Vietnam Visa on Arrival from Brunei: The 2026 Official Guide
As fellow members of ASEAN, the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam is characterized by seamless travel and growing business partnerships. Whether you are departing from the peaceful capital of Bandar Seri Begawan for a weekend getaway in Ho Chi Minh City or planning a month-long exploration of Vietnam’s coastline, understanding the 2026 visa regulations is essential.
While many Bruneian citizens enjoy visa-free entry, those planning extended stays or specialized business trips must navigate the E-visa or Visa on Arrival (VOA) systems.
Table of Contents
1. The ASEAN Privilege: 14-Day Visa Waiver
Before applying for any visa, you must check if you actually need one. As a citizen of Brunei:
You are EXEMPT from a Vietnam visa if your stay is 14 days or less.
How it works: You can simply book your flight, land in Vietnam, and present your Brunei passport at immigration.
Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
When do you need a VOA or E-visa?
If your itinerary in Vietnam exceeds 14 days.
If you need a Multiple Entry visa to explore neighboring countries (like Cambodia or Laos) and re-enter Vietnam later.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival from Brunei: The 2026 Official Guide
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): When and Why to Use It?
If your trip falls outside the 14-day exemption, you need to apply for a visa. While the 90-day E-visa is excellent for planned trips, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the superior choice for:
Emergency Travel: If you have an urgent flight from Brunei and need a visa approval in 1 to 4 hours.
Corporate Sponsorships: If a Vietnamese company is officially sponsoring your long-term business visit (DN1/DN2 visa).
Fixing E-visa Errors: If you made a typo on your E-visa application and realize it right before heading to the airport.
3. The VOA Process: Step-by-Step from Brunei
To use the VOA system, you must secure a pre-approved document before heading to Brunei International Airport (BWN).
Step 1: Apply for the “Visa Approval Letter”
Use a trusted portal like Visaonlinevietnam.com.
Submit your passport details online.
Select your arrival airport in Vietnam (e.g., Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai).
Pay the service fee via credit card.
Step 2: Print the PDF Letter
Within 2-3 business days (or just a few hours for urgent processing), you will receive the Approval Letter via email.
Crucial Tip: You must print this letter. Airline staff in Brunei will not allow you to board the aircraft if your stay is over 14 days and you only have a digital copy.
Step 3: Fly to Vietnam
Present your printed letter and passport at the check-in counter in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Step 4: Get Your Visa Stamp
Upon landing, look for the “Landing Visa” counter.
Hand in your passport, printed letter, and two 4x6cm photos.
Pay the stamping fee in cash to receive your visa sticker.
4. Mandatory Requirements & 2026 Fees
| Requirement | Detail |
| Passport | Minimum 6 months validity from the arrival date. |
| Photos | Two 4x6cm photos, white background, strictly no glasses. |
| Service Fee | Paid online for the Approval Letter generation. |
| Stamping Fee | $25 USD (Single) | $50 USD (Multiple). |
5. Flight Routes & Currency Tips
Traveling between Brunei and Vietnam is highly convenient in 2026:
Direct Flights: Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) frequently operates direct flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), making the journey just under 2 hours.
Transit Routes: If direct flights are unavailable, flying via AirAsia (through Kuala Lumpur) or Singapore Airlines (through Changi) provides excellent daily connections to Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCMC.
Currency Alert for Bruneians: The Brunei Dollar (BND) and Singapore Dollar (SGD) are strong, but Vietnamese immigration only accepts US Dollars (USD) in cash for the VOA stamping fee. Please ensure you carry crisp, untorn USD notes before leaving Brunei.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I extend my 14-day visa exemption once I am inside Vietnam?
A: Generally, no. Extending a visa exemption from within the country is highly restricted in 2026. If you suspect you might stay longer than 14 days, it is much safer to apply for a 90-day E-visa or VOA before you leave Brunei.
Q: Is the Visa on Arrival valid for crossing the land border?
A: No. The VOA system is valid only for air travel arriving at Vietnam’s international airports. If you enter via a land border, you must have an E-visa.
Q: What if I have a Bruneian Certificate of Identity (CI) instead of a passport?
A: The 14-day visa waiver applies strictly to ordinary Brunei passport holders. If you travel on a CI or a stateless travel document, you must apply for a visa in advance and verify your eligibility with the agency.