Us Citizens: Visa Requirements For Brunei Explained

US citizens travelling to Brunei must have a passport valid for at least six months and with at least six blank visa pages. They do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days, but they are required to obtain one if they plan to stay longer.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens travelling to Brunei with a US passport are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival if they plan to stay beyond 90 days. US passports must have at least six months' validity and six blank visa pages remaining before entering the country.

US citizens can stay in Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it is important to check other entry requirements and the permitted length of stay before travelling. The US State Department recommends that US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei.

The US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam can provide the most current information on visa requirements for US citizens. Their contact details are as follows:

Address: 3520 International Court, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008

Phone: 202-237-1838

Email: [email protected]

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Brunei, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Passport validity

U.S. citizens travelling to Brunei must ensure their passports have at least six months' validity remaining on their passport before entering the country. This rule applies to U.S. passport holders entering Brunei for business or pleasure. Additionally, travellers are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Brunei if their visit exceeds 90 days.

It is important to note that travellers who apply for visas are also required to have at least six blank passport pages. This is in addition to the one page that is required for the entry stamp upon arrival in Brunei. Therefore, it is advisable for U.S. citizens intending to stay in Brunei for more than 90 days to have at least seven blank pages in their passport before their trip.

As of February 9, 2023, travellers to Brunei, regardless of their nationality, are also required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before their arrival by air, land, or sea. This online registration is separate from the visa requirements and does not incur any payment.

To obtain the most current information regarding entry and exit requirements for Brunei, travellers may contact the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam to the United States. The embassy can provide detailed and up-to-date information on passport requirements, visa procedures, and other relevant travel documents needed for a successful trip to Brunei.

Visa application process

US citizens do need a visa for Brunei if they intend to stay for over 90 days. For shorter visits, US citizens can enter the country without a visa. However, they must have a passport that is valid for at least six months and has six blank visa pages remaining.

If you are a US citizen and you wish to stay in Brunei for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa. Here is a step-by-step guide to the visa application process:

• Determine the type of visa you need: The type of visa you require will depend on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. Brunei offers different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas. Check the official website of the Bruneian government or embassy to understand the specific requirements for your visa type.
• Gather the required documents: The documents you need to submit with your visa application may include a completed application form, a valid US passport with at least six months' validity and blank visa pages, proof of financial support or funds to cover your stay, proof of travel itinerary or return ticket, and any other supporting documents specified by the Bruneian embassy or consulate.
• Complete the application form: You can usually find the visa application form on the website of the Bruneian embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction. Carefully fill out the form with accurate and up-to-date information. Some common details requested include personal information (name, date of birth, address, etc.), passport information, travel plans, and health information.
• Schedule an appointment: Contact the Bruneian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for your visa application. They will provide you with the necessary instructions and any specific requirements for the appointment.
• Attend the visa interview: During your appointment, you may be required to attend a visa interview with a consular officer. This interview is an opportunity for the officer to verify the information provided in your application and assess your eligibility for a visa. Be sure to bring all the required documents and arrive on time for your interview.
• Submit your application and supporting documents: At your appointment, submit your completed application form along with all the necessary supporting documents. Double-check that you have included everything to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
• Pay the visa fee: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, there may be a visa fee that you need to pay. Check with the Bruneian embassy or consulate for the applicable fees and accepted payment methods.
• Wait for visa processing: The processing time for visas can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The Bruneian embassy or consulate will be able to provide you with an estimate of the processing time.
• Receive your visa: Once your visa application has been approved, you will be notified, and your visa will be affixed to your passport or sent to you electronically (eVisa). Carefully review the details of your visa, including the validity period and any conditions or restrictions.
• Prepare for your trip: Before departing for Brunei, ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, including your valid passport with the visa and any other required documentation. Additionally, be aware of any cultural or behavioural expectations in Brunei, such as those mentioned in the US State Department's travel advisory.

Entry requirements

To enter Brunei, US citizens need a passport that is valid for at least six months and has six blank visa pages remaining. US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Brunei for visits beyond 90 days. However, for shorter stays, US citizens can enter the country without a visa and may contact the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam for the most current information.

It is recommended that US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei, similar to what is recommended for any other country. The US State Department provides a "Learn About Your Destination" search tool for the latest passport and visa requirements. Additionally, the CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for Brunei, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

When in Brunei, it is considered impolite to point with one's index finger; instead, it is more respectful to use the right thumb. Tipping is generally not expected, although large hotels and restaurants may include a 10% service charge on the bill. The local emergency phone numbers are 991 for an ambulance, 995 for the fire department, and 993 for the police.

The currency used in Brunei is the Brunei dollar (BND), and the local electricity specifications are 240 V and 50 Hz with a plug type G. The official languages of Brunei are Malay, English, and Chinese, and the time zone is UTC+8, which is 13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time.

Vaccinations and health precautions

The CDC and WHO recommend that travellers to Brunei are up to date with all routine vaccinations. They also recommend the following additional vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Pneumonia
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Some of these vaccinations are only recommended for travellers who will be engaging in higher-risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas, or eating street food. These include:

• Hepatitis A
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies

The CDC also recommends that travellers to Brunei take steps to avoid bug bites, as these can spread diseases. They advise covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats, and using insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET.

To stay healthy and safe during your trip to Brunei, the CDC recommends the following:

• Choose safe food and drinks when travelling
• Avoid contaminated water
• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel
• Protect yourself from UV radiation by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during the hottest time of day (10 am-4 pm)
• Stay safe around water by swimming only in designated swimming areas, obeying lifeguards and warning flags on beaches, not diving into shallow water, and avoiding swallowing water when swimming
• Keep away from animals, as animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies
• Reduce your exposure to germs by washing your hands often, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and trying to avoid contact with people who are sick
• Avoid sharing body fluids by using latex condoms correctly, not injecting drugs, limiting alcohol consumption, not sharing needles or devices that can break the skin, and ensuring that any medical or dental equipment is disinfected or sanitized
• Know how to get medical care while travelling by carrying a list of local doctors and hospitals, reviewing your health insurance plan, carrying a card that identifies your blood type, chronic conditions or allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take, and bringing copies of your prescriptions
• Select safe transportation by choosing official taxis or public transportation, making sure there are seatbelts, avoiding overcrowded or overloaded vehicles, and always wearing a seatbelt or helmet
• Maintain personal security by using common sense, researching your destination(s), monitoring travel advisories and alerts, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), leaving a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards and passport with someone at home, carrying contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate, and carrying a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp

Frequently asked questions