Brunei entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US passport holders can visit Brunei without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy applies to tourism, business, and short visits. No visa application is needed before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Brunei. Airlines at US departure gates will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Brunei | Immigration at Brunei International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of the country. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry cash or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Singapore dollars accepted everywhere
Brunei and Singapore have a currency interchangeability agreement. You can use Singapore dollars (SGD) for all transactions in Brunei at a 1:1 rate. No need to exchange if you're coming from Singapore.
No visa extension possible
The 90-day visa-free entry cannot be extended for any reason. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter. Plan your trip accordingly.
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 'Immigration' — it's a single hall, usually quick. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Queue at the foreign passport counter
Join the line for 'Foreign Passports' (not ASEAN or Brunei citizens). The queue moves fast — typically 5–15 minutes. No forms to fill out.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly. They might also ask to see your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready on your phone.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '90 days' before you walk away. If it says less, ask politely for the correct duration.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's nothing to declare for most travellers. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Brunei Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBND 20 (approx. $15 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. Apply at Brunei embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostBND 30 (approx. $22 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Good for regional travelers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBND 20 (approx. $15 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Brunei company.
work visa
Employment Pass
1–2 years, renewable
BND 60–100 (approx. $45–75 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign professionals with a job offer from a Brunei employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Labour Department.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of study, renewable annually
BND 30 (approx. $22 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Brunei. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
BND 100 (approx. $75 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying even one day incurs a daily fine. Avoid overstay at all costs. | BND 100 per day (approx. $75 USD per day), no maximum cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
US passport holders transiting through Brunei International Airport (BWN) do not need a transit visa for stays up to 24 hours, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa-free entry or 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is generally safe, but stick to bottled water in rural areas. Avoid street food if sensitive.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas and negligible in Bandar Seri Begawan. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
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
Serves the Belait district. Limited services compared to HQ.
Practical information for US 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 = 1.27 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 90-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Brunei and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. US passport holders transiting through Brunei International Airport do not need a visa, as long as you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Brunei immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions for emergency travel.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before you arrive.
No. Brunei does not require an arrival declaration or online form. You simply present your passport at immigration. No e-visa or pre-registration is needed.
Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (BND). Singapore dollars (SGD) are also accepted everywhere at par. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller shops and taxis prefer cash. ATMs are available at the airport and in town.
Overstaying is a serious offense. You may be fined, detained, and deported at your own expense. The fine is typically BND 100 per day overstayed. You could also be banned from re-entering Brunei for a period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.