On the island of Borneo is the Abode of Peace: the Nation of Brunei. This country may be small but it’s considered one of the richest in the world. Though they have oils and gas, Brunei also maintains well-preserved rainforests. Enjoy the charms of this country rich in Muslim culture! P.S. If you love alcohol, you might need to buy one before coming here as they don’t sell those in Brunei.

Philippine Passport Holders can stay in Brunei visa free for a maximum of 14 days. Some nationalities can stay for 90 or 30 days, too! Many workers in Brunei are Overseas Filipino Workers, so you’ll see many Kababayans. In case you want to spend more time here or have a job, this article also provides how to get a visa!

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Visa Free Countries

A valid passport (at least 6 months) must be presented to enter Brunei. Here’s the list of countries that can enter Brunei:

90 days

30 days

14 days

Visa on Arrival

The following countries can also get a Visa on Arrival when they arrive in Brunei:

The following must be presented: onward or return ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of sufficient funds for stay. A single entry visa costs B$20, while B$30 is for multiple-entry(for Chinese only.)

Quick Facts on Brunei Visa

Validity: up to 3 months

Number of Entries: Single or Multiple Entry

Where to Apply: Embassy

Processing Time: 3 days

Embassy: Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Manila
Address: 6th Floor, 111 Paseo de Roxas Building, Paseo De Roxas corner Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, 1229, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: +(632) 816-2836 / 816-2837 / 816-2838
E-mail: manila.philippines@mfa.gov.bn

Website: mfa.gov.bn

Brunei Visit Visa

If you want to stay for more than 14 days in Brunei, then you can apply at the embassy, especially if you have a family member or relative there.

Requirements for a Brunei Visit Visa

1. Application Form – must be accomplished

2. Passport-sized Photo – one copy and recently taken

3. Passport – it must be valid, also prepare a copy of the bio page, latest arrival and page with emergency contact

4. Confirmed Return Ticket – either a Manila = Brunei – Manila ticket, or a ticket to a third country (if Multiple Entry). An open-dated ticket is not considered.

5. Statutory Declaration – can be obtained from Brunei Darussalam Magistrate

6. Affidavit of Support – can be obtained from the Philippine Embassy in Brunei

7. Letter of consent – from the sponsor’s employer

8. Sponsor’s Details – passport bio-page, valid employment pass, or residency status that’s more than 2 months of the sponsorship. If married, spouse’s copy of NSO marriage certificate

9. Sponsor’s Identity Card – both sides, if not yet available, then include an official receipt as Temporary IC.

10. Proof of relationship between applicant and sponsor – NSO Documents, Marriage Certificates, Birth Certificates or CENOMAR (if fiancé or unmarried for both parties)

11. For Minors:

DSWD Travel clearance certificate – if the minor is traveling with unmarried parents or other relative other than married parents
Affidavit of Consent from minor's mother if they are not going together
Copies of valid travel documents of an adult if accompanying/traveling with a minor (latest valid re-entry visa, ticket, and OEC)

12. Visa Fee

Single Entry – BND 20 (about PHP 635)
Multiple Entry – BND 30 (about PHP 945)

Step by Step Guide in getting a Brunei Visit Visa

STEP 1: Scan all the documents needed.

STEP 2: Go to this website, fill the information needed, and upload your documents.

STEP 3: After your submission, proceed to the embassy with your Original Passport and Payment. You can also bring the documents you have scanned. You will also need to have 2 valid government-issued IDs to enter the Embassy.

STEP 4: Pay the visa fee.

STEP 5: Wait for the embassy to contact you to claim your passport with the visa.

Brunei Employment Visa

If you want to work in Brunei and already have an employer, you can get an employment visa at the embassy.

Requirements for an Employment Visa

If you want to work in Brunei and already have an employer, here are the requirements:

1. Application Form – must be accomplished

2. Passport-size Photo – one copy and recently taken

3. Original Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months

4. Photocopies - a copy of the bio page, latest arrival, and page with emergency contact

5. Medical Certificate – valid 2 weeks before your flight to Brunei. For the following:

For those working in Brunei for the first time
Going back to work in Brunei with a different employer
The same employer but had a vacation in the Philippines for more than 6 months
No medical record at accredited clinics since 2013
With Agency’s endorsement letter

6. Visa Fee – Employment visa – BND 20 (about PHP 635)

Step by Step Guide in getting a Brunei Employment Visa

STEP 1: Gather all the documents.

STEP 2: Go to the embassy or a representative, or an agency can pass it for you. You will also need to have 2 valid government-issued IDs to enter the Embassy.

STEP 3: Pay the visa fee.

STEP 4: Wait for the embassy to contact you to claim your passport with the visa.

APEC Business Travel Card

Philippines and Brunei are both members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. For business people who regularly commute to countries who are members, an APEC Business Travel Card is instrumental as you won’t require a visa to enter and premier lanes during arrival.

APEC Member Nations

Benefits of APEC Business Travel Card

Business trips for a maximum of 60 days (no more visa application)
APEC lanes on major airports

Who can get an APEC Business Travel Card in the Philippines

Must be:

A business person that represents a company or an entity that’s involved in international trading, selling of goods or services or investing in APEC Member nations
Not convicted or charged of a criminal offense
Has powers or authority to execute management policies, negotiate, trade, or invest (e.g. CEO, President, VP, Head, BOD) or an official nominated by the heads of the company whose work is involved in trading, investment and dealing with overseas clients or suppliers

Where to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card?

Makati Business Club (MBC)
2/F, AIM Conference Center
Benavidez St., Legaspi Village
Makati City
Telephone No.: (+632) 751-1137, 751-1138
Email: makatibusinessclub@mbc.com.ph

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
3rd Floor, Commerce and Industry Plaza (CIP)
1030 Campus Avenue cor Park Avenue
McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City
Telephone No.: (+632) 846-8196 loc 113
Email Address: abtc@philippinechamber.com

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)
International Trade Complex
Roxas Blvd. cor Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Pasay City
Email Addresses: ef.philexport@gmail.com; efosedc@philexport.ph

FAQS on Brunei Visa

1. Can I enter Brunei without a Visa?

Yes, if you are a Philippine Passport Holder, you may enter Brunei for 14 days.

2. Can I work with my Tourist Visa?

No, you can work only with a valid work visa/

3. Is there a penalty for overstaying?

Please note that Brunei is an orderly and Muslim country and is quite strict. If you have not exceeded 90 days, you are liable of a fine not more than $4,000 or imprisonment of fewer than 6 months, or both. If more than 90 days, then you will be imprisoned for 3 months to 2 years with a whipping of not less than 3 strokes (ouch!)

4. Where is the Brunei Embassy in the Philippines?

Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Manila6th Floor, 111 Paseo de Roxas BuildingPaseo De Roxas corner Legaspi StreetLegaspi Village1229, Makati CityRepublic of the Philippines

5. What are the office hours?

They are open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (lunch break is 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM).

Brunei is a small but rich country full of mystical wonders and amazing culture. It’s pretty strict, too, like no PDA for unmarried couples or no buying of alcohol or drinking in public, but it’s great as it guarantees safety and respects customs. It’s truly a wonder to be here!