Brunei-China visa-free stays and a new Shenzhen–Brunei direct flight

Travellers moving between China and Brunei can do so without visas: Bruneians may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, while Chinese citizens can stay in Brunei for 14 days. A new direct passenger service linking southern China with Brunei also opened on 29 September, when Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH171 became the first non-stop route from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the country.

Key facts

• Bruneians can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days
• Chinese citizens can stay in Brunei for 14 days
• Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH171 launched on 29 September, the first direct passenger service from the Greater Bay Area to Brunei
• Shenzhen Airport now offers direct flights to 16 APEC economies
• China is the second-largest source of tourists to Brunei

What are the visa-free rules between China and Brunei?

The two countries have mutual visa-free arrangements. Under them, Bruneians can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, and Chinese citizens can stay in Brunei for 14 days. The arrangements are described as facilitating travel and cooperation between the two countries.

The source does not state when these arrangements took effect, which passport or document conditions apply, or whether the stays can be extended. Travellers should confirm the current conditions for their own nationality before travelling.

Which new flight route has opened?

On 29 September, Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH171 inaugurated the first direct passenger service from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to Brunei. Shenzhen Airport now offers direct flights to 16 APEC economies.

What else links the two countries?

China is Brunei's largest source of foreign investment and the second-largest source of tourists. Chinese universities and vocational schools have partnered with Bruneian institutions, and an increasing number of Bruneians are studying in China. Brunei launched Brunei Vision 2035 in 2007, with tourism among its five priority sectors alongside downstream oil and gas, food, information and communications technology, and services.

Brunei was among the first countries to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which came into effect on 1 January 2022. It has been a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) since 1989 and hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2000.

What this means for travellers

Passport holders of either country can plan short trips without applying for a visa, within the stated limits of 30 days for travel to China and 14 days for travel to Brunei. The new Shenzhen Airlines service adds a direct option between the Greater Bay Area and Brunei.

China is hosting APEC for the third time in 2026, under the theme Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together. The two countries are advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, infrastructure, clean energy, downstream oil and gas, and agriculture and food security.