Brunei Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

There are different kinds of visas for different sorts of purposes of visit. The most common type of Brunei visa is a tourist visa. It is a permit issued for the foreigners who are looking forward to visiting the country for tourism. A Brunei tourist visa will allow you to stay in the country for about three, depending on the requirement. Another advantage to a tourist visa to Brunei has is that it can even be extended by applying to the Diplomatic Section of the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

The process of applying for a tourist visa to Brunei is mainly online. Before applying for the visa, you need to make sure what kind of visa you require. In order to apply for a visa, you will have to visit the official embassy website. The step by step procedure of how to apply Brunei tourist visa from India for the same is given as follows:

1. Download and print the Brunei tourist visa application form from the official Brunei embassy website.
2. Fill the form thoroughly will all the proper details.
3. Attach one photograph to the visa application form.
4. Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc
5. Submit the form to the embassy along with all the supporting documents.

The application form along with the supporting documents can be submitted to the embassy personally, through an acquaintance or via a visa agency. After the submission is done and the visa application form is received, the Embassy will process the documents and the passport will be provided with the visa stamp for Brunei. The passport will be mailed back to you on your registered address if you opt for the delivery process. Else, you can collect the stamped passport yourself.

It is also important to take note that genuine documents must be provided as there are chances that with incorrect documents or unverifiable information the visa may get rejected. The visa refusal may affect your future visa applications.

While applying for a tourist visa to Brunei, there are certain factors that you need to consider to be able to obtain the visa. The eligibility criteria for the permit are mentioned as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit
1. If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Brunei.
2. You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Brunei.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Brunei.
2. You need to provide relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Brunei.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents that are required for the issuance of the Brunei visa. The Brunei tourist visa requirements are given as follows:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months
• Completely filled visa application form
• One/Two colored photographs as per the specifications
• Covering letter specifying all the important details
• Confirmed return and onward flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation - hotel reservation, invitation letter
• Copy of Income Tax Returns
• Proof of financial support
1. Salary slip for past six months
2. Bank account statement for the past six months (if self-employed or unemployed)
• Identification proof - copy of Adhaar card, PAN card, etc.
• Travel insurance
• Copy of leave sanctioned letter from the employer (from institute if a student)
• Other additional documents if requested by the consular.

• Coloured photos
• Photo size: 40mm x 50mm
• 70% to 80% face coverage
• White background
• Neutral expressions on the face
• Head must be square to the camera
• Any kind of glasses are not allowed
• Headgears are prohibited except for religious reasons
• Photographs shouldn’t be older than 3 months

When the submission of the documents is completed, the embassy or the consulate takes time to process and verify the documents to provide a visa stamp on the passport. The time taken for the Brunei Darussalam visa process is about 7 working days. This time span may vary depending on the verification time required for visa documents or if there are any complications in the process.

The tourist visa fees for Brunei is dependent upon a variety of factors such as the type of the visa, the number of entries, service charges, and others. The fee will differ and is generally to be paid to the embassy after filling out the visa application form.

The required and original documents must be provided to the embassy as per the given specifications. When the documents have been submitted, -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The fee is generally non-refundable.

In order to check Brunei Darussalam visa status online, you can visit the website of the visa agency through which you have applied or the visa application centre website. You can even do it offline by calling the embassy with the visa application number and enquire about the status.

After obtaining the visa, you need to make sure that your actions do not get the visa cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed in order to do so. Some pointers can be found in the following:

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Brunei within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Brunei
1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
2. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
3. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.