Indian eVisa for Brunei Citizens: Easy Guide to Follow

Travelers from Brunei coming to visit India had to go through complicated paperwork, including visiting Indian embassies, until 2014. The government of India in 2014, in an effort to promote tourism in India, made the process of Indian visa application online. This means a citizen of an eligible country can now get the Indian visa online.

In 2024, there are more than 170 countries that are eligible for online Indian visas. The good news for the Bruneians is that Brunei is among other countries eligible for Indian visa online facilities. If you are a Brunei citizen and have a travel plan for India, you can save yourself time and utilize the fast and convenient Indian e-visa service. 

Does Brunei Citizens Need an eVisa for India?

Yes, Brunei citizens must have a valid visa to visit India. Thankfully, the Indian eVisa option simplifies the process, making it faster and easier to obtain a visa for various travel needs. If you’re visiting India for any of the following purposes, you can apply for an Indian eVisa online:

• Tourism and sightseeing (this includes visiting friends or family in India)
• Business activities, like attending meetings or conferences
• Medical treatment
• Accompanying someone receiving medical care in India

Based on your purpose of visit, Brunei citizens have different options or types of eVisas to choose from. Here’s a breakdown:

Types of Indian eVisas for Brunei Citizens

Tourist eVisa

For leisure trips, sightseeing, or visiting friends or family, the Indian tourist eVisa is ideal. Options include 30-day, one-year, and five-year validity periods, with stay durations based on the visa type you select.

Business eVisa

If you’re planning to attend a business conference, take part in training, or handle other work-related tasks, the business eVisa is designed for these purposes. Brunei citizens get 12-month validity and multiple entries on their business e-visas.

Note: The validity of Indian e-visa counts from the date of issuance and is limited to 180 days continuously.

Medical eVisa

Brunei citizens who need to travel to India to get medical treatment, the medical eVisa is available with a 60-day validity. This visa permits up to three entries within its validity period.

Medical Attendant eVisa

If you’re accompanying a patient for medical treatment, the medical attendant eVisa is an option. Up to two individuals can accompany the patient, and the attendant visa has a 60-day validity, matching the medical eVisa, with three entries allowed during that time.

It is requested of Brunei citizens to submit their Indian e-visa application for the right Indian e-visa type. This saves your Indian e-visa application from unnecessary delays and rejection.

Required Documents for Brunei Citizens Applying for an Indian eVisa

Passport

A valid ordinary passport is required; diplomatic passports are not eligible for the eVisa application.

Photograph

Upload a passport-style photo; just make sure it is taken recently, preferably not older than 6 months. Read more about the India Visa Photo Requirements.

Email Address

Use an accessible email address, as all updates about your eVisa application will be sent there.

Return Ticket

You must have a return ticket to Brunei or an onward ticket, confirming your departure plans within the allowed stay period.

Proof of Sufficient Funds 

All international travelers, including Brunei, need to provide proof of enough finances that shows they can financially support their trip to India.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Medical and Business eVisa?

Brunei citizens who are coming to India on an e-business or e-medical visa need to provide some supporting additional documents. 

Business eVisa: If a Brunei citizen is arriving with a business e-visa, a business invitation letter from the inviting company in India, including the company’s letterhead and contact information, is required.

Medical eVisa: A letter from the hospital where you’ll be receiving treatment in India is necessary. This letter should also have the hospital’s letterhead and contact details.

Important Travel Considerations for eVisa Holders

• Avoid Overstaying: Staying past your visa’s expiration may lead to fines or even future entry bans to India.
• Restrictions on Employment and Education: If you are on a short-term Indian eVisa, you cannot enroll in any long-term university for academic courses. If you wish to work or study long-term in India, a regular visa from an Indian embassy is necessary.
• Military and Restricted Areas: eVisa holders cannot enter military or restricted areas without special permission from Indian authorities.
• Carrying Your eVisa Approval: Even after your e-visa is approved, make sure you have a copy of your eVisa and your passport. Although a digital copy might work, a printout is more reliable.

Steps Brunei Citizens Should Follow for Indian eVisa Application

Prepare Yourself with Required Documents: When you sit to apply for your Indian eVisa, keep the required documents ready with you. Moreover, keep in mind that you have a stable internet connection.

Visit the Indian Visa Website: Access the official Indian eVisa portal or use a trusted visa processing site.

Fill Your Application for Indian eVisa: Carefully enter all your details in the Indian eVisa application. Correct information helps speed up approval.

Pay the Visa Fee: Keep your credit or debit card handy to pay the non-refundable eVisa fee.

Processing Time for Indian eVisa

The processing time usually takes 3–4 business days. Delays can happen if information is missing or incorrect, so double-check all your details. The best time to submit Indian eVisa is at least 7 days before so you can avoid unexpected delays.

Arrival Airports for Brunei Citizens with an Indian eVisa

Brunei citizens with an Indian eVisa can arrive at any of the 31 designated airports across India as of 2024. Usually, lists get updated regularly, so keep yourself updated before coming. If your chosen airport or seaport isn’t on the list, you’ll need to apply for offline eVisa through the embassy.

Is an Indian Visa Required for Brunei Citizens Arriving by Cruise Ship?

Yes, if you’re arriving in India by cruise ship, an Indian eVisa is needed. As of now, the Indian eVisa is accepted at the following seaports for cruise arrivals:

• Mangalore
• Chennai
• Cochin
• Goa
• Port Blair
• Mumbai

Is It Necessary for Brunei Citizens to Depart from Brunei to Arrive in India?

No, you don’t have to depart from Brunei to use your Indian eVisa. Once your eVisa is approved and sent by email, you can travel from any country to India. Neither a paper stamp on your passport nor a visit to the Indian embassy are required for entry.

Applying for an Indian eVisa as a Brunei citizen is straightforward when all documents are ready. For questions, the Indian eVisa online help desk is available to assist.