Do Bruneian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Australia?

Bruneian citizens need electronic travel authorization (not a traditional visa) for these countries. For the USA, an ESTA is required. For the UK, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be obtained before travel since 2024. For Australia, an eVisitor (subclass 651) or ETA is required. Canada requires an eTA. These are simpler than visa applications but must be approved before departure.

Can Bruneian passport holders visit China visa-free?

Yes, Bruneian passport holders can visit China visa-free for tourism, business, or transit purposes. China is included in Brunei's visa-free access list. However, travelers should verify the permitted duration of stay (typically 15-30 days depending on bilateral agreements) and ensure their passport has at least 6 months validity before traveling.

Which countries require Bruneian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Bruneian citizens require visas for 32 countries including major destinations like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Israel, and Venezuela. Some countries offer e-visas (India, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Morocco, Cuba) which can be applied for online. Others like the USA, Canada, Australia, and UK require electronic travel authorizations rather than traditional visas.

How do I renew my Bruneian passport and what documents are required?

Bruneian passport renewal is processed through the Immigration and National Registration Department. Required documents include: completed application form, current passport, recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 50mm, white background), IC (yellow or purple), and payment of fees (BND 30 for 32 pages, BND 50 for 64 pages). Processing typically takes 3-5 working days for standard applications. Applications can be submitted at Immigration Department headquarters in Bandar Seri Begawan or district offices.

Is military service mandatory for Bruneian passport holders?

No, Brunei does not have mandatory military service. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) operates on a voluntary recruitment basis. Citizens are not required to serve in the military to obtain or maintain their passport. However, Brunei does have a National Service program (Perkhidmatan Negara) which is voluntary and focuses on community development and youth training rather than military conscription.

Can Bruneian citizens work freely in other ASEAN countries?

While Bruneian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to most ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar), visa-free entry does not automatically grant the right to work. Employment requires separate work permits or employment passes issued by the host country's immigration authorities. The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) facilitate professional mobility in certain sectors, but work authorization is still required.

Are there any countries Bruneian passport holders cannot visit?

While not officially banned, Bruneian passport holders cannot visit Israel as Brunei does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and the passport states 'Valid for all countries except Israel.' Additionally, travel to North Korea, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Afghanistan is either restricted or requires special visas with significant limitations. Brunei's passport is accepted in Iran visa-free, unlike many Western passports.

What is the validity period of a Bruneian passport and can I travel if it expires soon?

Bruneian passports are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Most countries require at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the date of entry. Some countries (particularly in Europe and Asia) strictly enforce this rule and may deny boarding or entry if your passport expires within 6 months. It's recommended to renew your passport when it has less than 9 months validity to avoid travel disruptions.

Do Bruneian passport holders need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Most major transit hubs do not require transit visas for Bruneian passport holders during short layovers. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), and Turkey allow airside transit without visas. However, some countries require transit visas even for airside connections: USA (transit visa or ESTA required if changing airports), Canada (eTA required), Australia (transit visa or eVisitor required for stays over 8 hours), and India (transit e-visa for certain situations). Always verify transit requirements based on your specific route.

Brunei Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 164 Countries

The Brunei passport ranks 21st globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 164 destinations worldwide. This travel document provides Bruneian citizens with strong international mobility, facilitating seamless entry to numerous countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The passport has maintained a consistently strong position over the years, with rankings between 17th and 24th place since 2006, demonstrating Brunei's favorable diplomatic relations and the travel advantages its citizens enjoy. Bruneian passport holders benefit from simplified travel procedures and broad global accessibility, making it one of the more powerful passports in Southeast Asia.

Global Rank

#21

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

164

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Brunei passport

122

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Bruneian Citizens

Popular destinations where Brunei passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Singapore	Up to 30 days	SG
Malaysia	Up to 90 days	MY
Thailand	Up to 30 days	TH
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
South Korea	Up to 90 days	KR

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Brunei passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

122 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

29 countries

🔐 ETA Required

13 countries

💻 E-Visa

28 countries

❌ Visa Required

34 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Brunei's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Brunei Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Immigration and National Registration Department

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

🔗

Prime Minister's Office

Compare Brunei Passport with Other Passports

See how Brunei's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Brunei (You are here)	#21	164	78/100	79/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100
Hong Kong (SAR China)	#18	170	85/100	82/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Bruneian passport holders can access 164 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival/eTA. The passport ranks 21st globally on the Henley Passport Index. This includes 145 visa-free destinations, 28 visa on arrival countries, and 13 requiring electronic travel authorization. Major visa-free destinations include all Schengen countries, UK (with eTA), Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea (with K-ETA).

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Brunei's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Brunei Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 164 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 30 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Brunei's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Brunei Passport with Other Passports

See how Brunei's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Brunei (You are here)	#21	164	78/100	79/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100
Hong Kong (SAR China)	#18	170	85/100	82/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Brunei passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Bruneian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Brunei's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Brunei Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Brunei Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Bruneian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Bruneian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Australia?

Can Bruneian passport holders visit China visa-free?

Which countries require Bruneian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

How do I renew my Bruneian passport and what documents are required?

Is military service mandatory for Bruneian passport holders?

Can Bruneian citizens work freely in other ASEAN countries?

Are there any countries Bruneian passport holders cannot visit?

What is the validity period of a Bruneian passport and can I travel if it expires soon?

Do Bruneian passport holders need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Brunei passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Bruneian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Brunei's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Brunei Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Brunei Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Bruneian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Bruneian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Australia?

Can Bruneian passport holders visit China visa-free?

Which countries require Bruneian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

How do I renew my Bruneian passport and what documents are required?

Is military service mandatory for Bruneian passport holders?

Can Bruneian citizens work freely in other ASEAN countries?

Are there any countries Bruneian passport holders cannot visit?

What is the validity period of a Bruneian passport and can I travel if it expires soon?

Do Bruneian passport holders need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings