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3 ways to enter

Brunei visas

Brunei transit visa

Passengers connecting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not need a visa. Eligible travellers going to a third country can get a transit visa on arrival for up to 72 hours.

Ways to get a Brunei transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours qualify, except Israeli nationals.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours.
  2. Transit visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Travellers continuing to a third country can qualify, except nationals of Cuba and North Korea. Israeli nationals are refused transit.

    Stay
    Up to 72 hours.
  3. Transit pass for travel to Miri

    Other permit

    A transit pass is mentioned for a traveller going through Brunei International Airport to Miri in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not meet the under-24-hour exemption need another form of transit permission. Eligible travellers continuing to a third country can get a transit visa on arrival.

Who doesn't

Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not need a visa, except that Israeli nationals are refused all transit.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Longest transit
72 hours
Transit without a visa
Transit must be through Brunei International Airport and last less than 24 hours. Israeli nationals are refused transit, even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.

Good to know

  • For a transit visa on arrival, you must be travelling to a third country.
  • Cuban and North Korean nationals cannot use the transit visa on arrival.
  • Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan and Sri Lanka need a sponsor, such as an airline or travel agent.
  • Israeli nationals are refused transit.
  • The under-24-hour exemption does not explain whether you may leave the airport.
  • A transit pass is also mentioned for travel through Brunei International Airport to Miri in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Brunei?

Travellers who do not meet the under-24-hour exemption need another form of transit permission. Eligible travellers continuing to a third country can get a transit visa on arrival. Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not need a visa, except that Israeli nationals are refused all transit.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Brunei?

There are 3 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Transit visa on arrival (a visa at the border); Transit pass for travel to Miri (a special permit).

How long can I stay on a Brunei transit visa?

Less than 24 hours without a visa, or up to 72 hours with a transit visa on arrival.

How long can I stay in transit in Brunei?

Up to 72 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transit must be through Brunei International Airport and last less than 24 hours. Israeli nationals are refused transit, even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.

Can I stay inside the airport in Brunei without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers.

What rules do I have to follow on a Brunei transit visa?

For a transit visa on arrival, you must be travelling to a third country. Cuban and North Korean nationals cannot use the transit visa on arrival. Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan and Sri Lanka need a sponsor, such as an airline or travel agent. Israeli nationals are refused transit.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Brunei?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Brunei visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Brunei be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Brunei transit visa rules?

On Brunei's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Brunei?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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