Brunei travel guide

Travel Advice

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Brunei’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Brunei set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Brunei High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Brunei. 

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you enter Brunei. It must not be damaged or have any pages missing. If your passport does not meet these conditions, you may be refused entry and detained. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

Visa requirements 

British citizen passport holders may enter Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa. If you have another type of British nationality, check visa requirements with Brunei immigration authorities. 

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Brunei government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Brunei High Commission in the UK.  

Make sure you get your passport stamped when you enter Brunei. Do not overstay your visa, or violate the terms of entry. Penalties include detention and caning. 

Dual nationality 

Brunei does not recognise the dual nationality of Bruneians. The immigration authorities can refuse your entry if you hold a Bruneian passport and a passport of a different nationality.

If you’re a dual national, you should use the same passport to enter and exit Brunei. The passport you use for entry will determine your nationality in Brunei. If you enter on a Brunei passport, you cannot access British consular assistance, as you will be treated as a Bruneian.  

Declaration form 

You must fill in the e-arrival declaration form to enter Brunei. You should complete this before you travel as it may be requested at check-in. You do not need to complete the arrival form if you are not passing through immigration.  

Land and sea travel 

Contact the Prime Minister’s Office to check border post opening hours before you travel. They are not open 24 hours. Make sure your exit and entry stamps are correct before leaving the border post. 

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Brunei, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Brunei guide. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods and the amount of alcohol you can take into and out of Brunei. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in Brunei 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Brunei, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Crime 

Protecting your belongings  

Crime levels are low, but there are occasional incidents of petty crime against tourists as well as house burglaries. You should:  

• take care of your passport 
• avoid carrying valuables with you 
• not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sight  

Laws and cultural differences  

Brunei is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure that your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in Brunei.

Places of business and offices, including shops and restaurants, shut between midday and 2pm every Friday for prayers.

Friday is a non-working day for government offices and local schools. They open on Saturdays instead. 

Ramadan 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during fasting hours. 

You should also dress modestly. For example, do not wear shorts in government and public buildings such as health centres. 

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

Criticism of the Bruneian Royal Family 

His Majesty The Sultan and other members of the Bruneian Royal Family are highly revered and public criticism of them causes great offence. 

Relationships outside marriage 

Adultery and closeness in private between an unmarried man and woman is illegal if one person is a Muslim. 

Pornographic material 

Possession of pornographic material is illegal. 

Firearms, ammunition and explosives 

Brunei has very strict laws against the possession of firearms, blank or live ammunition and explosives (including fireworks and firecrackers). Do not carry these items or replicas into Brunei. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. 

Read advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Illegal drugs penalties

There are severe penalties for drug offences in Brunei including, in some cases, the death penalty. Other crimes may be punished by caning and lengthy prison sentences. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

The sale of alcohol and tobacco in Brunei is illegal. Non-Muslims aged 18 and over may import a limited amount of alcohol. This must be declared to the customs authorities on arrival and drunk in private. 

Smoking and e-cigarette bans 

Smoking is illegal in certain public places, including shopping and eating areas, bus stops and stations, car parks and near buildings. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Hiking and mountaineering 

Police advise against hiking alone in the forest, including at well-known recreation areas. It’s easy to get lost when visiting the rainforest. You should: 

• use recognised and well-known guides 
• stay on paths and trails, rather than pushing through the undergrowth  
• always carry food and water with you  
• consider carrying a whistle to attract attention and a torch  
• wear closed toe shoes 

Wildlife 

Saltwater crocodiles 

People have been attacked and killed by saltwater crocodiles while fishing on riverbanks around Bandar. Crocodiles have also been seen on beaches and in the ponds of the Panaga golf course. You should: 

• pay attention to signs warning of crocodiles 
• stay away from the water’s edge  
• seek local advice 

Venomous snakes 

There are a number of venomous snakes in Brunei. If you see a snake while outdoors: 

• keep your distance   
• wait for the snake to move away 

If you find a snake indoors or outside in a confined space (like a garden), call fire and rescue (‘bomba’) on 995.  

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in Brunei, see information on driving abroad. 

You can drive in Brunei with a valid UK driving licence for up to 90 days. You’ll then need to apply for a Bruneian licence from the Land Transport Department. 

If your vehicle is not registered in Brunei, you can only buy motor fuel at 14 designated filling stations, to a maximum of 250 litres. Petrol stations will only sell premium “V-Power” fuel to foreign cars. Payments are usually made in cash. 

Driving standards are different from the UK. Vehicles do not always stop at red lights or pedestrian crossings. It is common for drivers not to use seatbelts or child car seats and to speed. Road surfaces are uneven and accidents are common. Be aware that animals such as monitor lizards, snakes and monkeys could be on the roads. 

If you’re involved in a road accident as a driver, do not leave the scene or move the vehicle until the police arrive. 

Sea travel 

Small boats carry passengers across to the water village in Bandar and along the rivers on cruises. Before taking one: 

• make sure they have adequate life jackets for all passengers, including children  
• keep hands inside the boat, as there are river crocodiles   

If you’re taking a longer trip, for example, a wildlife cruise: 

• seek local recommendations  
• arrange your trip in advance

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Dial 991 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Brunei 
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Brunei.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Most branded pharmaceuticals are readily available, though some items available without a prescription in the UK may need a doctor’s prescription in Brunei. 

Healthcare in Brunei  

Standards of healthcare in Brunei are generally acceptable, though basic hospital supplies can occasionally run low. There are 2 significant medical facilities, the Government General Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan and the private Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC).  

You may need medical evacuation to Singapore if there are complications. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Brunei where some staff will speak English.    

Travel and mental health 

Read the FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Brunei 

Ambulance: 991  

Fire: 995  

Police: 993 

Search and rescue: 998 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Brunei 
• dealing with a death in Brunei 
• being arrested or imprisoned in Brunei 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online. 

Help abroad in an emergency 

If you’re in Brunei and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan. 

FCDO in London 

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges 

Risk information for British companies  

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Brunei on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.