Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• Around 13,000 British nationals visit Brunei every year (source: Brunei Immigration). Most visits to Brunei are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. 
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• If you plan to travel to the Malaysian State of Sabah, you should see FCO Travel Advice for Malaysia.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.   

See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
Crime levels are low in Brunei, but there are occasional incidents of petty crime against tourists.  You should:  

• take particular care of your passport;
• when going out avoid carrying valuables with you;
• not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sight in a locked boot.
  

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
If you plan to travel to the Malaysian State of Sabah, please read our Travel Advice for Malaysia. If you plan to travel to the Indonesian provinces of Borneo/Kalimantan or further please read our Travel Advice for Indonesia.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
Vehicles not registered in Brunei can only purchase motor fuel at ten designated filling stations throughout the country, to a maximum of 250 litres. Filling a foreign car is more expensive as the purchase price does not include a government subsidy.

You can drive in Brunei with a UK driving licence as long as it is endorsed by the Brunei Land Transport Department in the Ministry of Communications. Alternatively, you can use an International Driving Licence (for up to three months).

If you are involved in a road accident as a driver, you should not leave the scene or move the vehicle until the police have attended.   

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Trekking
It is easy to get lost when visiting the rainforest.  You should use recognised and well-known guides, and be sure to stay on the footpaths.
 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
The revised aviation security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 were also implemented in Brunei in October 2007.

For more details about this please see DfT Airline Security.

A Departure Tax (five Brunei Dollars for travel to Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines and 12 Brunei Dollars for all other destinations) is payable in local currency at the airport check in desk, on departure from Brunei International Airport.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Brunei Country Profile

Local laws reflect the fact that Brunei is an Islamic country. You should dress modestly and respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. You should be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.

See our travelling during Ramadan page.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Any public criticism of His Majesty The Sultan or other members of the Bruneian Royal Family is discouraged.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Brunei including, in some cases, the death penalty. You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. The legal system in Brunei is partly based on Sharia law and can, in certain circumstances, apply to non-Muslims including visitors. Other crimes may attract canning and lengthy prison sentences.

The sale of alcohol in Brunei is prohibited. Non-Muslims over 17 years of age may import duty free, two bottles of wine or spirits and twelve cans of beer on entry into Brunei, but must declare them to Customs on arrival. There must be at least a 48-hour gap between each import. Keep the Customs slip in case of inspection. For a list of other prohibited and restricted items, please visit the Royal Customs and Excise Department’s website.

Visitors should be aware that smoking is prohibited in certain public places, including shopping and eating areas, bus stops and stations and government buildings. Offenders may be fined for breaking this law.

See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
British citizens may enter Brunei for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa. However those with other types of British nationality should check with Brunei immigration authorities about visa requirements. Strict penalties may be imposed on those who overstay their visa. You should ensure that the entry stamp in your passport indicates the validity of stay. Visas for longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Brunei diplomatic mission before you travel.

For more information on visiting Brunei please check the Brunei immigration authorities website.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity  
You must hold a valid passport to enter Brunei. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Brunei. Even if you are transiting Brunei to another destination, you may encounter difficulties with your onward booking if your passport holds less than six months validity.

Entry Requirements  - Dual Nationality
Brunei does not recognise dual nationality, so you can be refused entry if you are found to be holding two passports of different nationality. If you are a dual national, it is advisable to enter Brunei on the passport on which you exited your last country of departure. While in Brunei your nationality will be deemed to be that shown on the passport which you used to enter the country. This may affect the consular assistance that you receive in Brunei.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. They may want to see birth certificates, a letter of consent from the other parent or some evidence as to your responsibility for the child. Bruneian authorities do not normally require such evidence, but if you have any concerns please check with the Bruneian High Commission in London.

The standards of healthcare in Brunei are generally acceptable, though basic hospital supplies can run low from time to time. There are two significant medical facilities, the Government General Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan and the private Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). Should complications arise, medical evacuation to Singapore may be necessary so you should ensure that your insurance covers this.

In a dental emergency, treatment can be found either at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) or from local private dentists. Most branded pharmaceuticals are also readily available though some items available without a prescription in the UK, will require a Doctors' prescription in Brunei e.g. decongestants, anti histamines.

Dengue Fever and other mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, have been reported in Brunei. There are no vaccinations against these diseases, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC website.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Brunei and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our travel health and eat and drink safely pages.

General - Insurance
Ensure that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before leaving the UK. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Money
Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments although an additional surcharge can be applied. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks or major hotels. Singapore Dollars may also be used in Brunei and are of the same value as the Brunei Dollar. Most other major currencies are convertible at banks, hotels or official moneychangers.

General - Registering with the British High Commission
If you are a British national and plan to stay for even a short period in Brunei you are advised to register with the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan upon arrival. This can be done electronically via the British High Commission website.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Around 13,000 British nationals visit Brunei every year (source: Brunei Immigration). Most visits to Brunei are trouble free. Twelve British nationals required consular assistance in Brunei in the period 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.