🇨🇦CANADA

🏳BNCA-BN

Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit BN?

Q: Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a visa?

No. The e-Arrival Card is a free mandatory online immigration declaration, not a visa. Submit it via the Brunei INRS portal within 72 hours before arrival by air, land, or sea.

Q: How long can I stay in Brunei visa-free?

Up to 90 days per the visa policy for Canadian ordinary passport holders. For longer stays you must apply for the appropriate visa or extension.

Q: What passport validity do I need?

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Brunei.

Q: Can I work or do business on visa-free entry?

No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and short visits only. Work, paid volunteering, and business activities require a separate visa or permit.

Q: Does ETIAS or the Schengen 90/180 rule apply to Brunei?

No. Brunei is in Southeast Asia and is not part of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS and the Schengen 90/180-day rule do not apply.

Canadian ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Brunei. Canada is listed under Brunei's visa-exempt category, allowing visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. You must, however, register a free e-Arrival Card online before arriving by air, land, or sea. As of 2026-05-31, Canada (CA) ordinary passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Brunei Darussalam for tourism and short visits. Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs places Canada in its visa-exemption category (no visa required), and the maximum visa-free stay for Canadian ordinary passport holders is 90 days per the visa policy. This is not a Schengen destination, so no ETIAS or 90/180 Schengen rule applies. While no visa is needed, Brunei now requires all foreign visitors to submit a free e-Arrival Card via the Brunei INRS immigration portal within 72 hours before arrival. This is an immigration declaration, not a visa, so the route remains classed as visa-free. Travelers should carry a passport valid at least 6 months beyond departure, proof of onward/return travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation details. Visa-free entry covers tourism only; work, paid volunteering, or business activity is not permitted. Note Brunei enforces strict laws (alcohol importation limits, drug offences carry severe penalties), so review local conduct rules before travel.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free entry (no visa required); e-Arrival Card immigration declaration required

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days

per entry

Entries

Multiple entries permitted within visa-free terms

from issue date

Visa fee

0 (visa-free); e-Arrival Card is free of charge

consular fee only

Processing time

No visa processing; e-Arrival Card approval typically minutes to a few hours after online submission

standard track

Validity

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond intended departure

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your Canadian ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Brunei and has blank pages for entry stamps.

· Before booking· 6-month rule

/02

Book onward/return travel and accommodation

Brunei immigration may ask for proof of onward or return tickets and confirmed accommodation. Have these ready to present.

· Proof of onward travel

/03

Submit the e-Arrival Card online

Within 72 hours before arrival, register and get approval for the free e-Arrival Card via the Brunei INRS immigration portal. This applies to air, land, and sea arrivals.

· Within 72 hours· Free· Mandatory

/04

Prepare supporting documents

Carry proof of sufficient funds, travel/medical insurance covering your stay, and accommodation details for inspection on arrival.

· Funds· Insurance

/05

Arrive and clear immigration

Present your passport and e-Arrival Card confirmation. Visa-free entry of up to 90 days is granted by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

· At the border· Up to 90 days

/06

Respect local laws and stay limits

Do not work or conduct business on visa-free entry. Observe Brunei's strict laws and depart before your authorized stay expires.

· Tourism only

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

Canadian ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond departure

required

Blank passport pages for entry/exit stamps

required

Approved e-Arrival Card (submitted within 72 hours of arrival)

required

Return or onward travel ticket

required

Proof of accommodation in Brunei

recommended

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Travel/medical insurance covering the full stay

recommended

Awareness of Brunei alcohol import limits and strict local laws

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist visa fee0No visa required for Canadian ordinary passport holders

e-Arrival CardFreeMandatory online immigration declaration via Brunei INRS portal

Travel insurance (optional, traveler cost)VariesRecommended; not a government fee

Total estimate0 — 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free entry at port of arrival

Immediate on arrival

No visa application; entry of up to 90 days granted by immigration officer.

e-Arrival Card online submission

Within 72 hours before arrival; approval typically minutes to a few hours

Free mandatory immigration declaration via the Brunei INRS portal.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Visa-exempt nationality

Canada is listed in Brunei's visa-exemption category, so Canadian ordinary passport holders need no visa for short tourist visits.

High

/02

Generous 90-day stay

The visa-free allowance for Canadian ordinary passports is up to 90 days, ample for tourism.

High

/03

e-Arrival Card now mandatory

All foreign visitors must submit a free e-Arrival Card before arrival, a recent procedural change that catches travelers out.

Medium

/04

Tourism-only restriction

Visa-free entry does not permit work, paid volunteering, or business; a separate visa/permit is needed for those.

Medium

/05

Strict local laws

Brunei enforces strict conduct, alcohol import, and drug laws; non-compliance can lead to severe penalties.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

Canada to Brunei route verified

Confirmed visa-free entry for Canadian ordinary passport holders (up to 90 days) against Brunei MFA, Government of Canada travel advice, and Brunei visa policy. Noted mandatory free e-Arrival Card requirement.

/09 — The questions