Brunei entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all entry points in Brunei. It's valid for up to 14 days and costs BND 20 (about USD 15). No advance application needed — just show up with your passport and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the border | Get a visa on arrival at Brunei International Airport or land borders. Pay BND $20 (or SGD $20) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 14 days. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready — the officer may ask to see them before issuing the visa. | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Chinese passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Brunei. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Printed or digital copy | Immigration officers at Brunei International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination — showing it on your phone works too, but a printout avoids delays. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Brunei. Officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least BND $500 (or equivalent in cash, credit card, or bank statement) available. Immigration may ask to see it if you look like you might overstay or work illegally — rare but happens. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — BND 20 exactly. No cards, no mobile payments. Have the cash ready before you reach the counter to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is single entry
This visa allows one entry only. If you leave Brunei (even to Malaysia for a day trip), you'll need to pay for a new visa on arrival when you come back.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Brunei immigration
At Brunei International Airport (BWN) or land/sea borders, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue for non-ASEAN nationals.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and BND 20 cash. The officer will process the visa — takes about 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa sticker and enter
The visa is a sticker placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. You're then free to enter Brunei.
Download Brunei Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBND 30 (~$22 USD)
Apply at Brunei embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBND 60 (~$44 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires supporting documents.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBND 30 (~$22 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Brunei company.
work visa
Employment Pass
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; employer typically pays
For foreign professionals employed by a Brunei company. Requires job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
BND 100 (~$74 USD) per year
For international students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Brunei. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
Varies; minimum investment required
For individuals investing a significant amount in Brunei's economy. Requires business plan and approval from relevant authorities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at entry points. | BND 20 (~$15 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)For longer stays or if VoA not applicable. | BND 30 (~$22 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | BND 60 (~$44 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | BND 10 (~$7 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Brunei
No transit visa needed
Chinese passport holders transiting through Brunei International Airport (BWN) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsBrunei International Airport (BWN)
Health & vaccines for Brunei
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bandar Seri Begawan
Immigration and National Registration Department (Jabatan Imigresen dan Pendaftaran Kebangsaan)
Jalan Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–11:30 & 14:00–16:30
For visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Kuala Belait
Immigration Office Kuala Belait
Jalan Maulana, Kuala Belait KA1131
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–11:30 & 14:00–16:30
Serves the Belait District; limited services compared to headquarters.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalBandar Seri Begawan
LanguageMalay
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBrunei dollar (BND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.28 BND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK-style)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Brunei before the 14 days are up. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa in advance at a Brunei embassy or consulate.
The immigration counter only accepts cash — no credit cards or mobile payments. There are ATMs in the arrival hall at Brunei International Airport, but they may charge a fee. Best to bring BND 20 from home or exchange at the airport before queuing.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official entry points: Brunei International Airport (BWN), the land border with Malaysia at Sungai Tujoh, and the ferry terminals at Serasa and Muara. Same rules and fee apply.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport or take a connecting flight that requires clearing immigration, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the immigration counter is open 24/7 for arriving flights. The visa on arrival process is the same regardless of time.
No, Brunei does not require an arrival declaration form for Chinese passport holders. Just present your passport and documents at the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.