Brunei Darussalam Visa Overview (2026)
Advance tourist visa required via Brunei High Commission in New Delhi.
Available for passengers transiting via Royal Brunei Airlines to a 3rd country.
Brunei Dollar is pegged 1:1 with Singapore Dollar; SGD notes accepted everywhere.
Consular Tourist Visa Application: High Commission in New Delhi
Indian passport holders traveling to Brunei Darussalam for tourism, cultural visits, or independent holidays must apply for a standard tourist visa in advance. The official issuing authority is the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in New Delhi. Applications can be submitted in person or through accredited travel visa agencies.
Mandatory Submission Dossier
- Original Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from entry date, featuring at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Completed and signed Brunei visa application form (in duplicate).
- Two recent passport photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, no eyeglasses).
- Personal covering letter detailing the itinerary, travel dates, and contact information.
- Confirmed return flight ticket reservations into and out of Brunei International Airport (BWN).
- Confirmed hotel reservation voucher in Bandar Seri Begawan.
- Original bank account statements for the last 3 months showing a healthy closing balance (recommended minimum equivalent of $1,000 USD).
- Visa fee of approximately BND 20 (~INR 1,300), payable via Demand Draft in favor of the Brunei High Commission.
The 72-Hour Transit Visa Option via Royal Brunei Airlines
For Indian travelers flying long-haul routes between India, Southeast Asia, Australia, or the UK on Brunei's national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), an advantageous 72-Hour Transit Visa on Arrival is available.
1. Confirmed Outbound Flight: You must hold a confirmed connecting ticket departing Brunei within 72 hours of arrival to a third destination country.
2. Carrier Specificity: Flights arriving and departing must typically be operated by Royal Brunei Airlines.
3. Sponsor / Pre-Arrangement: While technically issued on arrival at Brunei International Airport (BWN), the transit visa request should ideally be sponsored or facilitated through Royal Brunei Airlines or an authorized local travel agent at least 7 business days prior to arrival.
4. Nominal Fee: The transit visa fee is BND 5 (approx INR 320), payable in cash upon collection at the airport immigration counter.
5. Transit Tour Opportunity: 72 hours is ample time to experience all major landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan without the need for a full advance consular tourist visa.
Customs Regulations, Syariah Laws & Social Etiquette
Brunei is an Islamic sultanate governed by the Malay Islamic Monarchy (*Melayu Islam Beraja*) philosophy and incorporates the Syariah Penal Code alongside common law. Visiting Indian travelers must respect local cultural expectations and legal prohibitions.
Alcohol Prohibition & Non-Muslim Quota: The commercial sale and public consumption of alcohol is strictly illegal in Brunei. However, non-Muslim travelers aged 17 and above can bring up to 2 bottles of spirits or wine (up to 2 liters) and 12 standard cans of beer (330ml each) into Brunei strictly for private consumption. You MUST declare this at the customs counter upon landing at BWN.
Smoking & Vaping Ban: Smoking is prohibited in virtually all public areas, eating establishments, and parks. Electronic cigarettes and vapes are completely prohibited from import and will be confiscated with substantial fines.
Friday Prayers Closure: Every Friday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, all commercial establishments, supermarkets, restaurants, and tourist attractions across Brunei close completely for Friday prayers. Plan your meals and itinerary accordingly.
Dress Codes at Mosques: When entering mosques such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, modest attire is required. Men must wear long trousers; women must cover their shoulders, legs, and hair. Complimentary black robes (*abayas*) are provided at mosque entrances for international visitors.
Architectural Wonders, Water Villages & Pristine Rainforests
Unlike much of Southeast Asia, Brunei boasts virtually pristine virgin rainforests alongside opulent Islamic architectural masterpieces.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Completed in 1958, featuring pure gold-plated domes, Italian marble columns, and a replica of a 16th-century royal barge (*mahligai*) moored in an artificial lagoon.
Kampong Ayer: A massive centuries-old water village built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River. Over 30,000 residents live in interconnected wooden stilt homes with schools, mosques, and police stations, navigated via wooden water taxis (*tambang*).
Royal Regalia Museum: Houses the opulent gold chariots, crowns, and diplomatic coronation gifts of the Sultan of Brunei.
Known as the "Green Jewel of Brunei," Ulu Temburong protects 50,000 hectares of primary Bornean dipterocarp rainforest. Visitors cross the monumental 30 km sea bridge to Bangar, take wooden motorized longboats through raging rapids, and climb a 50-meter-tall aluminum canopy tower at dawn to observe hornbills, gibbons, and misty jungle vistas extending to Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions: Brunei Travel for Indians
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