Brunei entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Brunei visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa application needed — just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Brunei | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Brunei strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Brunei | Immigration officers at Brunei International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Scoot check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with friends or family, carry an invitation letter with their local address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Officers may ask to see you have at least BND 500 (about NZD 550) in cash, a credit card, or a recent bank statement. ATMs are available at the airport but carrying cash avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Brunei immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew before you book anything.
No visa, no forms, no fees
New Zealand passport holders get 30 days visa-free with zero paperwork. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. No application, no payment, no queue at the embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Brunei International Airport (BWN)
You'll land at Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill out.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before you walk away. If it's less, ask politely.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration needed.
Download Brunei Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 (~$15 USD)
Apply at Brunei embassy or online; extension possible at Immigration Department.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBND 30 (~$22 USD)
Good for frequent travellers; extension possible per visit.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBND 20 (~$15 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Brunei company.
work visa
Employment Pass
1–3 years, renewable
BND 100 (~$74 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer in Brunei. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Labour Department. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BND 60 (~$44 USD) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognised institutions in Brunei. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
BND 500 (~$370 USD) processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient funds (minimum BND 500,000 in fixed deposit). Allows residence but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or wish to stay longer; apply at Brunei embassy. | BND 20 (~$15 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity; apply at Brunei embassy. | BND 30 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; overstaying can also lead to deportation and ban. | BND 100 (~$74 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for Brunei. You may transit airside without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Brunei; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers. Use mosquito repellent.
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 Department of Brunei (Jabatan Imigresen)
Jalan Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Mon–Thu 07:45–12:00, 13:30–16:30; Fri 07:45–11:30, 14:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kuala Belait
Immigration Office Kuala Belait
Jalan Maulana, Kuala Belait KA1131
Mon–Thu 07:45–12:00, 13:30–16:30; Fri 07:45–11:30, 14:00–16:30
For visitors in the Belait district; similar services as main office.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 1.28 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 30-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Brunei and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel.
You will be denied entry. Brunei immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online form required for New Zealand passport holders. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
Yes, you can enter via the land border at Sungai Tujoh (from Miri, Sarawak) or Kuala Lurah (from Limbang). The same visa-free rules apply — 30 days, passport validity 6 months, return ticket.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined and may be banned from re-entering. The fine is typically BND 100 per day overstayed. Don't risk it.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Brunei are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and trip disruptions.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa before you arrive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.