Brunei entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

New Zealand passport holders can visit Brunei visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa application needed — just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Brunei. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Brunei immigration, but your airline may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration at Brunei International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have your boarding pass or e-ticket ready when you approach the counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Brunei officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or bank statement
You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit — no fixed amount is published, but BND 500–1,000 is a safe buffer.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Brunei immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew before you book anything.
No visa, no forms, no fees
New Zealand passport holders get 30 days visa-free with zero paperwork. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. No application, no payment, no queue at the embassy.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Brunei International Airport (BWN)
You'll land at Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill out.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before you walk away. If it's less, ask politely.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration needed.
Download Brunei Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBND 20 (~$15 USD)

Apply at Brunei embassy or online; extension possible at Immigration Department.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBND 30 (~$22 USD)

Good for frequent travellers; extension possible per visit.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBND 20 (~$15 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Brunei company.

work visa
Employment Pass
1–3 years, renewable
BND 100 (~$74 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer in Brunei. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Labour Department. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BND 60 (~$44 USD) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognised institutions in Brunei. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
BND 500 (~$370 USD) processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient funds (minimum BND 500,000 in fixed deposit). Allows residence but not employment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fineNo maximum cap; overstaying can also lead to detention and deportation.BND 100 per day (approx. $74 USD per day)
Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days; apply at Brunei embassy or online.BND 20 (approx. $15 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period.BND 50 (approx. $37 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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

New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for Brunei. You may transit airside without passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed
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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Zika virusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Brunei; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers. Use mosquito repellent.

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 Department of Brunei (Jabatan Imigresen)
Jalan Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Mon–Thu 07:45–12:00, 13:30–16:30; Fri 07:45–11:30, 14:00–16:30

Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Kuala Belait
Immigration Office Kuala Belait
Jalan Maulana, Kuala Belait KA1131
Mon–Thu 07:45–12:00, 13:30–16:30; Fri 07:45–11:30, 14:00–16:30

For visitors in the Belait district; similar services as main office.

Practical information for NZ 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police993
Medical991
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The 30-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Brunei and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel.
You will be denied entry. Brunei immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online form required for New Zealand passport holders. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
Yes, you can enter via the land border at Sungai Tujoh (from Miri, Sarawak) or Kuala Lurah (from Limbang). The same visa-free rules apply — 30 days, passport validity 6 months, return ticket.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined and may be banned from re-entering. The fine is typically BND 100 per day overstayed. Don't risk it.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Brunei are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and trip disruptions.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa before you arrive.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.