Us Visa Application Process In Brunei: A Guide

If you're a citizen of Brunei and want to travel to the United States, you will need to obtain a US visa. The process typically involves completing an online application, providing necessary documentation, attending an interview, and paying the relevant fees. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining a US visa in Brunei.

Visa requirements for Brunei citizens

Visiting the United States

Brunei citizens wishing to visit the United States will need to obtain a visa from the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of travel and other factors. The average visa processing time is 7 business days following approval, but this may vary depending on individual applications.

Visa-Free Travel

Certain international travellers may be eligible for visa-free travel to the US if they meet specific requirements. These requirements include the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and having a passport with an integrated chip. Brunei citizens are not currently among the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to the US.

Visa Application Process

To apply for a US visa, Brunei citizens must:

• Determine the appropriate visa category for their purpose of travel by referring to the Directory of Visa Categories on the US Visas website.
• Complete the visa application process, which may include scheduling an interview and submitting the required documents.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Wait for the visa to be processed and approved.

Entry Requirements for Brunei

US citizens entering Brunei for business or pleasure must have a passport with at least six months' validity and six blank visa pages. For stays of 90 days or longer, a visa is required prior to arrival. All travellers are also required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arrival by air, land, or sea (transit travellers are exempt).

Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States. The form is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet.

Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. The personal interview is conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam every Wednesday.

• Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
• Complete the DS-160 form.
• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
• Schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed.
• Pay the visa application processing fee. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

The average visa turnaround in Bandar Seri Begawan is estimated at 7 business days following approval but may be longer depending on individual applications.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam does not process immigrant visas.

Visa interview

To obtain a US visa in Brunei, you will need to attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam. Here is a guide on how to prepare for and what to expect during your visa interview:

Step 1: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

First, you must complete the online visa application form DS-160. This form needs to be submitted for each individual traveller, including any family members listed in your passport. You will also need to upload a photo that meets the specified requirements as part of the form. Once you have completed the form, be sure to print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Before your visa interview, you will need to gather and prepare the necessary documents. This includes your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the US. You will also need to bring the DS-160 confirmation page and a printed photo if the photo upload during the application process was unsuccessful.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Processing Fee

Prior to your interview, pay the nonrefundable visa application processing fee at the Embassy. The fee is USD $185.00 or BND $259.00, and currency from Brunei, Singapore, or the United States is accepted. Please note that there are restrictions on the type of USD bills accepted, and currency older than the year 2000 will not be accepted.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine your eligibility for a visa and the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under US law for the specific visa category you are applying for. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process, typically during the interview. Your photo is also a vital part of your application, so ensure it meets all the requirements.

The visa interview can be a new and intimidating experience, and it is normal to feel nervous. The consular officer will use the limited time available to gain a full understanding of your travel plans and intentions. Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans, and clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

Visa processing fee

To apply for a US visa in Brunei, you will need to pay a non-refundable visa application processing fee. The fee is USD $185.00 or BND $259.00, and it must be paid at the Embassy before your interview. The Embassy accepts currency from Brunei, Singapore, or the United States, but please note that they do not accept USD bills older than the year 2000, or bills that are ripped or damaged.

If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. You can check the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out the visa issuance amount for your specific nationality.

In addition to the visa fees, there are other costs to consider when applying for a US visa in Brunei. For example, you may need to pay for passport photos, which must meet the required specifications. It is recommended that you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photos meet all the requirements.

Another cost to consider is the cost of travel to the Embassy for your visa interview. The US Embassy in Brunei is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, and there is no walk-in service for visa applications. Routine appointments are available on Wednesdays at 8 am and 9 am, except on Embassy holidays.

It is important to plan and budget for these costs when applying for a US visa in Brunei, as the fees are non-refundable and the process may involve additional expenses.

Visa issuance fee

To obtain a US visa in Brunei, you must first complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). This must be done for each traveller, and the application form confirmation must be brought to the interview. You will also need to upload a photo that meets the specified requirements.

After completing the form, you must schedule a visa interview appointment. These are held on Wednesdays at 8 am and 9 am, except on Embassy holidays.

Before the interview, you must gather the required documentation, including a passport valid for travel to the US. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

Next, you must pay the non-refundable visa application processing fee of USD $185.00 or BND $259.00. This can be paid in currency from Brunei, Singapore, or the United States.

If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The amount of the visa issuance fee can be found on the Visa Reciprocity Tables.

It is important to note that the issuance of a visa is not guaranteed before a fixed travel date, and the process may take longer depending on the individual application. The average visa processing time in Bandar Seri Begawan is estimated at 7 business days following approval.

During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine your eligibility for a visa and the appropriate visa category based on your travel purpose. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under US law for the specific visa category.

As part of the application process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken, usually during the interview. Additionally, your photo is a vital part of the application, and it is recommended to use a professional visa photo service to ensure it meets all the requirements.

Frequently asked questions