Applying For An Australian Visa: A Guide For Bruneians

If you're a Bruneian citizen looking to travel to Australia, you'll need to apply for a visa. The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) provides information on visa options, and the Department of Home Affairs website has the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on visa applications. It's important to be aware of visa scams and ensure your passport meets the requirements, which include having at least six months' validity. The Global Service Centre can provide additional information, and you may need to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter for assistance.

Visa scams in Brunei

To apply for an Australian visa in Brunei, you should refer to the official website of the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs. The website contains the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship and also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department's requirements. The website address is www.homeaffairs.gov.au.

If you are having trouble locating information on the department's website, you can contact the Global Service Centre (GSC) by telephone on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm Brunei time. You can also use an interpreter when calling the GSC by selecting option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language.

It is important to be aware of potential visa scams when applying for an Australian visa in Brunei. The Australian High Commission has issued a warning regarding visa scams in Brunei, although specific details are not provided.

In general, scam artists use various methods to contact their victims, including telephone, email, and the internet. They gain your trust and then ask you for money, only to disappear with your funds. One common scam is the ""advance fee" or "prepayment" scam, where scammers pose as representatives from loan companies, charge fees in advance of providing loans, and then disappear. Another scam involves impersonating embassy or government officials and requesting money or personal information. It's important to verify the legitimacy of any communication or request for money by contacting the official source directly.

• Do not click on any links, images, or attachments in suspicious emails.
• Do not respond to or forward suspicious emails.
• Verify the legitimacy of any requests for money or personal information by contacting the official source directly.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages claiming that you have won a lottery or prize and requesting money to cover processing fees or taxes.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as guaranteed employment or high-paying work-from-home opportunities.

Visa application form and requirements

To apply for an Australian visa in Brunei, you must meet the requirements and submit a completed application form. Here are the key details you need to know:

Visa Application Form:

The first step is to access the correct visa application form. The specific form you need will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The Australian Department of Home Affairs website provides comprehensive information on the different visa categories and their respective application forms.

Visa Requirements:

The requirements for an Australian visa application when applying from Brunei include:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Australia. It should also have at least six blank visa pages.
• Passport-sized photograph: You will need to provide one recent colour photograph taken against an all-white background. The photo must be glued to the designated section of the application form. Ensure it meets the specified size and style guidelines.
• Proof of travel arrangements: This includes a copy of your flight confirmation and evidence of onward/return travel.
• Fully completed and signed application form: The form must be signed with an original signature and should not be printed double-sided.

Additional Considerations:

• Processing time: It is recommended to apply for your visa 1-2 months before your intended travel date. However, faster processing services may be available in certain circumstances.
• Visa scams: Be cautious of potential visa scams operating in Brunei. Always refer to official sources for information.
• Business visas: If you are applying for a business visa, the sponsoring party in Australia must first organise approval from the Department of Home Affairs before you can obtain your visa.
• Transit visas: If you are only transiting through Australia to another destination, you may need to apply for a transit visa. This requirement may vary depending on your nationality and the specifics of your travel itinerary.

Visa fees and charges

The cost of applying for an Australian visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Here is an overview of the visa fees and charges for applying for an Australian visa in Brunei:

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): The ETA is an electronic visa that can be obtained online. It is available to citizens of certain countries, including Brunei, and allows visitors to stay in Australia for up to three months. The fee for an ETA is typically around AUD 20, but it can vary depending on the issuing authority.
• Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): This visa is for business visitors who want to come to Australia for a short stay of up to three or six months. The visa fee is typically around AUD 145, but it can vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. This visa will be valid for up to five years from 1 April 2024.
• Tourist Visa: For Bruneian citizens wishing to visit Australia as tourists, a visa is not required if the intended length of stay is less than 90 days. However, the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.
• Business Visa: Similar to the tourist visa, Bruneian citizens can enter Australia without a visa if they are visiting for business purposes and their intended length of stay is less than 90 days. Again, the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.
• Other Visa Types: There are many other types of Australian visas available, including student visas, work visas, and family or partner visas. The fees for these visas vary depending on the specific type and the applicant's country of origin. It is recommended to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change and may be different for each individual case. Applicants should always refer to the official websites of the Australian government or their local Australian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa fees and charges.

Visa processing time

The time it takes to process a visa depends on the type of visa and where you are applying from. Here is an overview of the processing times for different types of visas when applying from Brunei:

Tourist Visa

For citizens of Brunei, the processing time for a tourist visa to Australia is usually between 1 and 2 months. However, if you are running short on time, you may be able to request a faster processing service at the Embassy's discretion.

Business Visa

The processing time for a business visa can vary depending on the specific requirements and circumstances. The Australian Government has recently announced improved visa access, extending the validity of the Business Visitor stream of the Business visa (subclass 600) up to five years. These changes will come into effect on 1 April 2024.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

The processing time for an ETA is generally faster than that of a traditional visa. The ETA is an electronic authorization that can be obtained online and is linked to your passport. It allows you to travel to Australia without the need for a physical visa stamp in your passport.

Visa on Arrival

In some cases, citizens of specific countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival when travelling to Brunei. This means that you can obtain the visa once you arrive at the airport or port of entry in Brunei. The availability and cost of this type of visa may vary depending on your nationality.

Transit Visa

If you are transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours, you do not need a visa. However, if you are travelling to a third country, you may be able to obtain a transit visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 72 hours. This option is not available to nationals of Cuba, Israel, and North Korea. Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka must have a sponsor, such as an airline or a travel agent.

Visa validity and duration of stay

The validity of a visa is dependent on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. For example, citizens of ASEAN member states can enter Brunei without a visa and stay for up to 14 days. However, for British nationals, only British citizens and those with the right of abode in the UK can enter without a visa.

The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an option for those who may be eligible. The Business Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is valid for five years.

For a Brunei Darussalam Visa, the maximum duration of stay is 30 days for a single entry. For multiple entries, the maximum duration of stay is 30 days per entry. The validity of the issued visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary.

For Australian citizens, a visa is valid from the date of issue. Entry and exit must occur within the validity of the visa.

Frequently asked questions