Brunei Darussalam visa

Brunei Visa Policy

The government of Brunei Darussalam operates a visa policy based on the laws of the constitution. While most foreign citizens are required to hold a visa before they can enter Borneo the government has a visa waiver list for selected countries. Citizens from visa waiver countries are free to enter and stay without holding visas for 14, 30 or 90 days depending on their nationality.

The visa waiver list is always changing as the government enters into new agreements with other countries or expunge old ones. This is why visitors are advised to consult the list to know whether their countries are included.

If your country does not make the list then you must apply for a visa either at the point of entry if your nationality allows it or from a foreign mission abroad.

All visitors regardless of whether they are from visa exempt or non visa exempt countries are required to have passports with a minimum validity of 6 months.

Brunei Visa On Arrival  

There is a visa on arrival scheme for visitors coming to Brunei without visas. This option is not open to all nationalities but only those from selected countries.  An eligible visitor will be issued a visa application form to fill at the entry point. Once this form has been filled, they will submit it along with their passport, application fee and other documents for processing which should only take a few minutes.  Once the application is approved they will be issued a visa and allowed into the country.

Kindly note that visa on arrival is only for short term visits not long visits and doesn’t qualify the holder for permanent or temporary residency.

Non Visa Exempt Visitors

Non Visa exempt visitors may apply for a single or multiple-entry visa depending on their commitment in the country. Single entry visas have a lower application fee than the multiple entry application. Single and multiple entry visas are issued to short term visitors and each visit may last for 14 days or 30 days.

Brunei Transit Visa

Transit visitors flying to another country through Brunei International Airport will need a visa if they plan to stay in the country for more than 24 hours. If they plan to stay for less than 24 hours this visa will  not be required. The transit visa is valid for 72 hours. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Cuba must have a sponsor to get this visa such as a travel agent or an airline.

Holders of service, diplomatic or official passports from China, Iran, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tajikistan, Mongolia and Iran can enter Brunei visa free.

APEC Business Card

The authorities have a special business card called APEC. This card is issued to special business visitors from selected countries who meet some conditions.   Visitors who have the card with a “BRN” code at the back may enter Brunei for business trips and stay for up to 90 days.

Banned Countries

Israeli citizens are banned from entering Brunei even as transit visitors who will not leave the airport while waiting for their next flight. This Nan is extended to all Israeli passport holders.

Visa Overstay

It is illegal to stay in Brunei on an expired visa. This is punishable by fines, caning or jail time for long term offenders. The government applies severe sanctions against violators.

Key Information About Brunei Darussalam And Travel Tips

Before your trip here are some tips you should consider.

Use Approved Routes: When traveling to Brunei be aware that visitors are only allowed to enter and exit through approved routes. This is especially true for transit visitors. If you arrive through the wrong route you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Harsh Laws: Brunei is an Islamic country with a constitution heavily influenced by Islam. Despite being very liberal compared to other middle eastern Muslim countries its laws can be quite harsh by Western standards. Avoid any form of illegality during your visit. Drug crimes attract the harshest penalties; death in some cases to offenders.

Don’t Overstay: Never remain in the country until your visa expires as this is a violation. You must leave the day your visa expires or face punitive measures.  Also, an expired visa can’t be extended so you must submit your extension application at least a few days before your visa expires if you want to stay longer.

Dress modestly: Locals and visitors are advised to dress conservatively especially in the case of women.  Showing too much skin in Brunei is frowned at. Also avoid wearing expensive jewelry so as not to court too much attention.

Be Mindful Of Safety: Brunei is a largely peaceful and safe country but there are pockets of unsafe areas. Avoid dark and isolated places and if you must visit such areas, use a guide.

How To Apply For A Brunei Visa

People who wish to apply for a visa can do so in one of three ways.

Embassy: The embassy option is open to short and long term visitors. All you need is submit the application and other documents to a Brunei foreign mission office. An interview will be scheduled for you and if you meet the requirements the visa will be issued after a few days or weeks.

Visa On Arrival: Also called VOA, this option is for those who meet the requirements based on their nationality and will receive the visa once they arrive in Brunei. It is issued at any of the entry points.

Through A Sponsor:  The third option is for a sponsor to apply for the visa on your behalf. This option is mostly for people coming for investment or business purposes. The sponsor must be a citizen or permanent resident of Brunei.

Visa Extension

If you have to stay in Brunei longer than your visa allows, the government gives you the option to apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office. The number of extra days given will be at the discretion of the immigration officer and a few other factors like your purpose and more. As for those who are from visa exempt countries, applying to the local immigration office will not suffice; they must submit an application to an embassy or consulate outside Brunei and go through the visa process.

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Travelers to Brunei in the heart of the Pacific Ocean should expect an amazing adventure but first, they must meet the entry requirements for all visitors in accordance with the travel regulations of the Brunei government.