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Before you travelÌý

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

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

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.Ìý

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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 .

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Brunei, your passport must have an ‘expiry date� at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 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.Ìý

ÌýYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirementsÌý

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

To stay longer or if you’re travelling for work, study, business travel or other reasons, you must meet the Brunei government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the .ÌýÌý

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.Ìý

Dual nationalityÌý

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 national.ÌýÌý

Declaration formÌý

You must to enter Brunei. Do 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.Ìý

From 7 September 2024, in response to the spread of the Mpox virus, it is now mandatory for all travellers into Brunei (via land, air or sea) to complete the upon arrival. More information can be found at the .

Land and sea travelÌý

Check before you travel. They are not open 24 hours. Make sure your exit and entry stamps are correct before leaving the border post.

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

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

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You can complete a declaration through the Customs.BN app or on arrival at the airport. Download the app for Ìý´Ç°ù .

Terrorism Ìý

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.Ìý

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

Terrorism in BruneiÌý

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

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.Ìý

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Protecting your belongingsÌýÌý

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

• take care of your passportÌý
• avoid carrying valuables with youÌý
• not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sightÌýÌý

Laws and cultural differences Ìý

Islam is the official religion in Brunei. 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.Ìý

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Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to start around the end of February and finish around the end of March.

During this time, it is against the law to be seen eating or drinking in public during fasting hours. You must also not smoke in public.Ìý

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

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

Criticism of the Bruneian Royal FamilyÌý

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

Relationships outside marriageÌý

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

Pornographic materialÌý

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.Ìý

Firearms, ammunition and explosivesÌý

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.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Brunei criminalises same-sex sexual activity.ÌýSentences include a maximum penalty of death by stoning, whipping, imprisonment and fines. However there is currently a moratorium on the death penalty and there is limited evidence of same-sex activity laws being implemented in recent years. The gender expression of trans people is also criminalised and this law is occasionally enforced with fines.

Read advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

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.Ìý

Alcohol laws and bansÌý

The sale of alcohol and tobacco in Brunei is illegal. Non-Muslims aged 17 and over may import a limited amount of alcohol. This must be declared to the customs authorities on arrival and drunk in private.Ìý

Smoking and e-cigarette bansÌý

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

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Hiking and mountaineeringÌý

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:Ìý

• use recognised and well-known guidesÌý
• stay on paths and trails, rather than pushing through the undergrowthÌýÌý
• always carry food and water with youÌýÌý
• consider carrying a whistle to attract attention and a torchÌýÌý
• wear closed-toe shoesÌý

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Saltwater crocodilesÌý

Saltwater crocodiles have attacked and killed people fishing on riverbanks around Bandar. Crocodiles have also been seen on beaches and in the ponds of the Panaga golf course. You should:Ìý

• pay attention to signs warning of crocodilesÌý
• stay away from the water’s edgeÌýÌý
• seek local adviceÌý

Venomous snakesÌý

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

• keep your distanceÌýÌýÌý
• wait for the snake to move awayÌý

If you find a snake indoors or outside in a confined space, like a garden, call the fire service (‘bombaâ€�) on 995.ÌýÌý

The RIPAS public hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan carries antivenom. Get medical advice if a snake bites you.

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

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

You can drive in Brunei with a valid UK driving licence for up to 90 days. You’ll then need to .Ìý

If your vehicle is not registered in Brunei, you can only buy motor fuel at , to a maximum of 250 litres. Petrol stations will only sell premium “V-Powerâ€� fuel to foreign cars. You can usually only pay in cash.Ìý

If you’re driving to Malaysia with a Bruneian registered car, the same is true � foreign registered vehicles are only permitted to buy premium RON97 fuel (not the subsidised RON95 fuel) and this is not available in all petrol stations. Make sure to fill up before leaving a city.

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. Animals such as monitor lizards, snakes and monkeys could be on the roads.Ìý

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

Sea travelÌý

Small boats carry passengers across to the water village in Bandar and along the rivers on cruises. You should:Ìý

• check there are adequate life jackets for all passengers, including childrenÌýÌý
• keep hands inside the boat, as there are river crocodilesÌýÌýÌý

If you’re taking a longer trip, for example, a wildlife cruise, get local recommendationsÌýand plan your trip in advance.

Before you travel check that:Ìý

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

This is particularly important if you have an existing health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Dial 991 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

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

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:Ìý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the Ìý

See .

MedicationÌý

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

Read .Ìý

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

Healthcare in BruneiÌýÌý

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).ÌýÌý

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.Ìý

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

Travel and mental healthÌý

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

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.Ìý

Emergency services in BruneiÌý

Ambulance: 991ÌýÌý

Fire: 995ÌýÌý

Police: 993Ìý

Search and rescue: 998Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

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.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

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.Ìý

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

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

Support from FCDOÌý

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

• finding English-speaking Ìý
• dealing with a death in BruneiÌý
• being arrested or imprisoned in BruneiÌý
• getting help if you’re a victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’re in hospitalÌýÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

Contacting FCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

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

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

Follow FCDO:�

Risk information for British companiesÌýÌý

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.