US-Bound Bruneians Get Visa Reminder
By P. Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - Bruneians travelling to the United States are reminded that they are required to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa from the American Embassy prior to their travel.

In a press release, the American Embassy said the United States' Visa Waiver Programme (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 Programme, along with a select few other countries; however there will be a change for Bruneian passports issued on or after October 26, 2006.

Brunei is one of the 27 VWP countries which include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Any machine-readable passport issued, renewed or extended on or after October 26, 2006, must include an integrated chip for the passport holder to utilise the benefits of the Visa Waiver Programme. This is a requirement for all VWP travellers 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.

Bruneians with any questions on this new requirement or require clarification on whether this requirement will affect their travel plans, can contact the American Embassy Consular Section at 222-0384 (Ext 2111), Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.3Opm. Additional information on the Visa Waiver Programme may also be found at www.travel.state.gov.

These passports requirements are intended to maintain and strengthen the integrity of the VWP in a manner consistent with congressional intent and international standards.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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