Exploring Brunei: Travel Options For Americans

Americans can travel to Brunei, but they must have a passport that is valid for at least six months and has six blank visa pages before entering the country for business or pleasure. For visits of 90 days or longer, a visa is required prior to arrival. Since 29 July 1993, U.S. citizens have been able to obtain a visa on arrival in Brunei. The US State Department recommends that US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei.

US citizens should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help in emergencies

Americans can travel to Brunei, but they should be aware of the local laws and customs, which may be very different from what they are used to in the US. Brunei has a conservative Islamic culture, and some behaviours that may be considered acceptable in the US could lead to severe punishment in Brunei. For example, same-sex acts are criminalized, and extramarital sexual relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim may lead to harsh penalties. Non-Muslims may be arrested for khalwat (close proximity between the sexes) if the other party is Muslim. Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei, and the illegal possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of drugs may carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty.

US citizens should be particularly vigilant regarding their personal security, as terrorist groups, such as those claiming affiliation with ISIS, have been known to carry out attacks in the region. These attacks often target unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as high-profile public events, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and public transportation systems. US citizens in Brunei should maintain a low profile, vary their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to the local police and the US Embassy.

To stay safe while travelling to Brunei, US citizens should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the US Department of State that allows US citizens living or travelling abroad to receive alerts and other updates via email from the nearest US embassy or consulate. In addition to routine messages with news and updates about the country, STEP sends alerts about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact travel. It also sends travel advisories with a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks, and recommendations for staying safe. Enrolling in STEP helps the nearest US embassy or consulate to contact US citizens in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

To enrol in STEP, US citizens can visit the website step.state.gov. After setting up an account, users can choose which types of messages they would like to receive. In addition to enrolling in STEP, US citizens travelling to Brunei should also review the Country Security Report for Brunei, follow the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan on Facebook and Twitter, and visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information. It is also important to prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist provided by the US Department of State.

US passports must be valid for six months and have six blank visa pages for entry to Brunei

If you are a US citizen travelling to Brunei, you must ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for the entry stamp, and six blank visa pages if you are applying for a visa.

US citizens can enter Brunei without a visa for visits of up to 90 days. However, if you are planning to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa prior to your arrival. In this case, you must have six blank visa pages in your passport.

To enter Brunei, you will also need to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before your arrival by air, land, or sea. This can be done online, and there is no payment required for the registration. Please note that transit travellers are exempt from this requirement.

It is important to keep in mind that immigration offences, including overstaying your visa, can result in serious penalties such as jail sentences, fines, and caning. Therefore, it is essential to comply with all entry and exit requirements when visiting Brunei.

Visas are required for visits to Brunei longer than 90 days

If you're an American citizen with a U.S. passport, you can travel to Brunei for business or pleasure without a visa as long as your trip is 90 days or less. Your passport must have at least six months' validity, and you'll need at least one blank passport page for your entry stamp.

However, if you're planning to stay in Brunei for longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa before your arrival. You can do this by contacting the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Washington, D.C., or by visiting their website for the most current visa information. Remember to have at least six blank visa pages in your passport when applying for the visa.

It's important to note that immigration offenses, including overstaying your visa, are treated seriously in Brunei and can result in jail sentences, fines, and caning. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the visa requirements and duration of stay specified for American citizens.

In addition to the visa requirements, as of February 9, 2023, all travellers to Brunei, regardless of their length of stay, must obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before their arrival by air, land, or sea. This can be done through an online registration process that is separate from the visa requirements and does not require any payment.

The CDC recommends several vaccinations for travel to Brunei

Americans can travel to Brunei with a valid U.S. passport, which must have at least six months' validity and six blank visa pages before entry. For visits beyond 90 days, a visa is required prior to arrival. Travelers are also required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arrival to Brunei by air, land, and sea.

The CDC recommends that travelers are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination, including Brunei. The CDC also suggests staying up-to-date with all routine U.S. vaccines, which can vary by age and health status. The following vaccinations are recommended for adults:

• Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine (annual)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (once if not received as an adolescent) and a booster shot every 10 years
• Zoster vaccine (for healthy adults aged 50 and older, to prevent shingles and related complications)
• Pneumonia vaccine (for adults 65 and over, and all adults with immunocompromising conditions or chronic disease)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine (for those born after 1956)
• Hepatitis B (for those younger than 60)
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (for those born after 1980)

It is recommended that travelers consult the CDC's website for the latest information on required and recommended vaccinations for their specific circumstances. The CDC also advises travelers to receive any country-recommended or required vaccinations for their destination. In addition, travelers should consider taking prescription medicine to prevent malaria, depending on their destination within Brunei.

Brunei's laws and customs are very different from those in the US

Americans can travel to Brunei, but they should be aware that Bruneian laws and customs are very different from those in the US. The country is governed by both Common Law and the Sharia Penal Code, which was introduced in 2014 and fully implemented in 2019. The latter, in particular, can impose severe punishments for certain crimes that may not be illegal in the UK.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times. This is especially important during the holy month of Ramadan, or when visiting religious buildings. Shorts are generally acceptable outside and in commercial premises, but both men and women may be refused entry to government and public buildings, such as health centres, if wearing them.

Criticising the Sultan or other members of the Bruneian Royal Family is illegal and punishable by law. It is also an offence to criticise Islam or the Sharia Penal Code. During Ramadan, it is forbidden to consume food, drink, or tobacco in public during fasting hours.

Brunei has very strict laws against the possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, even replicas. The sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco are prohibited, although non-Muslims over 17 years of age may import a limited amount of alcohol for private consumption. Non-Muslims may also be arrested for khalwat (close proximity between the sexes) if the other party is Muslim.

Homosexual activity is illegal in Brunei, as are gambling, prostitution, and pornography. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including the death penalty in some cases.

US citizens in Brunei are subject to local laws and may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned for violations, even if these were done unknowingly. It is recommended that visitors familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before travelling to or living in Brunei.

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