Exit Brunei: Application Process And Requirements

If you're planning to exit Brunei with your vehicle, you must apply for the Brunei Exit and Entry System (EES) Pass Online. This system facilitates and expedites the application and approval process for vehicles exiting or entering border checkpoints. The application can be accessed at any time, and a QR code system has been introduced to cut down waiting times. The E-Arrival Card, which is separate from any visa requirements, is mandatory for all foreign nationals arriving or departing from Brunei Darussalam through sea, air, and land immigration control posts. Additionally, travellers are advised to check the visa requirements of the countries they are travelling to before exiting Brunei and to adhere to the requirements of the destination country.

Ensure your passport is in good condition and has at least six months' validity

How to Ensure Your Passport Meets the Requirements for Exiting Brunei

When preparing to exit Brunei, it is crucial to ensure that your passport is in good condition and has a sufficient validity period. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

Check the Expiry Date:

Start by carefully examining the expiry date on your passport. To exit Brunei, your passport must have a validity of at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave the country. This means that your passport should not expire within the next six months from your planned departure date. This requirement is in place to ensure you don't encounter any issues during your stay or when departing the country.

Assess the Condition of Your Passport:

In addition to the validity period, it is essential that your passport is in good physical condition. Check that your passport is not damaged in any way. This includes ensuring that there are no torn or missing pages. If your passport is damaged, it is highly recommended that you obtain a new passport before your trip to avoid any complications or delays.

Understand the Rules for Your Specific Passport:

The requirements for passport validity may vary depending on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. For example, the six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports when travelling to the United States. Always verify the specific rules for your passport by contacting the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Renew Your Passport if Necessary:

If your passport does not meet the validity requirements or is damaged, you must renew it before your trip. Passport renewal processes can vary by country and may take some time, so it is important to allow for sufficient processing time. Check with your local passport authority to understand the specific renewal process and any applicable fees.

Keep Your Passport Secure:

During your travels in Brunei, ensure that your passport is secure at all times. Keep it in a safe place, such as a locked hotel safe or a secure money belt, and do not leave it unattended. This will help prevent loss or theft, which can cause significant disruptions to your trip.

By following these instructions, you can be confident that your passport meets the necessary requirements for exiting Brunei. Remember to also comply with any other relevant exit requirements, such as obtaining the necessary visas or completing any required declaration forms.

Check visa requirements before applying to exit Brunei

When planning to exit Brunei, it is important to check the visa requirements for your destination country. Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding visas, and failing to comply with these requirements can result in denied entry or other complications. Here are some key points to consider:

• Passport validity: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date. Make sure your passport has the necessary validity period and that it is in good condition, with no missing or damaged pages.
• Visa-exempt countries: Citizens of certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term stays in Brunei. For example, British citizens can enter Brunei without a visa for up to 90 days as a visitor. However, if you hold a different type of British nationality, you may need to check the visa requirements with the Brunei immigration authorities.
• Visa requirements: If your destination country requires a visa, find out the specific type of visa needed (tourist, business, student, etc.) and the application process. Each country has its own set of requirements and processing times, so be sure to allow enough time for your visa application to be processed before your planned departure.
• Blank passport pages: In addition to visa requirements, some countries, like Brunei, may require you to have a certain number of blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
• E-Arrival Card: As of February 9, 2023, travellers to Brunei are required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before their arrival. This applies to entry by air, land, or sea, but transit travellers are exempt. Make sure to complete this requirement separately from any visa applications.
• Health requirements: Some countries may have specific health requirements for entry, such as proof of certain vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test. Check with your destination country's embassy or official website for the most up-to-date information on health requirements.
• Restricted items: Familiarise yourself with the restricted items that you cannot bring into your destination country. This includes prohibited goods, controlled substances, and items subject to tax or duty. Declare anything that may fall into these categories to avoid legal issues when exiting Brunei.

Remember to always check the official sources and government websites of both Brunei and your destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date visa and travel requirements.

Adhere to the requirements of the destination country

When exiting Brunei, it is important to be aware of the requirements of your destination country. These can vary depending on the country or territory you are travelling to, so it is essential to research the specific requirements for your chosen destination. Here are some key points to consider:

Passport Validity

Many countries require your passport to have at least six months' validity remaining from your planned date of entry. This means checking the "expiry date" on your passport and ensuring it is at at least six months after the date you plan to arrive in your destination country. It is also important that your passport is in good condition and does not have any missing or damaged pages.

Visas

Depending on your destination, you may need to obtain a visa before exiting Brunei. The visa requirements vary depending on the country and the purpose of your visit. Some countries offer visa-free entry for a certain number of days, while others require you to apply for a specific type of visa, such as a tourist, business, or student visa. It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination and apply for any necessary visas before you travel.

Health Requirements

Some countries may have specific health requirements that you must meet before entering. This could include providing certificates of vaccination for diseases such as yellow fever or polio. It is important to research the health requirements for your destination and ensure you have the necessary documentation. Some countries may also require a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination before entry.

Customs Regulations

Different countries have different regulations regarding what items you can bring into the country. It is important to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of your destination, especially if you plan to bring in items such as food products, alcohol, or medications. Some items may be prohibited or restricted, and failure to declare them upon arrival could result in fines or other penalties.

Arrival Procedures

Some countries may have specific procedures or requirements for arriving travellers, such as filling out an arrival declaration form or an electronic arrival card. These forms may need to be completed before your arrival, so it is important to research and follow the specific instructions provided by your destination country.

Quarantine Requirements

In the current global health situation, some countries may have quarantine requirements for arriving travellers. This could include a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival or specific testing and isolation procedures. It is important to be aware of any such requirements and plan your travel accordingly.

Other Considerations

In addition to the above, there may be other specific requirements or restrictions depending on your destination. These could include restrictions on photography, dress codes, or cultural and religious considerations. It is important to respect the local laws, customs, and cultural norms of your destination country.

Register your vehicle online if driving out of Brunei

If you're planning to exit Brunei with your vehicle, you must apply for the Brunei Exit and Entry System (EES) Pass Online. This is an online service for anyone wishing to drive into or out of Brunei Darussalam. The EES will facilitate and expedite the application and approval process for vehicles exiting or entering border checkpoints. A QR code system has been introduced to cut down waiting times at the border.

To apply for the EES Pass, you must first register your vehicle electronically before the date of departure. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Go to Brunei's EES website and click 'Register Here'.
• Enter your email address and click 'Create Account'.
• Fill in your personal details, check the 'I Agree' box, and click 'Create Account' again.
• You will receive a 6-digit OTP code via email. Enter this code and click 'Confirm'.
• Log in to your account and click 'New Pass Application'.
• Enter your travel details, ensuring you choose the correct border entry/exit. If you want to stay in Brunei, choose 'Entry and Exit' for the route of travel option. If you are just passing through Brunei to access Sabah/Sarawak, choose 'Transit'.
• Once you have entered all the details, click 'Create Pass'.
• Register your vehicle information by entering the registration number and clicking 'Search'.
• Enter your vehicle's details and click 'Next'.
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'I Agree' followed by 'Next'.
• Enter your vehicle's information as per your registration card (Grant/VOC).
• Check the 'I Agree' box and click 'Pay Now'.
• After making the payment, a QR code will be emailed to you. Print out the QR code and follow the guide on how to cross the Brunei border using your car or motorcycle.

You can edit your EES application by going to the Brunei EES page and clicking 'Add/Update Driver Application'. You can also check your payment status and get your QR code on this page.

Please note that the QR code must be generated every time before exiting or entering Brunei Darussalam. It can only be used once and is dependent on the type of travel selected.

Check vaccination requirements for the country you are travelling to

As of 1 January 2022, the government of Brunei implemented new entrance requirements for travellers. These requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check for updates before your trip.

All travellers to Brunei must be fully vaccinated with an approved World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine or a WHO Emergency Use List (EUL) vaccine. Unvaccinated travellers are not permitted to enter the country unless they have a medical exemption.

In addition to vaccination requirements, travellers to Brunei may need to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. As of June 2022, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, no longer need to provide a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR or ART test. However, unvaccinated travellers are still required to undergo an ART test upon arrival, an RT-PCR test on the third day after arrival, and self-isolate until a negative RT-PCR result is obtained.

It is important to note that the vaccination and testing requirements may differ depending on the country you are travelling from and your reason for travel. For example, foreign nationals entering Brunei for short-term visits may be required to obtain travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the website of the Brunei government and the guidelines of your own country for international travel advice. Additionally, consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications for your trip.

Frequently asked questions