Brunei entry requirements for United Arab Emirates 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
UAE passport holders can enter Brunei without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. As of 2026, no pre-arrival registration is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date into Brunei. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Brunei | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Brunei. A flight booking or bus/ferry ticket showing you leave within 30 days works. Without it, expect to be questioned or refused entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — showing a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry cash or a bank statement showing you can support yourself. There is no fixed minimum, but around BND 200–300 per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Brunei, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you will be turned away.
No visa, no fee, no application
UAE passport holders get 30 days visa-free at no cost. No need to apply online or pay any fee. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Book a return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies of your passport, ticket, and hotel confirmation on your phone.
2
Arrive at Brunei International Airport (BWN)
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration. Join the queue for visa-free arrivals. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
3
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You are now free to enter Brunei.
Download Brunei Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBND 20 (approx. $15 USD)
Apply at Brunei embassy or online; requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBND 30 (approx. $22 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBND 20 (approx. $15 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Brunei company.
work visa
Employment Pass
Up to 2 years, renewable
BND 100 (approx. $74 USD) processing fee
For foreign professionals with a job offer from a Brunei employer. Requires sponsorship, contract, and qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
BND 60 (approx. $44 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
Up to 5 years, renewable
BND 500 (approx. $370 USD) processing fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BND 500,000 in a Brunei business or government-approved project. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | BND 100 per day (approx. $74 USD) |
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
UAE passport holders transiting through Brunei International Airport (BWN) do not require a visa for airside transit up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (30 days) applies automatically.
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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher in urban and rural areas during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Brunei, but prophylaxis may be recommended for rural areas near forests. Consult a travel clinic.
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
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and extension fee.
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; less crowded than the capital.
Practical information for AE 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 = 1.29 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-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Brunei before the 30 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and possible deportation.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for UAE passport holders. You simply present your passport at immigration and receive a stamp.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all official border crossings, including land borders from Malaysia (e.g., at Sungai Tujoh) and sea ports. The same 30-day limit applies.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Brunei immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you are transiting and not leaving the airport transit area, you do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must meet the visa-free entry requirements.
No, it is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Brunei can be high, and insurance covers unexpected emergencies.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before traveling.
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.