Applying For A Singapore Visa: A Guide For Bruneians

Singaporeans can visit Brunei for up to 30 days without a visa. However, for extended stays, a visa is required. The visa application process for Bruneian visas differs based on the type of visa, such as tourist, business, work, dependent, student, and transit visas. The application process also varies depending on whether the applicant is eligible for visa-free entry, a visa on arrival, or if they need to apply at an embassy.

Singaporeans can visit Brunei for up to 30 days without a visa

Singaporeans can visit Brunei for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This visa exemption has been in place since 1 March 1985. However, it is important to note that visa requirements can change at short notice, so it is advisable to check for updates before travelling. Singaporeans who intend to stay longer than 30 days should closely monitor their immigration status to ensure they do not overstay.

To enter Brunei, travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and contains at least one blank visa page. They must also provide proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward or return travel, documents showing the purpose of their trip, and any other documents required for their next destination. It is also recommended that travellers confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa, as these conditions may be subject to change.

As of 9 February 2023, all foreign nationals must register using the e-Arrival card at least three days before arriving in Brunei. This can be done by providing passport details, information on residence in Brunei, and travel information.

Singaporeans travelling to Brunei should be aware of certain cultural and legal differences. Brunei is an Islamic country, and visitors are expected to dress modestly in public areas and respect local traditions and customs. It is important to note that the Sultan and members of the Royal Family are highly revered. Additionally, the sale of alcohol is banned in Brunei, and there are severe penalties for drug offences, including capital punishment in some cases.

The climate in Brunei is similar to that of Singapore, although flooding and mudslides can occur during the wet season, typically from September to January and May to July. Singaporeans travelling to Brunei are advised to follow the Singapore High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates and travel alerts.

How to apply for a Brunei tourist visa

The process for applying for a Brunei tourist visa will depend on your country of citizenship. Citizens of certain countries, including all ASEAN member states and European Union member states, can enter Brunei without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Singaporean citizens, in particular, have never needed a visa to gain access to Brunei.

If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to obtain a visa from one of the Bruneian diplomatic missions before your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months on entry, and you will need to have one blank visa page. You may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward/return travel, and documents showing the purpose of your trip.

For visits of 90 days or longer, a visa is required for all nationalities. Travellers who apply for visas are required to have at least six blank passport pages. Effective February 9, 2023, travellers also need to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea. This can be done online, free of charge, and is separate from visa requirements.

Please consult official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for your specific nationality.

How to apply for a Brunei business visa

The process for applying for a Brunei business visa will depend on your nationality. Brunei allows visa-free entry to several nationalities for short-term periods, and visas on arrival are also available for eligible countries.

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Brunei prior to travelling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Brunei business visa:

Step 1: Check if you need a visa

Before starting the visa application process, it is important to check if you need a visa at all. As mentioned, citizens of certain countries can enter Brunei without a visa for a specified period of time. Additionally, holders of an APEC Business Travel Card containing the code "BRN" may enter Brunei without a visa for business trips of up to 90 days.

Step 2: Find a sponsor

If you are travelling to Brunei for business purposes, you will need a sponsor to apply for your visa. The sponsor can be the company or organisation you are visiting or doing business with in Brunei.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents

The following documents are typically required for a Brunei business visa application:

• Completed Brunei Visa Application Form.
• Your passport, with at least six months' validity remaining, and a copy of your passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
• Copy of your return ticket.
• Proof of accommodation in Brunei, such as a hotel reservation or the address of where you will be staying if staying with family or friends.
• Proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Brunei.
• Your contact details.
• Payment of the visa fee.
• Any relevant supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation or support from your sponsor.

Step 4: Submit the application

Your sponsor must submit the visa application and all supporting documents to the Visa and Diplomatic Section of the Department of Immigration and National Registration in Brunei.

Step 5: Obtain the visa

Once your visa application has been approved, you can proceed to the nearest Brunei Embassy or Consulate to obtain your visa.

It is important to note that processing times and specific requirements may vary, so it is always best to check with the official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How to apply for a Brunei work visa

Every foreigner who intends to work in Brunei must have a valid Employment Visa authorised by the Department of Immigration and National Registration. The visa is issued at the Brunei Embassy. However, Malaysian and Singaporean citizens are exempt from this requirement.

Prerequisites:

• The employer must have a quota license from the Labour Department.
• The employer must obtain an approval letter from the work pass section of the Immigration and National Registration Department.
• The worker must have a valid passport/travel document recognised by the Brunei Director of Immigration and National Registration. The passport must be valid for at least six months before entering the country.
• The worker must pay a fee of BND20.

Application Process:

• The employer must lodge the visa application in person directly to the work pass section of the department.
• The processing time is approximately five working days.

Required Documents:

• Application letter from the employer.
• Copy of the labour license.
• Valid passport and identity card.
• Necessary documents for the application process, such as a certificate of qualifications.

Additional Information:

• If the employee plans to stay for longer than three months, they will need to apply for a Green Identity Card.
• The visa process for international workers in Brunei is relatively quick and easy compared to other countries. However, it is important to remember the renewal periods and apply for an identity card as the Department of Labor, Ministry of Home Affairs, will perform an inspection after the initial approval.

How to apply for a Brunei dependent visa

A Brunei dependent visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to stay and work in Brunei for a specific period not exceeding ninety days. It is granted to spouses and dependent children of work visa holders, as well as foreigners who are married to citizens of Brunei, have a child with a citizen of Brunei, or are the parents or guardians of a citizen of Brunei.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

First, check if you are eligible for a Brunei dependent visa. This visa is typically granted to spouses and dependent children of those holding a work visa in Brunei. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), you may also be eligible. However, you must prove that you cannot financially support yourself and that you have a close relationship with your family in Brunei.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with a Brunei embassy or consulate near you. You can usually do this by checking the website or contacting the embassy or consulate directly.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The documents required for a Brunei dependent visa application include:

• A completed Brunei visa application form
• Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months, with a white background, and showing your face clearly without sunglasses or hats
• An invitation letter from an employer in Brunei, detailing the position, salary, working hours, and other benefits offered
• A cover letter stating your skills, knowledge, interests, and why you are a good fit for the visa
• Proof of accommodation in Brunei, such as a hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay if residing with family or friends
• Evidence of sponsorship, including the sponsor's passport, and proof of their financial support for you
• A valid work permit granted based on employment in Brunei
• Health insurance that covers your stay in Brunei
• A return air ticket to your last location or country of residence
• A valid national passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the date of your intended stay in Brunei

Step 4: Submit Application and Supporting Documents

Submit the completed application form and all the supporting documents to the Brunei embassy or consulate. You will also need to pay the visa application fee, which is B$150 for the dependent visa.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time for a Brunei dependent visa typically ranges from three to six working days. However, it is always good to check with the specific embassy or consulate for the processing time in your case.

Additional Information:

It is important to note that dependent visa holders can work in Brunei if they have a valid work permit and meet the requirements set by the Bruneian government, including being of good moral character and having a clean criminal record. Additionally, proficiency in the Malay language is required.

Frequently asked questions