Driving In Brunei: A Malaysian's Guide

If you're a Malaysian planning a trip to Brunei and want to drive there, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, it's important to understand the traffic rules and regulations in Brunei to ensure a safe and smooth journey. In Brunei, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, similar to Malaysia, and overtaking is done on the right. It is also permitted to turn left at a red light unless indicated otherwise by a sign. Additionally, all drivers must carry a valid driver's license, and Brunei recognizes driving licenses from ASEAN countries and international driving permits for up to three months. After this period, you will need to obtain a Brunei driver's license, which may require passing an oral test. When driving in Brunei, it is mandatory to have your identification documents, vehicle registration, and insurance policy with you at all times. So, make sure you have your passport, driver's license, and other necessary documents in order before embarking on your journey to Brunei.

Malaysians driving their vehicles from Malaysia to Brunei need to prepare specific documents

Malaysians driving their vehicles from Malaysia to Brunei need to prepare several specific documents. Here are the essential documents you will need to have ready when crossing the border:

Documents for the Individual

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and ample blank pages. One page is required for the entry stamp, and six additional blank visa pages are also necessary.
• A valid visa, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in Brunei. However, a tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days.
• Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination.
• Local currency: It is recommended to have BND 15,000 or its equivalent in local currency when entering or exiting Brunei.

Documents for the Vehicle

• Vehicle registration card or grant/VOC.
• Valid insurance certificate for your vehicle. If you are renting a car, ensure you have the rental agreement and a copy of the car insurance.
• E-Arrival Card: All foreign visitors, including drivers and passengers, must register for an E-Arrival card when entering or exiting Brunei. This can be done through the Brunei portal.

In addition to the documents above, it is essential to carry your driver's license. Brunei accepts valid international driving licenses and licenses issued in other countries for three months. After that, individuals must obtain a Brunei license from the Land Transport Department.

It is also important to note that there are multiple checkpoints when crossing the Brunei-Malaysia border, and each checkpoint may have specific document requirements. For example, at the Sungai Tujuh Checkpoint in Miri, you will need to stamp your passport and scan a QR code at the Brunei customs counters to register your vehicle's entry/exit details.

Therefore, before your trip, it is advisable to check the latest advisory issued by the relevant governments and authorities of both countries to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information for a smooth border crossing experience.

There are multiple checkpoints at the Brunei-Malaysia border

The land border between Malaysia and Brunei is 528.45 km long, and there are multiple checkpoints at the border. The four main checkpoints are Sungai Tujuh (Miri), Tedungan (Limbang), Pandaruan (Limbang), and Mengkalap (Lawas). These checkpoints have been operational since 2015 from 6 am to midnight, providing longer operation hours for travellers.

If you are passing through Sarawak to access Sabah from Brunei or vice versa, you will need to pass through nine checkpoints in total. This is because Brunei is divided into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. At these checkpoints, you will be required to stamp your passport and scan a QR code on the Brunei side.

• Register for an EES Pass online.
• Stamp your passport at the Malaysian immigration counter.
• Stamp your passport at the Brunei immigration counter.
• Go through the Brunei security check.
• Scan your QR code at the Brunei customs counter to register your vehicle's entry/exit details.

It is important to note that certain days and times are busier at the border crossing, especially Friday and Sunday evenings. If you are planning to cross the border, early mornings on Saturdays are recommended to avoid long queues.

Malaysians need a valid passport to enter Brunei

Malaysians do need to carry a valid passport when entering Brunei. This is because, at the border, you will need to get your passport stamped at the immigration counters of both Malaysia and Brunei.

If you are a Malaysian citizen residing in Sarawak, Sabah, or the Federal Territory of Labuan, you can apply for a restricted passport to Brunei at the Immigration Offices in these locations. This restricted passport is valid for five years from the date of issue and costs RM 50.00.

In addition to a valid passport, there are several other documents you will need to have ready when crossing the border from Malaysia to Brunei by car or motorcycle. These include:

• A driving license recognised in Brunei (from ASEAN countries or an International Driving Permit)
• Vehicle registration card (Grant/VOC)
• Visa (only if needed, depending on your country)
• Entry and Exit (EES) Pass
• E-Arrival Card
• Travel Medical Insurance with Covid-19 Coverage

It is important to note that the process of crossing the border may vary slightly depending on the specific checkpoint you are using. For example, if you are crossing at the Sungai Tujuh Check Point in Miri, you will need to pass through a total of nine checkpoints from Sarawak to Brunei and then to Sabah. This is because Brunei is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. At each of these nine checkpoints, you will need to stamp your passport and scan a QR code on the Brunei side.

While it is possible to drive across the border from Malaysia to Brunei, it is important to be prepared for potential delays. The border timings are from 6 am to 12 am, and there can be long queues at certain times, especially on Friday and Sunday evenings. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your trip accordingly and consider crossing early in the morning on a Saturday to avoid the rush.

Bruneians drive on the left side of the road

Yes, it is possible for Malaysians to drive in Brunei. The process of crossing the border from Malaysia to Brunei by car is straightforward, and many people choose to do so. However, there are a few things to keep in mind and some documents that you will need to have ready.

Firstly, it is important to note that Bruneians drive on the left side of the road. This is similar to the UK but different from most other countries, which drive on the right. Therefore, if you are a Malaysian citizen used to driving on the right, you will need to be extra cautious when driving in Brunei to avoid confusion and accidents.

• Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50-60 km/h, while on highways, it can be up to 80-100 km/h. It is crucial to follow these limits to ensure your safety and avoid fines.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in Brunei, even if it is hands-free. This is a strict rule, and offenders can face penalties of up to BND 1,000 and even imprisonment.
• Drinking and driving is also illegal in Brunei, and it is taken very seriously by the authorities. The blood alcohol limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood, and the penalties for drink-driving are severe, including fines of up to BND 10,000 and imprisonment.
• All cars in Brunei must be equipped with a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle. It is also recommended to have a spare tyre, jack, and tyre iron.
• When approaching roundabouts, be cautious and ensure that other vehicles intend to give way, even if you have the right of way.
• Parking can be challenging, especially in urban areas with high populations of expats. Always park within designated parking bays and avoid parking in no-parking zones to prevent fines or towing.
• If you are renting a car in Brunei, you will typically need a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some companies may also require additional documentation, such as your passport.

In conclusion, Malaysians can certainly drive in Brunei, but it is essential to be aware of the local driving rules, regulations, and road safety standards. Remember to drive on the left, follow the speed limits, and avoid using your mobile phone while driving. By following these guidelines and staying alert, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Brunei.

The border timings between Brunei and Malaysia are from 6 am to 12 am

Friday and Sunday evenings are reportedly very busy, with potential wait times of up to 3 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip during off-peak hours or on a less busy day, such as Saturday.

The process of crossing the border involves several steps and requires specific documents. First, you will encounter a toll booth where each car pays B$3 to cross. Then, there are separate booths for scanning your car receipt and stamping your passport for both Brunei and Malaysia. Additionally, you will need to fill out a form and get a printed receipt for your car when entering Malaysia. This receipt is valid for 3 months and must be stamped each time you cross the border.

In terms of documents, you will need a valid passport, a driving license recognised in Brunei (from ASEAN countries or an International Driving Permit), a vehicle registration card, and a visa (if required, depending on your country of origin). It is also recommended to register your car online before your trip, which is a free and simple process.

The land border between Malaysia and Brunei is approximately 481.3 km in length, and it is possible to cross by car or motorcycle. The border divides the territories of the two countries on the island of Borneo, with Brunei being completely surrounded by Malaysia's state of Sarawak except for its coastline with the South China Sea.

In summary, when planning a trip from Brunei to Malaysia or vice versa, it is important to be aware of the border timings, potential wait times during peak hours, and the required documents and procedures to ensure a smooth crossing.

Frequently asked questions