Brunei Remains a Budget-Friendly Anchor for Regional Travel
Brunei is maintaining its current visa fee structure of BND 20 for single entry and BND 30 for multiple entry through 2026. This stability offers a cost-effective alternative for regional travelers and expats as neighboring Southeast Asian countries implement significant fee increases.
Brunei Remains a Budget-Friendly Anchor for Regional Travel
While several Southeast Asian nations are hiking entry costs this month, Brunei is sticking to its established fee structure. The Sultanate continues to offer some of the most affordable entry options in the region, providing a predictable base for nomads moving through Borneo.
The Current Fee Structure
Brunei currently maintains its visa-on-arrival rates at BND 20 (approx. USD 15) for single-entry visas and BND 30 (approx. USD 23) for multiple-entry visas. This price stability stands in contrast to recent changes in neighboring countries. For example, Thailand is raising single-entry fees to USD 30 and multiple-entry options to USD 60 starting February 23, 2026. Other regional hubs like the Philippines and Singapore have also adjusted their fee schedules upward for the year.
Who the Savings Affect
These rates directly benefit short-term visitors and regional slow-travelers. Digital nomads can utilize the standard 30-day tourist visa, which is extendable if you need more time to explore the rainforests or Bandar Seri Begawan’s water villages.
For those using Brunei as a regional hub, the multiple-entry visa remains a cost-effective tool for frequent border hops. While Brunei does not yet offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers in the area often pair a Brunei stay with Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is available to applicants currently residing in or visiting Brunei.
What to Know Before You Land
If you are planning a visit, keep these practical nomad news details in mind:
- Visa-on-arrival is available at the airport and major land border crossings for most nationalities.
- Payments must be made in cash, money orders, or company checks; credit cards are not always accepted for visa fees at the border.
- Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity to avoid entry denials.
Regional discussions regarding a unified ASEAN common visa are ongoing, which may eventually simplify multi-country itineraries. Until then, Brunei remains one of the most straightforward and affordable entry points in the region.
Read our full Brunei guide for the complete picture.