Brunei

The Land of Mosques
and Majesty

Flag of Brunei
Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Brunei.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Brunei.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from nations like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and ASEAN countries (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore) can enter Brunei with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days (or 30 days for some nationalities) within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Brunei, typically through a Bruneian embassy or consulate.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Bruneian visa is required unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless their nationality is visa-exempt.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Bruneian visa is required unless visa-exempt.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Brunei using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year (e.g., tourist or business visa).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit (e.g., for work or family purposes).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 30-90 days, depending on nationality. Extensions may be granted with approval.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from a Bruneian employer.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Brunei may reintroduce measures like mandatory testing or quarantine.
Toll

Driving in Brunei

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Brunei has no operational toll roads. Roads are generally state-maintained, and travel is free of tolls.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; no toll roads exist. Road travel relies on fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.

Driving in Brunei

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100 km/h (e.g., Muara-Tutong Highway)
  • Road conditions are generally excellent; Brunei has well-maintained roads, though rural areas may have narrower roads and occasional wildlife crossings.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, especially for non-ASEAN nationals. ASEAN nationals can use their domestic license for up to 90 days.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Brunei does not use a vignette system for road use; travel is free.
  • Road Safety: Brunei has good road safety standards, but speeding and sudden lane changes can occur. Be cautious at roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable across Brunei; Google Maps and Waze work well.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 993 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Brunei Currency

The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 BND
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents
  • Symbol: $ (often written as BND; occasionally B$ to distinguish from other dollar-based currencies)
  • Note: The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is also widely accepted in Brunei at a 1:1 exchange rate due to a currency interchangeability agreement.

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, Brunei International Airport, and major hotels.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban areas (e.g., Bandar Seri Begawan) for direct BND withdrawals.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred for small transactions, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments, but less common in rural areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (BND or SGD) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are not universal.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the BND is pegged to the SGD.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) website: https://www.ambd.gov.bn/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Brunei

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Brunei, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including the death penalty for trafficking. Even small quantities can lead to long prison sentences.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is banned for Muslims; non-Muslims over 17 can import limited amounts (2L of spirits or 12 cans of beer) but must declare it and consume it privately. Public intoxication is illegal.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, on public transport, and in many outdoor public areas (e.g., parks).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly, especially during Ramadan and at religious sites like mosques. Avoid public displays of affection.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal under Sharia law, with penalties including imprisonment or corporal punishment. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, or royal residences (e.g., Istana Nurul Iman). Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 2L spirits or 12 cans of beer (non-Muslims only, must declare).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (must declare).
  • Cash: Declare amounts over BND 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, pork products, weapons, and pornography.
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at Brunei International Airport.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Brunei Tourism Board or the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Muara Beach) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is mandated but not always implemented.

Key Resources

Brunei Travel Safety

Brunei is generally safe for travellers, with very low crime rates and a reputation for stability. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Brunei.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is extremely rare, even in crowded areas like markets in Bandar Seri Begawan. Violent crime against tourists is almost unheard of.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Brunei is considered very safe, with a welcoming atmosphere. Female travelers should dress modestly and avoid isolated areas at night.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is straightforward, but speeding and sudden lane changes can occur in urban areas.
    • Avoid driving in rural areas at night due to limited lighting and wildlife crossings (e.g., monkeys).
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is generally safe in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; Brunei’s cuisine (e.g., ambuyat) is generally safe but can be unfamiliar.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for jungle travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue and malaria, especially in rural or jungle areas (e.g., Ulu Temburong National Park).
  • Altitude Sickness: Not a concern; Brunei is mostly flat, with the highest point (Bukit Pagon) at 1,850 meters, rarely visited by tourists.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: High-quality facilities like RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan offer excellent care. Rural areas have limited options.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available in cities; carry essential medications for remote areas.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, though local care is generally reliable.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 993 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 991 | Fire: 995 | Police: 993.
  • Tourist Police (Bandar Seri Begawan): +673 222 2333.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a car is straightforward; ensure insurance covers rural travel (e.g., to Temburong District).
  • Hiking: Use local guides for jungle treks (e.g., Ulu Temburong National Park); trails can be slippery during the wet season (November-March).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Ramadan customs; avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but haze from regional forest fires can occur (September-October); monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Brunei