Non-Immigrant Visas
Visa Waiver Program
Brunei participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). That means that citizens of Brunei may travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa or coming to the Embassy. Bruneians require visas for other kinds of travel (study, employment, exchanges, etc.). Many non-Bruneians, including permanent residents of Brunei, require visas for all travel to the United States. If in doubt, please check with the Embassy.
The State Department website provides details on the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, including passport requirements.
Caution:
VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established web sites which charge visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP, for information about ESTA and for submitting ESTA applications to DHS on behalf of the traveler. These businesses and web sites are not endorsed or associated with the United States Government. The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the ESTA web site.
PRESS RELEASE: OCTOBER 26, 2006
Important Information for Holders of Bruneian Passports Issued After October 26, 2006
The United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows Bruneian passport holders to enter the United States without the requirement of a visa as long as they meet certain criteria. Brunei continues to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, along with a select few other countries; however there will be a change for Bruneian passports issued on or after October 26, 2006.
Any machine-readable passport issued, renewed or extended on or after October 26, 2006, must include an integrated chip for the passport holder to utilize the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program. This is a requirement for all VWP travelers worldwide. The Government of Brunei has made arrangements to implement this new requirement, but unfortunately these new “e-passports” will not be available by the October 26 deadline.
This means that if you intend to travel to the United States using a passport issued, renewed or extended after 10/26/06 that does not contain a biometric chip, you will be required to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa from the American Embassy prior to travel. If you have any questions on this new requirement or require clarification on whether this requirement will affect your travel plans, please contact the American Embassy Consular Section at 222-0384 (Ext 2111), Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. Additional information on the Visa Waiver Program may also be found at www.travel.state.gov.