Brunei Visa Eligibility 2023

Brunei Visa

Irsa GulJune 23, 2023Last Updated: June 23, 2023

0 8 minutes read

If you are planning to visit Brunei in 2023, it is essential to check your Brunei visa eligibility beforehand. Brunei has specific requirements for visa applications, and it is important to ensure that you meet them before making any travel arrangements. In this article, we will discuss the Brunei visa eligibility criteria for 2023, including the types of visas available and the requirements for each. Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a small sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. It is known for its pristine rainforests, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.

Who must require a Brunei visa?

The requirement for a Brunei visa varies depending on the nationality of the traveler.

Citizens from the following mentioned countries are exempted from visa requirements and are allowed to enter Brunei for short stays without a visa;

EU Member States (up to 90 days)
Iceland (up to 90 days)
Liechtenstein (up to 90 days)
Norway (up to 90 days)
Switzerland (up to 90 days)
United Kingdom (up to 90 days)
United States (up to 90 days)
Laos (up to 30 days)
Malaysia (up to 30 days)
New Zealand (up to 30 days)
Oman (up to 30 days)
Singapore (up to 30 days)
South Korea (up to 30 days)
Turkey (up to 30 days)
Ukraine (up to 30 days)
United Arab Emirates (up to 30 days)
Cambodia (up to 14 days)
Canada (up to 14 days)
Costa Rica (up to 14 days)
Hong Kong (up to 14 days)
Indonesia (up to 14 days)
Japan (up to 14 days)
Macau (up to 14 days)
Maldives (up to 14 days)
Myanmar (up to 14 days)
Peru (up to 14 days)
Philippines (up to 14 days)
Russia (up to 14 days)
Thailand (up to 14 days)
Vietnam (up to 14 days)

Citizens having diplomatic passports from the following mentioned countries are eligible to enter and stay in Brunei without a visa;

Bangladesh
China
India
Iran
Kuwait
Mongolia
Morocco
Pakistan
Tajikistan

Documents required to apply for a Bahrain Visa

The specific documents required for a Brunei visa application may vary based on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit. However, some general documents that may be required for most types of visas include:

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photographs
Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the trip
Police clearance certificate
Medical examination report
Proof of travel insurance
Employment letter or proof of business/educational purpose of the visit (if applicable)
Visa application fee

Different methods to apply for a Brunei visa

There are several ways to apply for a Brunei visa depending on your location, convenience, and the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some common methods to apply for a Brunei visa:

Online Application: The most convenient and popular method to apply for a Brunei visa is through online application. You can visit the official website of the Brunei Immigration Department and fill out the visa application form. You will need to upload the required documents, pay the visa fee online and submit the application. The visa will be processed and sent to your email address.
Visa Application through an Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a Brunei visa by visiting the nearest Brunei embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to submit the visa application form along with the required documents and pay the visa fee. The visa processing time may vary depending on the embassy/consulate and the type of visa.
Visa Application through a Visa Facilitation Service: If you do not have a Brunei embassy or consulate in your home country, you can apply for a visa through a visa facilitation service. These services can help you with the visa application process and apply on your behalf. They may also assist with additional services such as travel insurance and flight bookings.
Visa on Arrival: Citizens of certain countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Brunei. This means that you can obtain a visa upon arrival at the Brunei International Airport. However, it is important to check if you are eligible for this option beforehand.

How to apply online for a Brunei visa?

To apply for a Brunei visa online, you can follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the Brunei Immigration Department.
Click on the “Visa” section and select the type of visa you want to apply for, such as a tourist visa, work visa, or student visa.
Read the visa requirements and eligibility criteria carefully before starting the application process.
Fill out the online visa application form with accurate and complete information. You will need to provide personal details, travel plans, and other relevant information as per the visa type.
Upload the required supporting documents, such as a copy of your passport, photograph, and other documents as per the visa type.
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
Review and submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number to track the status of your application.
Wait for the visa processing time and check your email for updates. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa approval letter via email.
Print the visa approval letter and carry it with you when you travel to Brunei. You will need to present it at the immigration checkpoint along with your passport.

It is important to apply for a Brunei visa well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays or last-minute complications.

How to apply through an embassy?

To apply for a Brunei visa through an embassy or consulate, you can follow these steps:

Locate the nearest Brunei embassy or consulate in your home country. You can find the list of Brunei diplomatic missions on the official website of the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visit the embassy or consulate during their working hours and collect the visa application form. You may also be able to download the visa application form from the embassy’s website. To check the list of embassies of Brunei through the given link.
Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. You may be required to provide personal details, travel plans, and other relevant information as per the visa type.
Gather the required supporting documents, such as a copy of your passport, photograph, and other documents as per the visa type.
Pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate. The visa fee may vary based on the type of visa and your nationality.
Submit your visa application and supporting documents at the embassy or consulate. You may also be required to attend an interview or provide biometric data.
Wait for the visa processing time and check your email for updates. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa approval letter via email or collect it from the embassy or consulate.
Print the visa approval letter and carry it with you when you travel to Brunei. You will need to present it at the immigration checkpoint along with your passport.

How to apply for a Brunei visa on arrival?

If you are eligible for a Brunei visa on arrival, you can follow these steps to apply:

Check if you are eligible for a visa on arrival in Brunei. You can find the list of eligible countries on the official website of the Brunei Immigration Department.
Make sure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and a return ticket.
Upon arrival at the Brunei International Airport, proceed to the immigration checkpoint and inform the immigration officer that you would like to apply for a visa on arrival.
Submit the required documents, such as your passport, photograph, and visa fee (if applicable) to the immigration officer.
Wait for the visa processing time and collect your visa on arrival. The visa processing time may vary depending on the number of applicants and the type of visa.
Carry the visa approval letter with you when you travel to Brunei. You may be required to present it at various checkpoints during your stay in Brunei.

Types of Brunei visas

The following are the main types of visas available for Brunei:

Tourist visa: This visa is for individuals who want to visit Brunei for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing or visiting friends and family.
Business visa: This visa is for individuals who want to travel to Brunei for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences, or conducting business activities.
Student visa: This visa is for individuals who want to study in Brunei at a recognized educational institution.
Employment visa: This visa is for individuals who have been offered employment in Brunei and wish to work in the country.
Transit visa: This visa is for individuals who are transiting through Brunei on their way to another destination.

Brunei visa costs

The cost of a Brunei visa varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality. Here are the approximate visa fees for some of the common visa types:

Tourist visa: The cost of a tourist visa for most nationalities is BND 20 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days.
Business visa: The cost of a business visa for most nationalities is BND 50 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days.
Student visa: The cost of a student visa for most nationalities is BND 20 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days.
Employment visa: The cost of an employment visa for most nationalities is BND 50 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days.
Transit visa: The cost of a transit visa for most nationalities is BND 5 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 72 hours.

Brunei residence permit

If you wish to reside in Brunei for an extended period, you may apply for a residence permit. Here are the general requirements and procedures for obtaining a Brunei residence permit:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Brunei residence permit, you must have a valid reason to reside in the country, such as for employment, education, or investment purposes. You must also meet the specific requirements for the type of residence permit you are applying for.
Application: To apply for a residence permit, you must apply to the Brunei Immigration Department. The application form can be obtained online or from the immigration office.
Required documents: You will need to submit a range of documents with your application, including a valid passport, a completed application form, a recent passport-size photograph, and proof of your reason for residency, such as a job offer letter, a student admission letter, or a business investment plan.
Background checks: The immigration authorities may conduct background checks on your criminal history and medical status. You may need to provide a police clearance certificate or undergo a medical examination.
Fees: There is a non-refundable fee for applying for a residence permit in Brunei. The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the permit.
Processing time: The processing time for a residence permit application can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Approval: If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit, which will allow you to live and work in Brunei for the duration specified in the permit.