United States entry requirements for Brunei passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. visaYou cannot enter the U.S. without a valid visa unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Brunei is not a participant). Nonimmigrant visa required | Brunei passport holders must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B-1/B-2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Apply in person at the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan or the nearest consulate. Processing time varies; schedule an interview well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityU.S. immigration requires your passport to remain valid for the entire visit plus a 6-month buffer. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your Brunei passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer needs a blank page to affix the admission stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not including endorsement/amendment pages) for the visa and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketU.S. law requires visitors to show they intend to leave before their authorized stay expires. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the United States. This is typically verified at check-in and may be requested by CBP upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements, credit cards, or cash to show you can support yourself without working in the U.S. Financial means for stay | You may be asked to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your expenses during the visit. No specific minimum amount is set; it depends on your itinerary and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationThe U.S. does not require a separate electronic arrival authorization for visa holders; your visa serves as pre-approval. Not required | No arrival declaration (e.g., ESTA or similar electronic system) is needed for Brunei passport holders entering the U.S. with a visa. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe U.S. does not issue electronic visas; all nonimmigrant visas are foil stickers placed in your passport. Not available | There is no eVisa option for Brunei passport holders traveling to the United States. You must apply for a physical visa sticker at a U.S. embassy or consulate. | 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 July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1 Business Visitor
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185
Same application as B-2; for business meetings, conferences.
B-2 Tourist Visitor
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185
Standard tourist visa; multiple entries possible.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid before interview. | $185 |
| SEVIS fee (if applicable for other visa types)Not required for B-1/B-2. | Varies |
| Expedited appointment feeOnly if eligible for emergency appointment. | Varies |
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
No transit visa needed
Brunei passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit at U.S. airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a valid visa if leaving the airport or staying overnight.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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 July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.