Brunei: A Safe Country For Tourists And Locals Alike?

Brunei is generally considered a safe country for tourists, with the US State Department, the Canadian and Australian governments advising travellers to exercise normal precautions. Crime levels are low, but there are occasional incidents of petty crime such as theft and burglary, and violent crime is rare. However, it is important to be aware of the country's strict laws and cultural differences, as well as potential safety hazards such as crocodiles and venomous snakes.

Crime and safety

Brunei is generally considered a safe country for tourists, with the US State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Australian Government advising travellers to take normal security precautions. Violent crime is rare, but tourists should be aware of the risk of petty crime, such as theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins. To minimise the risk of theft, it is recommended that you keep your valuables secure and do not leave possessions unattended, especially in vehicles. Crime rates increase during the holidays in July and December when schools are out of session.

Brunei has strict laws and penalties, and it is important to be aware of and respect local traditions, customs, and religious laws. Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised and can carry severe penalties, including the death penalty. Adultery and closeness in private between an unmarried man and woman is also illegal if one person is a Muslim. It is illegal to possess or import pornographic material, firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including fireworks. Drug offences may also carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.

The sale and consumption of alcohol in public are prohibited in Brunei, and non-Muslims over the age of 17 may import a limited amount for personal consumption in private. Smoking is also banned in certain public places.

When travelling in Brunei, it is recommended to follow general safety precautions such as avoiding secluded areas, securing your residence and vehicle, and not travelling alone late at night. If you plan to trek in the rainforest, use a recognised guide, stay on marked paths, and inform someone of your planned route. When driving, be aware of varying road conditions and local driving practices, such as speeding and running red lights.

Local laws and customs

Brunei is a Muslim country and has strict religious laws. These include laws around fasting during Ramadan, preaching without government permission, and Muslim religious observance. The Sharia Penal Code, which came into full effect in April 2019, applies to everyone, including foreigners and non-Muslims. Some crimes, including blasphemy, sodomy, and adultery, attract the death penalty under Sharia law.

• It is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public places between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.
• It is illegal to persuade a Muslim to neglect their religious duties or preach religions other than Islam.
• Adult male Muslims are required to attend Friday prayers.
• It is illegal to teach Islamic doctrine outside your household without permission.
• It is illegal to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage or display intimate public affection, including kissing.
• Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized and can result in fines, imprisonment, caning, or death by stoning.
• Possession of pornographic material is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
• It is illegal to carry firearms or related items, including ammunition and empty cartridge shells.
• The sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco in public are against the law. Non-Muslims may import a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption in private.
• The illegal possession, use, distribution, or sale of drugs may carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.
• Both medical and recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Brunei.
• It is illegal to import alcohol or tobacco products above the legal limits. Keep the necessary paperwork to prove the legality of any imported alcohol.
• It is illegal to photograph government or military infrastructure, equipment, or places used by security forces.
• It is considered impolite to point with your index finger; instead, use your right thumb.
• Tipping is not customary, and taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Health and vaccinations

The standards of healthcare in Brunei are generally acceptable, though basic hospital supplies can occasionally run low. There are two significant medical facilities in Brunei: the Government General Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan and the private Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). However, medical evacuation to Singapore may be necessary for serious medical problems.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

The risk of malaria in Brunei is small, and prevention by malaria tablets is not recommended. However, to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, use impregnated bed nets at night.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei, and a vaccination is only required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.

For travel vaccinations, it is recommended that you consult a health professional for a personal risk assessment. However, it is advised that you ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.

Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster for the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies
• Cholera

Dengue fever is also known to occur in Brunei, but there is no medical protection against it. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net.

Tap water in Brunei is not considered safe for foreigners to drink, so drink bottled water and always check the water that food has been washed in.

Entry requirements

To enter Brunei, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for visits beyond 90 days. All travellers are also required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arrival by air, land, or sea. This can be done through the Brunei Immigration and National Registration System portal. Transit travellers are exempt from this requirement.

Additionally, all travellers must fill out an Arrival Declaration Form through the BruHealth application up to 72 hours before arrival. The BruHealth app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

It is important to note that individuals with HIV/AIDS or other communicable diseases will not be allowed entry into Brunei. A Health Declaration Card must be completed and submitted to the Officer-In-Charge upon disembarkation.

When entering Brunei, it is advisable to have proper travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays. It is also recommended to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about security messages and emergency alerts.

For Canadian citizens, it is important to note that the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet Brunei's entry requirements. Therefore, it is essential to verify the entry requirements before travelling.

For UK citizens, a valid UK driving licence is required to drive in Brunei for up to 90 days. After that, a Bruneian licence from the Land Transport Department is necessary.

Weather and wildlife

Brunei has a tropical climate, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes throughout the year. The rainy (or monsoon) seasons occur from September to January and from May to July. During these periods, even small storms can quickly develop into major ones, causing flooding and landslides. The weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions, especially when sailing, hiking, or in a remote area.

Brunei is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, which are commonly found along the Brunei River and beaches. People fishing on the riverbank have been attacked and killed by crocodiles, so caution should be exercised when around water sources. The country is also home to venomous snakes, and it is advised to keep your distance if you encounter one. If a snake is found indoors or in a confined space, it is recommended to call the fire service ('bomba') for assistance.

Stray dogs are also common in Brunei, and it is advised not to approach or touch them. Although there have been no official cases of rabies in the country recently, cases have been reported in nearby Malaysia, close to the border with Brunei. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by any animal, as rabies can be fatal if left untreated.

Brunei's forests cover 81% of the land and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including 500 species of marine fish and invertebrates, 622 bird species, 121 species of mammals, and 182 species of amphibians and reptiles. The nation is also home to two different species of crocodiles: the false gharial and the estuary crocodile. The varied range of freshwater species found in Brunei includes small torrential streams, estuaries with highly acidic environments, and alkaline waters.

The flora and fauna of Brunei are one of its primary draws, with the country boasting an estimated 15,000 different species of vascular plants and 2,000 species of trees. The rainforest of Brunei is a habitat for numerous bird species, including hornbills, barbets, sunbirds, spider hunters, leaf birds, trogons, and floor-dwelling species such as pheasants, pittas, and wren-babblers. The coastal mangroves in Brunei Bay are also a significant location, with one of the biggest areas of comparatively untouched mangroves in eastern Asia.

Frequently asked questions