Brunei Opens Doors To Tourists: What You Need To Know

As of February 2023, Brunei is open to tourists, but there are several requirements travellers must meet before entering the country. All travellers must register and get approved for an E-Arrival Card before arriving in Brunei by air, land or sea. They must also fill out an Arrival Declaration Form through the BruHealth application up to 72 hours before arrival. Travellers are encouraged to download the BruHealth app, which is necessary to access many day-to-day facilities. A negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, obtained within 72 hours of travel, is also required, and all foreigners must pay $350 BND for an additional COVID-19 test before departing for Brunei.

Brunei's entry requirements

Before Arrival

• Check the latest entry requirements with the Embassy of Brunei.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Check visa requirements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) website.
• Register for an E-Arrival Card online via the Brunei Immigration and National Registration System portal.
• Download the BruHealth app from the Google Playstore or Apple App Store.
• Check the latest COVID-19 requirements for your departure country.
• Check the latest COVID-19 requirements for your destination country.
• Purchase a valid travel medical insurance policy.
• If you are entering by land, you will be subject to a 'Caj Perkhidmatan' (Service Charge). Submit your application via the Exit and Entry System (EES).
• If you are a US citizen, you must obtain a visa prior to arrival for visits of 90 days or longer.

On Arrival

• Complete the Health Declaration Form using the BruHealth app.
• Complete the Arrival Declaration Form using the BruHealth app.
• Show proof of vaccination if arriving from or having transited through a country where yellow fever occurs.
• Complete a health declaration form if you have HIV/AIDS or another communicable disease.
• Pay $350 BND for a COVID-19 test if you are a foreigner.

During Your Stay

• Comply with any additional health screening measures put in place by the local authorities.
• Quarantine for between 2 and 14 days at a government-designated facility.
• Abide by local laws and customs, including those relating to:
• Public criticism of the Sultan or other members of the royal family.
• Sharia law, including during the month of Ramadan.
• Consumption of alcohol and other drugs.
• Possession of firearms and pornography.
• Photography of government and military establishments.
• Close proximity between the sexes (khalwat).
• Same-sex acts.

The country's tourist visa rules

As of February 2023, all travellers to Brunei, regardless of their nationality, are required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arrival by air, land, or sea. This does not apply to transit travellers. The E-Arrival Card registration is free and separate from visa requirements.

In addition, all travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Brunei. The passport must be in good condition and must not be damaged or have missing pages; otherwise, entry may be refused.

Visa-Exempt Countries

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

• All European Union member states
• United Arab Emirates
• British citizens and British subjects with right of abode in the UK
• Malaysia and Singapore
• Canada, France, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
• Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands
• Germany
• Maldives
• Sweden
• Denmark
• New Zealand
• United States
• Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand
• Italy
• Oman
• Ireland and Poland
• Austria and the United Arab Emirates
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Czech Republic
• Slovenia
• Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Portugal
• Vietnam
• Iceland
• Bulgaria and Romania
• Hong Kong
• Cambodia
• Ukraine
• Macao
• Myanmar
• Croatia
• Costa Rica
• Russia
• Bangladesh

Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from the following countries may enter Brunei without a visa for 30 days:

• ASEAN member states (except Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam)
• United Arab Emirates

Visa on Arrival

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

• Multiple-entry visa for B$30, valid for 30 days
• Single-entry visa for B$20, valid for 30 days
• Multiple-entry visa for B$30, valid for 14 days
• Single-entry visa for B$20, valid for 14 days

Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from the following countries may obtain a visa on arrival:

• Cambodia
• Myanmar
• Vietnam
• Peru
• Ukraine
• Bulgaria and Romania
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Thailand
• Kuwait
• Morocco
• Bangladesh

APEC Business Travel Card

Holders of passports issued by countries in the APEC Business Travel Card programme who have the code "BRN" on the back of their card may enter Brunei without a visa for business trips of up to 90 days.

COVID-19 Requirements

As of September 2024, travellers to Brunei are required to complete a Health Declaration Form upon arrival using the 'BruHealth' application. This can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The availability of public transport

Public transport is available in Brunei, although it is limited. The country has no train system, and taxis are few and far between and relatively expensive. The cheapest way to get around Brunei is by bus. The Franchise Bus, formerly known as the Purple Bus, is the country's only form of public transport and costs around BND1 per ride. It serves six lines, including the Eastern Line (royal blue bus) and the Northern Line (green bus), which pass through the international airport. Buses run from 6 am to 8 pm daily.

Water taxis, or boats, are another mode of transport in Brunei. They are particularly popular in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, where they transport people between the Brunei River's Waterfront and the floating village of Kampong Ayer. Water taxis can also be used for tours of the village, with prices ranging from B$1 ($0.65 USD) for a short trip to B$30 ($20 USD) or more for a cruise.

For those wishing to explore outside the capital, renting a car is a convenient option. Prices range from BND60 to BND100 per day, depending on the vehicle size. Brunei's roads are well-maintained and meet international standards, and fuel prices are low. However, some rental companies have age restrictions and only rent to those between 23 and 65 years old.

There are also local transport apps, such as Dart, which can be used to book rides at competitive prices.

The safety of the roads

As of the 1st of January 2024, Brunei is open to tourists, but there are some requirements that travellers must follow. Here is some information regarding the safety of the roads in Brunei.

Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to those in most western countries, and they are well maintained. However, there are some important rules and safety precautions that travellers should be aware of. Firstly, traffic moves on the left side of the road in Brunei, which may be different from what visitors are used to. It is important to always obey traffic rules and exercise caution when approaching traffic signals.

The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night, for license and registration checks, sobriety assessments, and contraband searches. If you are stopped by the police, you will need to present your identification card, vehicle registration, and insurance card. It is also important to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, as you may need to produce it in the event of an incident.

For visitors who wish to drive in Brunei, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. Holders of a foreign driver's license are permitted to drive in Brunei for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must endorse your foreign driver's license to a Brunei driver's license, which can be obtained at any Land Transport Department office.

When using public transportation in Brunei, there are a few options available. There are six bus routes servicing the Bandar Seri Begawan area, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, with bus fares starting from B$1.00. Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan, and it is recommended to use licensed, metered taxis or car services provided by hotels. Ridesharing apps have also gained popularity in Brunei for their convenience and fare transparency.

Overall, Brunei's road network is well-developed and safe for travellers. By following the local traffic rules, remaining vigilant, and adhering to the requirements for drivers and vehicles, visitors can confidently navigate the country's road system.

The country's internal restrictions

Brunei has strict procedures in place for visitors to all public areas. The public can expect to have their temperature taken, electronically, and must check in to business premises and government offices using the BruHealth app. This is mandatory for all travellers arriving in the country. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Mosques and other places of worship are open, and restaurants, cafes, schools, and other services are operating normally. All public areas have a limit of permitting up to 1,000 people.

The use of face masks is still compulsory for individuals with symptoms who may need to leave their house for any purpose, in health facilities, and for food handlers involved in food preparation in restaurants, eateries, cafes, and food stalls.

Brunei's civil penal code and Sharia Penal Code (commonly known as "the Sharia law") operate in parallel, and both include provisions for corporal and capital punishment. Criminal penalties for some offences are harsher than in the United States, including for some acts that are not crimes in the US. Under the Sharia Penal Code, judicial procedures and punishments include, for certain offences and under certain evidentiary circumstances, amputation of hands or feet and death by stoning. The Sharia Penal Code applies regardless of an individual's religion or nationality, although some sections of the law have specific applicability to Muslims.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values, and visitors are advised to learn and respect local customs and traditions. Any public criticism of the Sultan or other members of the royal family, the Sharia Penal Code, or Islam is illegal and punishable under Bruneian law. Under Brunei's Sharia Penal Code, it is also an offence to consume any food, drink, or tobacco in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan.

Gambling is illegal in Brunei. Prostitution and pornography are also illegal and can result in harsh punishments. Non-Muslims may be arrested for khalwat (close proximity between the sexes) under the Sharia Penal Code, provided that the other accused party is Muslim. Khalwat may include activities from holding hands or public displays of affection to sexual activity. Foreigners, including US citizens, are subject to khalwat and zina (fornication or adultery).

Extramarital sexual relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim are considered a crime in Brunei and may lead to severe punishment. Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei, but non-Muslim adults can import small quantities for personal consumption in private.

The importation of firearms and ammunition is prohibited. The illegal possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of firearms, ammunition, and/or explosives may carry severe penalties, including the death penalty. Illegal possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of drugs may also carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty. Both medical and recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Brunei, and drug use/possession may carry severe penalties.

Frequently asked questions