Transit Through Brunei: What Are The Requirements?

If you're transiting through Brunei, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not require a visa. However, it is important to check the specific entry and exit requirements of the country, as these may change frequently. It is also mandatory for all travellers arriving in Brunei to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and to complete a health declaration form within three days of arrival. Additionally, there are strict laws and cultural norms in Brunei that should be respected, such as dress and behaviour standards, and laws around fasting during Ramadan.

Brunei International Airport (BIA) transits are allowed

As of September 2024, travellers are allowed to transit through Brunei International Airport (BIA). However, it is the traveller's responsibility to check and fulfil Brunei's entry and exit requirements if they intend to leave the airport and clear immigration.

Requirements for entering Brunei

• A passport valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
• A completed E-Arrival Card.
• A completed Health Declaration Form within three days before arrival.
• Proof of vaccination, in some cases.
• Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is recommended.

Visa requirements

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Brunei for stays of up to 90 days:

• All European Union member states
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom (only British citizens and subjects with right of abode in the UK)

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee:

• Bangladesh
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Italy
• Macao
• Maldives
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Philippines
• Russia
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• United States
• Vietnam

Other things to note

• Brunei has strict religious laws, including laws around fasting during Ramadan, preaching without government permission, and Muslim religious observance.
• It is illegal to sell or consume alcohol and smoke in public.
• It is illegal to import alcohol and tobacco products above the legal limits.
• Drug offences carry strict penalties, including the death penalty.
• Brunei has a low crime rate, but petty crimes such as theft and burglary do occur.
• Crocodiles are common in Brunei, and attacks have occurred along the rivers.

A valid passport and visa are required

• All visitors to Brunei must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least six months beyond their arrival date. It is important to ensure that the passport is in good condition and has no missing pages.
• Visitors from certain countries, including European Union member states and the United Arab Emirates, are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term visits. However, it is essential to check the latest information as visa requirements can change.
• For those who require a visa, it is typically necessary to obtain it from a Bruneian diplomatic mission before arrival. However, citizens of specific countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival, with different types of visas available depending on the duration of their stay.
• Passengers transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours are usually exempt from obtaining a visa. However, this exemption does not apply to certain nationalities, such as Cuba, Israel, and North Korea.
• It is essential to comply with all entry requirements and regulations, as immigration offenses, such as overstaying or violating the terms of entry, can result in severe penalties, including detention, fines, and caning.
• In addition to visa requirements, travellers transiting through Brunei should be aware of other mandatory procedures, such as completing health declaration forms and, if applicable, arrival cards. These requirements may change, so it is important to stay updated before travelling.

A Health Declaration Form must be completed

All travellers arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea must complete a Health Declaration Form within three days of their arrival. This is in response to the global spread of Mpox. The form can be completed through the 'BruHealth' mobile application, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or through the Brunei Ministry of Health website.

The 'BruHealth' app is also used to complete the Arrival Declaration Form, which is mandatory for all individuals arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea. This is due to the global increase in Mpox cases.

The Health Declaration Form is a crucial component of Brunei's travel requirements and must be completed accurately and in a timely manner. It is important to note that the form should be submitted within three days before arriving in Brunei, allowing the relevant authorities to review and process the information provided.

The form will likely request detailed information about your health status, including any symptoms or health conditions you may have, as well as your travel history and contact information. It is important to be as thorough as possible when completing the form to ensure compliance with Brunei's health and safety protocols.

In addition to the Health Declaration Form, travellers to Brunei should be aware of other entry and exit requirements, such as visa regulations and the E-Arrival Card. It is the responsibility of travellers to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria and have the appropriate approvals and documents for their trip. Staying informed about the latest travel advisories and requirements is essential for a smooth journey.

Brunei's Sharia (Syariah) Penal Code applies to everyone

Brunei's Sharia (Syariah) Penal Code, which came into full effect in April 2019, applies to everyone, including foreigners and non-Muslims. The code poses grave threats to fundamental human rights and discriminates against vulnerable groups, including children, women, and religious and sexual minorities.

The code imposes harsh punishments, including stoning, whipping, amputation, and death, for offenses such as apostasy, blasphemy, adultery, rape, sodomy, and same-sex sexual activity. These punishments violate international human rights law and Brunei's obligations under conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The application of the Sharia Penal Code to non-Muslims and foreigners has raised concerns about religious freedom and minority rights. While Brunei's constitution allows the practice of religions other than Islam, the code restricts the ability of non-Muslims to proselytize and imposes criminal penalties for acts such as preaching religions other than Islam.

The code also has implications for travelers transiting through Brunei, as it applies to individuals on Brunei-registered aircraft and vessels. Non-Muslims may be arrested for being in close proximity with a Muslim of the opposite sex, an offense known as "khalwat." Additionally, travelers should be aware of other strict religious laws, such as those around fasting during Ramadan and preaching without government permission.

The implementation of the Sharia Penal Code in Brunei has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and other governments. Despite calls for its repeal, the code remains in force, and travelers are advised to understand the local laws before visiting or transiting through the country.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements

If you're transiting through Brunei, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. However, there are other important travel requirements to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the travel criteria and have all the necessary approvals and documents for your journey. It is recommended that you check the latest advisories from relevant governments or authorities before your trip.

When entering Brunei, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. It is also mandatory for all travellers to complete a Health Declaration Form within three days before arriving in Brunei, which can be done through the ''BruHealth' mobile application or the Ministry of Health website. Additionally, you must submit an E-Arrival Card online before arriving and departing from Brunei. This is not required if you are only transiting and not passing through immigration.

If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you must also check and fulfil Brunei's entry and exit requirements. Brunei has strict religious laws that travellers must adhere to. It is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public places between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan, and some crimes, including blasphemy, sodomy, and adultery, carry the death penalty under Sharia law. It is important to be respectful and follow these laws during your time in Brunei.

Lastly, if you are looking for things to do during your layover, Brunei offers a range of options. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is just a 15-minute drive from the airport and has several attractions within walking distance, including the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Kianggeh Market. Guided tours are also available, and you can find various transit tour packages offered by local tour operators.

Frequently asked questions