Visa Requirements For Visiting Brunei Darussalam

If you're planning a trip to Brunei Darussalam, you'll need to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality. The country's visa policy outlines whether you need a visa, depending on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your stay.

Some citizens of specific nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term visits. These include citizens from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. However, it's important to note that visa requirements and exemptions may change, so it's recommended to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.

For those who require a visa, there are different types available, such as tourist, business, work, dependent, student, and transit visas. The application process and requirements may vary, but generally, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, financial stability, and passport-size photographs are necessary.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of the conservative Islamic cultural norms and local laws in Brunei Darussalam, as violations can result in severe penalties.

Do I need a visa for Brunei if I'm a US citizen?

If you're a US citizen travelling to Brunei, you will need to make sure that your passport has at least six months' validity and six blank visa pages remaining. For visits of up to 90 days, you don't need a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa prior to your arrival in Brunei.

It's important to note that you will also need to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea. This is a separate requirement from the visa and there is no payment required for the registration.

Additionally, all travellers to Brunei must have a Health Declaration Card to submit to the Officer-In-Charge upon disembarkation. This is to ensure that the country's strict laws on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases are adhered to.

Do I need a visa for Brunei if I'm an EU citizen?

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, you do not need a visa to enter Brunei for stays of up to 90 days. This also applies to citizens of Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, it is important to note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of departure, and you may need to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before your arrival.

Visa Requirements for Brunei

When travelling to Brunei, it is essential to check the visa policy, as the requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the duration of your stay. All visitors to Brunei must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, regardless of whether they need a visa.

The Bruneian visa policy outlines that citizens of specific countries are permitted to enter the country without a visa. This includes citizens from all EU member states, who can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Additionally, citizens from Laos, South Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, New Zealand, Ukraine, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore can stay in Brunei for up to 30 days without a visa. There is also a group of countries whose citizens can visit Brunei for up to 14 days without a visa.

Obtaining a Visa for Brunei

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a visa before your trip. There are different types of visas available, such as tourist, business, work, dependent, student, and transit visas. You can apply for a visa through a Bruneian embassy or consulate, or you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, depending on your nationality.

Important Considerations

It is important to respect local customs and traditions when visiting Brunei, as it adheres to conservative Islamic social values. Additionally, be aware that certain acts, such as public criticism of the Sultan or other members of the royal family, can result in legal consequences.

Do I need a visa for Brunei if I'm from a visa-exempt country?

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you do not need a visa to enter Brunei. However, you must have a passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from the country. The visa exemption list includes:

• All European Union member states
• The United Arab Emirates
• British citizens and British subjects with the right of abode in the UK
• ASEAN member states (except Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam)
• Malaysia and Singapore
• Canada, France, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (from 1 September 1985)
• Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (from 1 October 1986)
• West Germany, as Germany from 3 Oct 1990 (from 24 January 1987)
• The Maldives (from 1 February 1987)
• Sweden (from 1 October 1987)
• Denmark (from 1 June 1988)
• New Zealand (from 1 July 1993)
• The United States (from 29 July 1993)
• Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand (from 1 April 1997)
• Italy (from 9 August 1999)
• Oman (from 1 February 2000)
• Ireland and Poland (from 1 July 2003)
• Austria and the United Arab Emirates (from 11 October 2003)
• Slovakia (from 1 November 2004)
• Hungary (from 1 January 2005)
• The Czech Republic (from 1 November 2005)
• Slovenia (from 6 December 2005)
• Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Portugal (from 1 October 2006)
• Vietnam (from 1 August 2007)
• Iceland (from 1 January 2008)
• Bulgaria and Romania (from 1 February 2008)
• Hong Kong (from 1 June 2010)
• Cambodia (from 4 August 2011)
• Ukraine (from 30 April 2011)
• Macao (from 28 January 2012)
• Myanmar (from 1 September 2014)
• Croatia (from 1 January 2016)
• Russia (from 8 January 2018)
• Costa Rica (from 1 September 2018)

The above list is not exhaustive, and the Bruneian government advises visitors to consult the list to ensure their country is included, as it is subject to change.

Do I need a visa for Brunei if I'm only staying for a few days?

If you are planning a short trip to Brunei, you will need to check the visa requirements that apply to your nationality.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Brunei without a visa for up to 90 days:

• All European Union member states
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

The following countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days:

• Laos
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates

The following countries can enter visa-free for up to 14 days:

• Cambodia
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Macau
• Maldives
• Myanmar
• Peru
• Philippines
• Russia
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Visa on Arrival

Some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Brunei. This is only for short-term visits and does not qualify the holder for residency. The availability of the type of visa obtainable on arrival depends on nationality. The visa on arrival fee is B$20 for a single entry and B$30 for multiple entries, and they are valid for 14 or 30 days.

Non Visa-Exempt Countries

If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a visa either at the point of entry or from a foreign mission abroad.

General Passport Requirements

All visitors to Brunei must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, and U.S. citizens also require six blank visa pages.

Do I need a visa for Brunei if I'm transiting?

If you are transiting through Brunei, you may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

No Visa Required

Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not require a visa.

Visa Required

Transit visitors flying to another country through Brunei International Airport will need a visa if they plan to stay in the country for more than 24 hours. The transit visa is valid for 72 hours. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cuba, and North Korea must have a sponsor such as an airline or a travel agent to obtain this visa.

All visitors to Brunei, regardless of whether they require a visa, must have a passport with a minimum validity of six months.

Frequently asked questions