Cambodians Visiting Brunei: Travel Requirements And Visa Options

Cambodia and Brunei have had diplomatic relations since 1992, and citizens of both countries can travel to each other's countries. Bruneians can travel to Cambodia by plane or bus, and there are several airlines that offer flights between the two countries. While Brunei does not require a visa for Cambodian citizens, Cambodia does require a visa for Bruneian citizens.

Travel options from Brunei to Cambodia

There are three ways to travel from Brunei to Cambodia: by plane, by bus, or a combination of the two.

Plane

The fastest way to travel from Brunei to Cambodia is by plane, which takes around 5 hours and 37 minutes and costs between $130 and $850. There are several airlines that operate flights between Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) and Phnom Penh (PNH) in Cambodia, including Singapore Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines. These flights typically have one stopover, either in Singapore Changi or Kuala Lumpur.

There are also flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Siem Reap (REP) in Cambodia, which may include a stopover in Tan Son Nhat or Kuala Lumpur.

Bus

The cheapest way to travel from Brunei to Cambodia is by bus, which costs between $110 and $230. However, this option takes significantly longer, at around 7 hours and 57 minutes. This option involves taking a flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and then taking a bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport Public Transportation Center to Rongkleu Market - Poipet in Cambodia.

Combination of Plane and Bus

For those who want a balance between cost and time, it is possible to combine the above two options by taking a flight to Suvarnabhumi and then a bus to Cambodia. This option takes around 6 hours and 7 minutes and costs $155 on average.

Visa requirements for Cambodians travelling to Brunei

Cambodians are required to obtain a visa to enter Brunei. This can be done either by obtaining a visa on arrival or by applying for a visa before arrival. Here are the detailed instructions and requirements for visa applications:

Visa on Arrival:

According to some sources, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Brunei. However, this option is only available at limited entry points, and the lines tend to be long. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for an e-visa before arrival to avoid potential delays.

E-Visa Application Process:

Cambodian citizens and foreign nationals from numerous other countries can apply for an e-visa to enter Brunei. The application process involves filling out an online form with basic personal information, passport details, and providing an email address to receive the e-visa certificate. This e-visa is valid for entry through specific ports, including Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport. It is important to print two copies of the e-visa certificate to present to the local authorities upon arrival and departure.

Visa Requirements:

When applying for a visa to enter Brunei, it is essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Additionally, your passport should have a minimum of six blank pages. These requirements are standard for most countries, including Brunei, and are necessary to facilitate entry stamps and any necessary visas.

Health Requirements:

When travelling to Brunei, it is mandatory to complete a health declaration form within three days before arrival. This requirement is in response to the global spread of Mpox and is applicable to all individuals, regardless of their country of origin.

Other Entry Requirements:

Before arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea, all visitors must register and obtain an E-Arrival Card. This requirement is separate from any visa applications and is necessary for all travellers, except those who are transiting through the country.

Important Considerations:

It is important to note that Brunei has strict laws, including those related to religion and customs. For example, it is illegal to possess pornographic material, preach religions other than Islam without government permission, or engage in same-sex sexual activity. Understanding these laws before travelling is essential to avoid any legal consequences.

In summary, Cambodians can obtain a visa to enter Brunei either on arrival or through an online application process. However, it is recommended to apply for the e-visa before arrival to avoid potential delays and ensure a smooth entry into the country. Additionally, all travellers must comply with the health declaration and E-Arrival Card requirements. Lastly, familiarising oneself with Brunei's laws and cultural norms is essential to ensure a respectful and safe visit.

The cost of travelling from Brunei to Cambodia

Cambodia and Brunei have strong diplomatic relations, with both countries cooperating in trade, education, and defence. Citizens of both countries can travel between the two nations, with several options available for Bruneians looking to make the trip to Cambodia.

Flights

The fastest way to get from Brunei to Cambodia is by air. The average duration of the journey is 5 hours and 37 minutes, and the average price is between $130 and $850. However, the cheapest flights may cost as little as $110. Flights are available from Bandar Seri Begawan to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Suvarnabhumi.

Buses

It is also possible to take a bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Rongkleu Market in Poipet. This option, combined with a flight, is the cheapest way to get to Cambodia, costing between $110 and $230. However, it is also the slowest option, taking approximately 7 hours and 57 minutes.

Accommodation

Once in Cambodia, travellers can expect to pay between $29 and $50+ USD per night for accommodation. The cost depends on the type of accommodation and location. For example, a hostel dorm bed can be as cheap as $4-25 USD per night, while a private room in a hotel or resort can cost upwards of $8-50+ USD.

Food

Food in Cambodia is generally inexpensive, with street food and local restaurants offering meals for as little as $1-4 USD. Western food is also available, with prices ranging from $3-12 USD per meal. Drinks are also affordable, with beer costing around $1-3 USD and water costing $0.50-2.50 USD per litre.

Transportation

Transportation within Cambodia is also reasonably priced. Short-distance options such as taxis and tuk-tuks cost around $1.50-50 USD, depending on the distance. Long-distance buses are a cheap option for travelling between cities, costing around $2.50-7.50 USD per hour of travel. Scooter hire is another popular choice for exploring the country, costing about $5-20 USD per day.

Activities

There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy in Cambodia, with prices varying depending on the location and type of activity. For example, entry to the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh costs around $6 USD, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum charges $5-15 USD for admission. Angkor Wat, one of the most popular attractions, offers a one-day pass for $37, a three-day pass for $62, and a seven-day pass for $72.

Visas

It is important to note that citizens of Brunei can enter Cambodia without a visa, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, if a Bruneian plans to stay in Cambodia for an extended period, they may need to obtain a visa, which costs $30 plus a $6 processing fee.

The time it takes to travel from Brunei to Cambodia

Travelling from Brunei to Cambodia takes approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes, including transfers. The fastest way to get from Brunei to Cambodia is by plane, which takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, or 6 hours and 7 minutes, depending on the source. The average flight time from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, is 6 hours and 30 minutes. The distance between the two countries is 841 miles.

There are three ways to travel from Brunei to Cambodia: by plane, by bus, or a combination of the two. Flying from Bandar Seri Begawan to Phnom Penh, with a stopover in Singapore Changi, is one of the most popular routes. Flights are offered by Singapore Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, and five other airlines, and they fly this route three times a day. Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Phnom Penh via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are another option.

The cheapest way to get from Brunei to Cambodia is to combine flying and bus travel, which costs between $110 and $230 and takes 7 hours and 57 minutes.

The time difference between Brunei and Cambodia

Cambodia and Brunei have enjoyed good diplomatic relations since establishing ties in 1992. Both countries are members of ASEAN and have embassies in each other's capitals. They cooperate in trade, education, and defence, and approximately 560 Bruneians visited Cambodia in 2012.

Cambodia is in the same time zone as Thailand and Vietnam, and it is one hour behind Brunei. So, if it is 10:00 AM in Brunei, it would be 9:00 AM in Cambodia. This time difference is something to keep in mind when planning travel between the two countries.

When travelling from Brunei to Cambodia, there are a few options. The fastest way to get from Brunei to Cambodia is to fly, which takes around 5 hours and 37 minutes, including transfers. There are also flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Bangkok, with various stopover options. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is to combine flying and taking a bus, which costs between $110 and $230 and takes around 7 hours and 57 minutes.

It is important to note that travellers to Cambodia, including those from Brunei, need to have a valid passport and a Cambodian visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. For short-term travel, a tourist visa (Type-T) or a business visa (Type-E) is needed. While a visa on arrival is available for citizens of some countries, it is recommended that travellers apply for an eVisa before their trip to avoid potential delays at the border.

Frequently asked questions