability.
Where can I enter Myanmar with an eVisa?
Myanmar limits eVisa holders to Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw international airports, plus select land borders including Tachileik and Myawaddy. Thailand admits visa-exempt UK travellers at all international airports and land border crossings.
What are the photo requirements for the Myanmar eVisa?
The Myanmar eVisa requires a digital photograph sized 4.8 cm by 3.5 cm in JPEG format with a white background. Applicants must also upload a scan of their passport bio-data page and a passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry.
Can I extend my stay in Myanmar or Thailand?
In Thailand, visa-exempt stays can be extended by 30 days at a local immigration office for approximately 1,900 THB. In Myanmar, the eStay extension service at estay.moip.gov.mm is available exclusively for business visa holders.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Myanmar or Thailand?
Myanmar charges approximately $3 USD per day overstayed; Thailand charges 500 THB per day up to a maximum of 20,000 THB. Both carry risks of detention, deportation, and future visa restrictions.
Sources: evisa.moip.gov.mm; thaievisa.go.th; Royal Thai Embassy London, UK passport holder visa-exempt entry rules. Accessed 11 September 2026. Updated 11 September 2026: confirmed Myanmar eVisa fee at $50, 28-day stay, and Thai 60-day visa exemption for UK citizens.
