Brunei Visa Requirements For US Citizens (2025)

U.S. citizens traveling to Brunei for tourism or business purposes do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, there are specific entry requirements to be aware of:

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

• Passport Validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Brunei.

• Blank Passport Pages: Ensure your passport has at least six blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.

• E-Arrival Card Registration: All travelers must complete an online E-Arrival Card registration before arriving in Brunei, regardless of the mode of entry (air, land, or sea). This registration is separate from visa requirements and is free of charge. Transit travelers are exempt from this requirement.

• Health Declaration: Travelers are required to complete a Health Declaration through the BruHealth mobile application or via the official website before arrival.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Additional Information

• Extended Stays: If you plan to stay in Brunei for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa prior to your arrival.

• Employment: Engaging in employment while in Brunei requires the appropriate visa and employment pass, which must be arranged before entering the country.

• Penalties for Overstay: Overstaying your permitted duration can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and caning

The process of obtaining a visa for Brunei as an American citizen is relatively straightforward and generally efficient. The timeframe it takes to secure a Brunei visa depends on the type of visa being applied for and the method of application. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to process a visa to Brunei, although some travelers may not require a visa at all for short visits.

For most short-term travel, American citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is applicable for tourism, short business visits, and transit purposes. Upon arrival in Brunei, U.S. passport holders are typically granted a stamp that allows them to remain in the country for up to three months. However, this is contingent on having a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and proof of onward travel. Since this process occurs upon arrival and requires no prior application, the processing time is essentially immediate.

In situations where an American citizen plans to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or engage in any activity not covered by the visa exemption, a visa must be obtained in advance. The most common method is to apply through the Embassy of Brunei in Washington, D.C., or through a consular office abroad. When applying through these channels, the processing time can range from 3 to 10 business days once all documentation is submitted. Delays can occur if there are issues with documentation or if additional scrutiny is required by immigration authorities.

Electronic visa options are not currently available for Brunei, which means all non-exempt visa applications must be done manually, either in person or by mail. If applying by mail, applicants should also factor in shipping time both to and from the embassy, which can add an additional week or more to the process. During peak travel seasons or in situations where government offices experience backlogs, processing times may extend further.

It is important to note that the visa timeline may also be influenced by individual circumstances, such as the type of visa requested (e.g., employment or dependent visas), sponsorship arrangements, or any special permissions required. In some cases, especially for work-related permits, approvals must be secured from Brunei’s Department of Immigration and National Registration or the Ministry of Home Affairs, which can lengthen the overall timeline considerably.

In summary, while American citizens can travel to Brunei without a visa for short visits up to 90 days, any travel beyond this exemption period will require a visa that typically takes between a few days and two weeks to process. The actual time depends on the visa type, method of application, and whether all documentation is submitted correctly. To avoid delays, it is advisable to plan ahead and consult with the Brunei Embassy well in advance of your intended travel dates

Moving to Brunei as a U.S. citizen involves understanding the legal, cultural, and practical aspects of living in this small Southeast Asian nation. While Brunei is known for its wealth due to abundant oil and gas resources, it is also a conservative Islamic monarchy with strict laws and social norms. Here’s an overview of the key requirements and considerations for U.S. citizens planning to move there:

1. Visa and Immigration Requirements

U.S. citizens can enter Brunei without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. However, for long-term stays such as work, study, or residence, a visa is required. The main types of long-term visas include:

• Employment Visa: To work in Brunei, you must first secure a job offer from a Brunei-based employer. The employer typically sponsors your employment visa, known as a work permit. This involves a labor approval process from Brunei’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Dependent Visa: If you are accompanying a spouse or family member who is working in Brunei, you may apply for a dependent visa.

• Student Visa: U.S. citizens who wish to study in Brunei must first be accepted by a recognized educational institution, which will assist in obtaining the student visa.

• Business or Investor Visa: For individuals interested in investing or starting a business in Brunei, a business visa or an investor visa may be available, subject to specific capital and operational requirements.

2. Work and Residency Permits

Once your employment visa is approved, you will be issued a green identity card, which is a legal requirement for all foreign workers in Brunei. Residency permits are typically tied to employment. Long-term or permanent residency is rarely granted to foreigners unless they have contributed significantly to the country or meet specific criteria, such as marriage to a Bruneian citizen or long-term economic investment.

3. Health and Background Checks

Applicants for work or long-term visas must undergo a full medical examination, including tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Additionally, background checks or a police clearance certificate from the U.S. may be required.

4. Cultural and Legal Considerations

Brunei operates under a dual legal system: civil law and Islamic Sharia law. Non-Muslims are expected to respect Islamic practices. Alcohol is banned for sale, and public behavior is regulated more strictly than in many Western countries. Understanding and respecting these laws is essential for foreigners living in Brunei.

5. Cost of Living and Housing

Brunei has a relatively low cost of living compared to Western nations, and income is generally tax-free. However, imported goods can be expensive. Many expatriates live in company-provided housing or rent apartments in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city.

6. Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare in Brunei is of good quality, with both public and private hospitals available. However, foreigners are encouraged to obtain private health insurance, as public healthcare is primarily subsidized for Bruneian citizens.

Related

• Brazilian Visa Requirements For US Citizens (2025)
• Australia Visa Requirements For US Citizens (2025)

Conclusion

In summary, moving to Brunei as a U.S. citizen involves obtaining the correct visa, often through employment or study, passing health and background checks, and adapting to the country’s strict legal and cultural environment. With proper preparation, it can be a safe and rewarding place to live.