Brunei Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Brunei offers visa-free entry to citizens of numerous countries for tourism and business purposes. The visa policy is designed to facilitate tourism while maintaining security. Requirements vary significantly based on nationality.
Citizens of these countries can enter Brunei without a visa for stays up to 90 days
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Return or onward ticket may be required.
Citizens of these countries can enter Brunei without a visa for stays up to 30 days
European Union citizens generally receive 30 days visa-free access. Passport validity of 6 months required.
Citizens of these countries can enter Brunei without a visa for stays up to 14 days
Extension possible through the Immigration Department. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an electronic visa online before travel
Cost: Approximately BND 20-30 (USD 15-22) depending on visa type
Processing typically takes 3-5 working days. Print the approved eVisa and present it upon arrival along with your passport.
Nationals not covered by visa-free or eVisa arrangements must obtain a visa from a Brunei diplomatic mission
Some nationalities may require sponsorship from a Bruneian citizen or company. Check with the nearest Brunei diplomatic mission for specific requirements.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Brunei, travelers proceed through immigration control where officers verify travel documents and entry eligibility. The process is typically straightforward for those with proper documentation. Brunei International Airport is the main entry point, though land borders with Malaysia are also operational.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Brunei maintains strict customs regulations reflecting its Islamic values and laws. As an Islamic sultanate where alcohol is banned for Muslims and restricted for non-Muslims, and where Sharia law is enforced, customs controls are rigorous. All travelers must comply with these regulations regardless of their nationality or religion.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Brunei enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking
- Pornographic materials and obscene publications - strictly prohibited under Islamic law
- Items depicting pigs or pig products - offensive to Islamic values
- Counterfeit currency and goods - illegal to import
- Weapons and ammunition - require special permits and generally prohibited for tourists
- Fireworks and explosives - prohibited without authorization
- Endangered species and products - protected under CITES regulations
- Religious materials for proselytizing - distribution of non-Islamic religious materials is restricted
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices - banned in Brunei
- Laser pointers - prohibited items
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only necessary amounts with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled substances in Brunei
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants - require phytosanitary certificates and import permits from Department of Agriculture
- Meat and animal products - require import permits and health certificates from country of origin
- Publications and media - subject to censorship review. Islamic religious materials for personal use generally permitted
- Radio communication devices - require permits from the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft - require permits from Civil Aviation Department
Health Requirements
Brunei maintains specific health requirements for entry to protect public health. While vaccination requirements are minimal for most travelers, certain precautions are recommended based on your travel history and health status.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or having transited within 6 days through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you are up-to-date with standard vaccines including MMR, DPT, Polio, and seasonal influenza
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers due to possible exposure through food or water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
- Japanese Encephalitis - Consider for travelers spending extended time in rural areas
- Rabies - Consider for travelers with significant outdoor exposure or working with animals
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Brunei are good but can be expensive for foreigners. Insurance should cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Some activities may require proof of insurance coverage.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel. This letter should include travel dates, destinations, and accompanying adult details. Birth certificates may be requested. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. For divorced or separated parents, custody documents may be required.
Pets require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, obtained before arrival. Requirements include: valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), microchip identification, health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, and rabies antibody test results. Pets must undergo quarantine inspection upon arrival. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Department of Agriculture well in advance (at least 6-8 weeks) as the process is lengthy. Certain animals may be prohibited under Islamic law.
Tourist visa extensions may be possible through the Immigration Department in Bandar Seri Begawan. Apply before your current authorization expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. For stays beyond tourist purposes, you may need to apply for different visa categories such as employment visa (requires job offer and company sponsorship), student visa (requires acceptance from educational institution), or dependent visa (requires sponsor). Long-term stays require registration and may need security clearance. Business travelers requiring extended stays should have their Bruneian business partner apply for appropriate authorization.
Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport without leaving the airport transit area generally do not require a visa if continuing their journey within 24 hours on confirmed onward tickets. However, if you wish to leave the airport or if your transit exceeds 24 hours, normal visa requirements apply based on nationality. Ensure you have valid documentation for your final destination. Some nationalities may require transit visas even for airside transit - check with your airline or Brunei immigration authorities.
Business visitors entering on visa-free access or tourist visas can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiate contracts, but cannot undertake paid employment or establish business operations. For business activities, carry invitation letter from Brunei company, business cards, and documentation of your business purpose. Employment requires a separate work visa sponsored by a Bruneian employer, which involves obtaining employment approval from the Labour Department and immigration clearance. The process can take several weeks to months.
Journalists, media personnel, and those traveling for filming purposes must obtain special permission before arrival. Contact the Prime Minister's Office Information Department for media permits. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa is prohibited. Professional camera equipment may require declaration and temporary import permits. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention and deportation.