Entering Brunei From Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're planning to enter Brunei from Malaysia, there are several things you need to keep in mind. It's important to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and requirements, as these may change suddenly. Here's an overview of the key considerations for your journey. Firstly, ensure you meet the travel criteria and have all the necessary approvals and documents. This includes checking the visa requirements for your specific situation. Secondly, be aware of any COVID-19 related measures, such as testing and insurance requirements, which may differ for citizens, permanent residents, and foreign travellers. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the e-Arrival Card registration process, which is mandatory for foreign nationals. Lastly, stay informed about the mask policy onboard flights, which may vary depending on your destination or symptoms.

Foreign nationals must register an e-Arrival Card at least 3 days before entering Brunei

To obtain an e-Arrival Card, you will need to visit the official website of the Immigration of Brunei, known as the Brunei INRS Portal, at https://www.imm.gov.bn/. Here, you will need to create a user account and fill out an online application form with your personal information and travel details. The information required includes your full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, passport details, arrival and departure data, and information about any valuables you will be carrying. Once your application is submitted and processed, you will receive a receipt with a unique reference number, which is linked to your e-Arrival Card application.

This reference number should be presented to the immigration officer upon your arrival in Brunei, either on your phone or printed on high-quality paper. It is recommended to complete the online form using a desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection to avoid any potential issues with mobile devices.

Please note that foreign nationals transiting or stopping over in Brunei and not going through the immigration control post (LTAB) are exempt from registering an e-Arrival Card. Additionally, make sure your passport meets the validity requirements for entry into Brunei, as outlined by the authorities.

Visa requirements for foreign travellers entering Brunei

To enter Brunei, foreign travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. They must also obtain a visa from a Bruneian diplomatic mission, unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country or eligible to obtain a visa on arrival.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Holders of ordinary passports from the following countries may enter Brunei without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:

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

Visa on Arrival

Holders of passports from the following countries may obtain a visa on arrival for a fee at all immigration checkpoints:

• Costa Rica
• Oman
• Russia
• Ukraine
• Myanmar
• Macao
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong

APEC Business Travel Card

Holders of passports issued by the following countries who possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) containing the code "BRN" on the back of the card may enter Brunei without a visa for business trips of up to 90 days:

• Australia
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• The Philippines
• Russia
• Singapore
• Chinese Taipei
• Thailand
• United States of America
• Vietnam

Transit Visa

Those travelling to a third country can obtain a transit visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 72 hours. This does not apply to nationals of Cuba, Israel and North Korea. Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan and Sri Lanka must have a sponsor such as an airline or a travel agent.

E-Arrival Card

Starting from 9 February 2023, it is mandatory for foreign nationals arriving in Brunei to register an electronic e-Arrival Card at least three days before their arrival. No fee is charged for this registration.

Travel medical insurance for short-term visits to Brunei

Overview

Before embarking on your journey to Brunei, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance to cover any unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or accidents during your trip. While not legally mandatory, travel medical insurance can provide invaluable financial assistance if you require medical treatment in a foreign country.

Important Considerations

• Healthcare System: Brunei has a reasonable healthcare system, but for emergencies, patients are often evacuated to Singapore or Australia. Medical evacuations can be extremely costly without insurance.
• Natural Calamities and Infectious Diseases: Brunei is prone to natural disasters, and travellers are at high risk for food-borne, water-borne, and insect-borne infections. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses related to these risks.
• Trip Cancellation: Unforeseen events, such as illness, natural disasters, or political unrest, may lead to trip cancellations. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if the reason for cancellation is covered under the policy.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to disclose it to your insurance provider. Some companies may require you to pay a higher premium, but it is better than being denied coverage if you need medical attention related to your condition.
• Repatriation and Medical Cover: Ensure that your travel insurance policy includes repatriation cover to transport you back to your home country in case of a medical emergency. The cost of emergency medical services and repatriation can be very high, so sufficient coverage is essential.
• Luggage Cover: Travel insurance can also provide reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage, which can be a significant inconvenience during your trip.
• Excesses and Exclusions: When choosing a travel insurance policy, consider not just the final price but also the excesses you may have to pay in case of a claim. Some cheap policies have very high excesses, making claims expensive. Carefully review the policy documentation to understand what is covered and what is excluded.

Brunei's mask policy on RB flights

Bruneian Mask Policy on RB Flights

As per the updated regulations by the Bruneian government, effective 15 September 2022, the use of face masks onboard RB flights is no longer mandatory with the following exceptions:

• For guests travelling to a country/destination where face masks are required.
• For guests exhibiting symptoms of an infection.

Please note that Brunei travel requirements may change at short notice. It is recommended that you refer to the latest travel advisory issued by the Bruneian government and Prime Minister's Office before your departure. If the information differs from the RB travel advisory, follow the official guidance from the Prime Minister's Office, as they may still be processing the latest regulatory changes.

RB airport service teams wear masks and gloves when working with guests.

RB's policy requires all guests to bring and wear their own protective masks when boarding, in the aircraft cabin, and when disembarking. Masks are recommended at check-in, when transiting, and when collecting baggage. This may be subject to individual airport regulations.

Brunei's entry requirements for foreign nationals

As of February 2023, foreign nationals arriving in Brunei are required to register an electronic e-Arrival Card at least three days before their arrival. This replaces the previous physical registration paper, Form 19. Foreign nationals transiting or stopping over in Brunei and not going through the immigration control post are exempt from this requirement.

To enter Brunei, your passport must have a minimum period of validity of six months remaining from your arrival date. It must not be damaged, and you may be refused entry if it is. British citizen passport holders may enter Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa, but other types of British passport holders should check visa requirements with Bruneian immigration authorities. U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a visa for visits beyond 90 days and must have six blank passport pages.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Brunei. However, travellers are advised to check the latest travel advisories from the Brunei government and Prime Minister's Office before departure, as requirements may change with little notice.

All travellers entering Brunei must complete a Health Declaration Form upon arrival, in response to the spread of the Mpox virus.

Frequently asked questions