United States entry requirements for Brunei passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Brunei passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Brunei before traveling. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA visa waiver authorizationESTA is an online authorization that allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. evisa | Apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online at the official DHS website. The cost is US$40.27 (US$4.00 processing + US$36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. You must receive approval before boarding your flight to the US. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to remain valid for a significant period beyond your planned return. 6 months | Your Brunei passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesUS border officials will stamp your passport upon entry, so you need a blank page for that stamp. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps prove you are a genuine visitor and not planning to stay longer than allowed. Recommended | Although not explicitly required by US regulations, it is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave the US within the 90-day ESTA period. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can support yourself during your trip. Recommended | While not a formal requirement, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by a border officer. There is no fixed amount specified. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form; the ESTA authorization and your passport are sufficient. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Brunei passport holders entering the United States under ESTA. | Not required |
| Visa extensionUnlike some visas, ESTA does not allow extensions; you must leave and reapply if you want to return. Not permitted | Your ESTA stay of up to 90 days cannot be extended. You must depart the United States before the 90-day period ends. | Not required |
Visa interview wait times can be long
Appointment slots at the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Check current wait times on the U.S. visa appointment website and apply at least 3–6 months before your intended travel date.
No visa-free entry for Brunei passport holders
Brunei is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A full visa application and interview are required for any purpose of travel, including tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete DS-160 Form Online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 USD fee (amount may change) online via the U.S. visa payment portal or at a local bank in Brunei. Save the payment confirmation receipt.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, and book an interview slot. Wait times vary — check current availability. You'll need your DS-160 confirmation number and payment receipt.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, payment receipt, and supporting documents (employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip purpose and ties to Brunei. Answer honestly and clearly.
5
Wait for Processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll get instructions on how to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
Once you have the visa, book your flight. At U.S. border control, present your passport with visa, and be ready to answer questions about your stay. The officer will decide your allowed stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Brunei Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
B-1/B-2 visa (standard)
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically 90 days)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$185
The standard visa for tourism/business; can be used for multiple visits.
E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor visa
Max stay2 years (extendable)
ValidityIndefinite as long as treaty status maintained
Cost$205
For Brunei citizens engaged in substantial trade or investment with the U.S.
O-1 extraordinary ability visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (extendable)
ValidityVaries
Cost$205
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, required for all B-1/B-2 applicants. | $185 |
| ESTA (if applicable under Visa Waiver Program)Only if Brunei becomes part of VWP; currently not applicable. | $21 |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For requesting an extension beyond the initial 90-day stay. | $455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient ties to home country25%
Inadequate financial evidence20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Brunei passport holders transiting through the U.S. generally require a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. However, if you are transiting through the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (if eligible) you may use ESTA, but Brunei is not currently a VWP country.
Exceptions & conditions
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt.
- Passengers with a valid U.S. visa (any class) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Certain international transit passengers may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if they hold a confirmed onward ticket and meet specific airline requirements, but this is limited and not guaranteed for Brunei passport holders.
Transit hubsLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO) · John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCOVID-19RecommendedInfluenzaConsiderHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Zika virusLow risk
Rare in the U.S.; mainly in southern states.
West Nile virusLow risk
Seasonal risk in summer/fall.
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
U.S. Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan BC4115, Brunei
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (by appointment only)
Washington D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (by appointment)
Practical information for BN travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. After your interview, it usually takes 3–5 business days for the visa to be stamped. But interview appointment wait times can be weeks or months, so apply well in advance — at least 3–6 months before your planned travel.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must file Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires. The fee is $370 plus a biometrics fee of $85. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Brunei does not). Even for a short layover, you need a valid U.S. visa (usually a B-1/B-2 or a transit C-1 visa). You must clear immigration and customs.
You'll be informed of the reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Brunei, incomplete documents). You can reapply, but you must address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process. The application fee is non-refundable.
No. B-1 is for business activities like meetings or conferences, not employment. B-2 is for tourism. Any paid work requires a work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1). Violating this can get you banned from future U.S. travel.
Not always, but it's smart to have evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration officers may ask how you'll pay for your trip. A recent bank statement or credit card is usually enough.
You should renew your passport at your home country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. before it expires. Your visa remains valid even in an expired passport, but you must carry both passports when traveling. Contact the Embassy of Brunei in Washington D.C. for renewal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.