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Travel advisory, travel advisory during covid-19.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) makes its best effort to update the information reflected in all  Travel Advisory pages regularly, however entry or exit requirements and other travel requirements may change at very short notice. We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant governments or authorities and be well-informed on all the travel requirements before their trip. Visit here to check the visa requirement and it is encouraged for you to check with your local embassy to confirm your visa and immigration requirements.

Please note it is our guests’ responsibility to ensure they meet the travel criteria and have all appropriate approvals and documents for travel.  Without this RB is not permitted to allow guests to travel in-line with international air transport regulations. RB shall not be held responsible for any guests being denied boarding for not meeting the travel requirements.

Brunei Darussalam

Republic of singapore, the philippines, united kingdom, people's republic of china, saudi arabia, indian subcontinent, hong kong sar, china, united arab emirates, south korea.

This section gives a summary applicable to foreign nationals entering or exiting Brunei Darussalam. Full entry/exit requirements can be found on the PMO Press Releases and announcements .  Please note it is our guests’ responsibility to ensure they meet the travel criteria and have all appropriate approvals and documents for travel.  Without this RB is not permitted to allow guests to travel in-line with international air transport regulations. RB shall not be held responsible for any guests being denied boarding for not meeting the travel requirements.

Failure to comply to any of the requirements is an offense under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204) and if found guilty, will be liable to a fine for up to $10,000 or imprisonment for a period of up to 6 months or both.

Exiting Brunei on and after 15 September 2022

Destination country requirements.

• It is travellers’ responsibility to check and fulfill other requirements as required by the destination country to visit.   
• Should destination countries to visit require travellers to undergo RT-PCT test or ART before departure, travellers may undergo RT-PCR test at health center or private health clinic that provides services for RT-PCR test or ART at certified ART centres .
• Travellers are advised to check Visa requirement of the country to visit before exiting Brunei.  Travellers need to check with foreign embassies or refer destination country’s website for latest Visa requirement.

Travel Medical Insurance

Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents travellers who are travelling for a short trip before 1 December 2022 , must obtain Travel Medical Insurance with COVID-19 coverage of a minimum coverage of BND 20,000 from Brunei-based or overseas insurer.   The insurance must be valid for the duration of their stay in the destination country.  

The following travellers are exempted from being required to obtain Travel Medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage:  

• Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents travelling overseas for employment, for studies, as eligible dependents or hold a long-term visa/immigration pass in the destination country.
• Permanent Residents who are travelling to their country of nationality.
• Civil servants who are travelling overseas for official travel sponsored by Government of Brunei Darussalam.

Starting 1 December 2022 , Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents travellers are no longer required to obtain Travel Medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage.  Travellers wishing to obtain such insurance for their own peace of mind are welcome to do so.

Form and application

• Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents travellers are required to complete registration through the e-Register system at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)  website .  This is ease communication in the event that assistance is required during emergency or crisis.
• Citizens and Permanent Residents of Brunei exiting Brunei for education (Private Student) who will begin their studies overseas or returning to the country of studies must complete Ministry of Education’s Registration Form for private student .

Vaccination status

Starting 15 September 2022, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer be an entry or exit requirement for Brunei Darussalam.

Mask policy on RB Flights

As per the updated regulations by Brunei government, effective 15 September 2022, use of face mask onboard RB flights is no longer mandatory with the following exception:

• for guests travelling to a country/destination where face mask is required, and/or
• for guests exhibiting symptoms of an infection.

As Brunei travel requirements may change at short notice, please refer to the latest travel advisory issued by the Brunei government and  Prime Minister’s Office  before your departure. If the information differs from our travel advisory, it is recommended that you follow the official guidance from  Prime Minister’s Office,  as we may still be processing the latest regulatory changes.

Entering into Brunei on and after 15 September 2022

E-arrival card effective 9 february 2023.

Starting 9 February 2023, it is a mandatory for foreign nationals arriving Brunei Darussalam to register the electronic e-Arrival Card.  This is to replace the previous Form 19, the physical registration paper for arrival/departure.

• Mandatory to register at least 3 days before arriving and entering Brunei Darussalam. No fee will be charged for registration.
• Foreign nationals who travel to Brunei for the purpose of transit/stopover and not going through the immigration control post (LTAB)  are not required to register e-Arrival Card.
• Passport/Valid Individual Travel Document
• Information on residence in Brunei Darussalam
• Flight or Vehicle information used

Visa requirement for Foreign travellers

Foreign travellers are advised to check Visa requirements before entering Brunei Darussalam in accordance with regulations that are currently enforced.  Visa requirements can be referred from Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Foreign travellers who are on short-term visit into Brunei Darussalam before 1 December 2022 , must obtain Travel Medical Insurance with COVID-19 coverage of a minimum coverage of BND 20,000 from Brunei-based or overseas insurer.   The insurance must be valid for the duration of their stay in Brunei Darussalam.  

• Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents returning to Brunei Darussalam.
• Foreign nationals entering Brunei Darussalam for the purpose of long-term visit such as employment, studying or as eligible dependent.

Starting 1 December 2022 , foreign travellers are no longer required to obtain Travel Medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage.  Travellers wishing to obtain such insurance for their own peace of mind are welcome to do so.

With the above, non-fully vaccinated travellers are not required to undergo post-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Starting 15 September 2022, travellers are not required to complete Arrival Declaration Form (ADF) before travelling into Brunei Darussalam.

All guests arriving into Australia are reminded to comply with all other requirements set-forth by the Australian government and state/territories. Please check the  latest requirements  to confirm your eligibility before booking.

All guests arriving into Australia who do not meet these criteria will be subjected to Australia’s travel restrictions as well as state or territory quarantine requirements of the jurisdiction where they arrive into Australia.  If you do not meet these criteria and wish to travel to Australia, please  contact Royal Brunei Airlines  to make arrangements.

International guests arriving in New South Wales, Victoria or the Australian Capital Territory are not automatically permitted to transit to another state or territory. Guests are advised to check interstate travel requirements.

Masks are mandatory  for the duration of the flight and while in Australian airports, and should also be worn in airports in other countries.  

Travelling to Australia on or after 18 April 2022

For more information on the travel requirements to/from Australia, you may visit the following links.

• Australia’s Official COVID-19 Travel Requirements Homepage

From 6 July 2022, the followings are no longer needed:

• Travellers travelling to and departing Australia are no longer required to provide evidence of their vaccination status
• Unvaccinated visa holders will not require a travel exemption
• Travellers are no longer required to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration

Effective 00:01 AEDT on 5 January 2023, t ravellers entering Australia by air from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, either on a direct flight, or on a flight that has a stopover in another country before landing in Australia are subjected to a new requirement. It is travellers’ responsibility to check the latest requirement or here and be well-informed on the requirements before their trip.  

For travellers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents who are listed below, COVID-19 test is mandatory to be taken within 48 hours prior to departure Australia .  

• Travellers entering Australia from the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.  
• Travellers boarding flights from China, including Hong Kong and Macau and ending in Australia.  This includes indirect flights transiting through a third country.    
• Travellers who are from China and intend to spend several days in Australia before travelling to another country.  
• Travellers who are transiting through China, including Hong Kong and Macau and spending several days prior to travelling to Australia.  
• In the case of flight has been re-scheduled or cancelled, travellers are required to present negative COVID-19 RAT, NAAT or PCR test result taken not more than 48 hours before the day of new departure time.  

With the above, travellers are required to provide evidence of a negative test result prior to boarding and upon arrival and may need to provide the evidence of negative result again upon arrival in Australia.  

Accepted test for COVID-19 are as follows:  

COVID-19 test is not required for:  

• Travellers who travel from China, including Hong Kong or Macau to another country and spend several days there prior to travelling to Australia.  
• Travellers who are transiting through China, including Hong Kong or Macau originating in other countries.  
• Travellers who are transiting in Australia and directly travelling to and onwards destination.  
• Airline crew.  
• Children under age of 12 years on the day of scheduled departure.  
• Travellers with evidence from medical practitioner of a COVID-19 infection in the last 30 days, and must present confirmation they are no longer infectious or symptomatic.  Travellers’ first of positive result must be at least days before the date of the medical certificate.  
• Travellers with evidence from medical practitioner in the last 30 days with medical condition that prevents them from undertaking a COVID-19 test.  
• Emergency medical evacuation flights and those who are accompanying people of these flights.  
• In the case of flight delay and travellers have met the pre-departure testing requirements, new RAT, PCR test or other NAAT is not required.    

All travellers entering Singapore on/after 1 April 2022 are subjected to Singapore’s new Vaccinated Travel Framework. Travel requirements via the Vaccinated Travel Framework is dependent on the traveller’s vaccination status.

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has provided detailed travel requirement checklist for the following traveller’s profile:

• Entering Singapore
• Transiting in Singapore
• Departing Singapore

Malaysia has reopened its borders to international travellers.  All travellers are to comply with the travel requirements by the Malaysian government.  We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant governments or authorities and be well-informed on all the travel requirements before their trip.  Malaysia’s travel requirement can be checked from safetravel.gov.my .

Take note that requirements may change last minute and it is travellers’ responsibility to have all necessary approvals and/or documentation for travel.

In accordance with the Philippines Department of Transport, guests entering and departing from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) are required to wear a face mask onboard the aircraft and at the airport (face shields are optional). All passengers are no longer required to download and register an account in the TRAZE CONTACT TRACING mobile app prior to entering The Philippines.

In compliance with Philippines regulations, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), guests are required to follow the arrival and quarantine protocols for non-OFWs and returning Overseas Filipinos & Foreign Nationals when travelling to The Philippines. Guests are reminded that it is their responsibility to follow, meet all entry/exit guidelines of The Philippines.

Effective 1 May 2023, paper-based Arrival/Departure Cards will be discontinued by The Philippine Bureau of Immigration. All passengers are required to fill in the eTravel declaration before their arrival into Manila. It is recommended for travellers complete their registration within 72 hours/3 days prior departure at the country of origin to avoid inconvenience upon arrival.

Philippine additional travel requirement

Guests carrying foreign or Philippine currency or monetary instrument exceeding USD 10,000 or PHP 50,000 pesos are required to fill out the Customs Baggage Declaration Form and Currencies ( here ) Declaration Form. This form is then to be submitted by guests to Duty Customs Officer at the arrival area of the airport

More information on infomercial on cross-border transport of local and foreign currency and monetary instrument can be found here .

Philippine's Fully vaccinated criteria

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is considered:

• If travellers has received the second dose in a 2-dose of COVID-19 vaccines series OR
• If travellers has received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine more than fourteen (14) days before the departure date of country of origin

Travel Requirement-For Vaccinated Travellers

• Fully vaccinated Filipinos and Foreign Nationals are no longer required to do pre-departure test.
• With primary vaccine are allowed to enter the Philippines provided that the last dose is received 14 days before date of departure.  Booster is no longer required.
• World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
• National or state manual/digital vaccination certificate of the country/foreign government;
• Other proof of vaccination.

Travel Requirement-For Unvaccinated Travellers, Partially Vaccinated

• Filipinos and Foreign Nationals travellers who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or those with vaccinations which cannot be verified are allowed to enter the Philippines provided that travellers take antigen test for COVID-19 24 hours before travel.
• Antigen test is available upon arrival for purchase, however, passenger is encouraged to take the COVID-19 test before travelling into the Philippines.  This is to avoid the inconvenience of queuing in order to be tested upon arrival and waiting for the result to be released.
• Filipinos and Foreign Nationals of age fifteen (15) years or older shall present a remotely supervised, or a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test result administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishment taken within twenty-four (24) hours, prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided, that he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over.
• Filipinos and Foreign nationals of age fifteen (15) years or older who fail to present negative pre-departure testing with conditions set forth above, shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishment taken upon arrival at the airport.
• Accompanied minors of age below fifteen (15) years who are not vaccinated for any reason whatsoever shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them.
• Unaccompanied minors of age below 15 years who are not vaccinated for any reason whatsoever shall follow the protocols set forth in #3 and #4 above.

Additional requirements for Foreign Nationals

Foreign Nationals must:

• Hold passport with a validity of at least 6 months at the time of entry into the Philippines.
• Have a valid visa (if applicable) for those who are not entitled to a visa-free entry in the Philippines, as well those with immigrant and non-immigrant status.
• Foreign spouses and/or children of Filipino citizens who are travelling with them.
• Former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges under Republic Act  No. 9174, including their spouse and/or children, who are travelling with them.

Isolation and Quarantine

In the event that travelers tested positive for COVID-19, they will be subjected to undergo further testing validation, mandatory facility quarantine and recovery as implemented by the Philippines Bureau of Quarantine and Department of Health (DOH).

As of 4am on 18 March 2022, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are not required to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form when travelling to the United Kingdom from abroad.

We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant governments or authorities and be well-informed on all the travel requirements before their trip. Please note it is our guests’ responsibility to ensure they meet the travel criteria and have all appropriate approvals and documents for travel. Without this, RB is not permitted to allow guests to travel in-line with international air transport regulations. RB shall not be responsible for any guests being denied boarding for not meeting the travel requirements.

Effective 04:00 UTC on 5 January 2023, travellers entering United Kingdom by air from China (not including Hong Kong and Macau), either on a direct flight , or on indirect flight . It is travellers’ responsibility to check the latest requirement  and be well-informed on the requirements before their trip.   

It is mandatory for travellers stated below to obtain pre-departure COVID-19 test and a  negative result from Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Lateral Flow Device (LFD)/RAPID Antigen Test (RAT) taken within 2 days of departure . Please note that pre-departure tests are not accepted if they are provided or administered by the UK National Health Service.

• Travellers arriving United Kingdom by air, either on direct or indirect flight from China (not including Hong Kong and Macau). Indirect flight is referred to booking either via single airline operator or with more than one airline operator as a single itinerary journey where travellers are ‘ticketed through’. Indirect flights are only in scope if the traveller transits airside through any connecting airports, i.e. without passing through immigration control. The requirement applies where travellers’ final destination is in England or where they are transiting through England.  
• Indirect flights via any third country or territory, Hong Kong or Macao are included.  
• Traveller’s flight departing mainland China is delayed and previous pre-departure test sample is taken more than 2 days of departure.  
• In the case of indirect flight, pre-departure must be taken within 2 days of departure of the first flight that departs mainland China. Delays to subsequent sectors does not require travellers to undertake new pre-departure test.  

As of 8 January 2023, some passengers will be invited to participate in a voluntary test upon arrival in order to monitor for potential new variants.  

Proof of negative result must be:  

• An original copy of certificate either paper or digital form.  
• In English, French or Spanish.  
• Containing name of the person from whom the sample was taken (Name should matches with traveller’s travel document).  
• Containing date of birth or age from whom the sample was taken (Date of birth should matches with traveller’s travel document).  
• Stating the result of the test.  
• Stating the date when the sample was collected or received by test provider (which must be within 2 days of departure).  
• Stating the name of test provider and their contact details.  
• Stating the name of test device or type of test used.  

This requirement is not mandatory for those mentioned below. Please refer here  for latest exemption.  

• Children of age 11 years or below.  
• Aircraft crew.  
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) inspectors.  
• Crown Civil servants on diplomatic duty or carrying out essential government work.  
• Defence workers.  
• Essential or emergency workers.  
• Travellers travelling to the UK to conduct official business.  
• Travellers who have travelled to the United Kingdom for the purpose of transporting material which is to be used for the provision of healthcare by a healthcare provider.  
• Travellers with medical condition or disability and unable to take COVID-19 test and must provide supporting evidence. Evidence can be obtained from medical practitioner in English or certified English translation should be provided by traveller.
• Travellers travelling for urgent medical treatment where it is not reasonably practicable to obtain negative COVID-19 test within 2 days before departure.  
• Travellers accompanying another traveller travelling for urgent medical treatment where it is not reasonably practicable to obtain negative COVID-19 test within 2 days before departure.  
• Extradited travellers.  

Effective 1 December 2020, All China-bound guests, regardless of nationalities, are required to  present a green HS code (Chinese nationals) or HDC code (Foreign nationals)  on their mobile devices or in print in order to board the flight. Guests are advised to upload copies of their  negative COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) result and a negative IgM anti-body test  from an authorized testing institution; within 2 days before boarding via Wechat (Chinese nationals) or website  https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5  (Foreign nationals) and fill in the required information. The Chinese Embassy will issue a green HS code (Chinese nationals) or HDC code (Foreign nationals) as soon as it verifies the results. Guests who fail to present all required documents will be denied boarding.

Only travellers with Umrah Visa is entitled to carry Zamzam bottles.  Please note that Zamzam bottles will not accepted for travellers holding tourist visa.

All guests arriving Saudi Arabia must hold a passport and no other type of identification.  Online eVisa is only eligible for Brunei Citizenship passport holders and not Brunei ICI (International Certificate of Identity) passport holders.

Immune travellers must fill out the Registration Immunization Information Form before traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allow them to register their immunization data which will enable them to use TAWAKKALNA APP. This does not apply to Saudi Citizens and exempted categories.

For more information, you may contact the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)’s Passenger Care Center with toll free number 8001168888 or enquire through social media (@GacaCare), e-mail ( [email protected] ), or the Authority’s website: ( gaca.gov.sa ).

Please  click here  for details of the temporary suspension on travelling to and from countries within the Indian subcontinent.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced in a press release on 28 December 2021 that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Brunei Darussalam will be specified as Group A specified places from 00:00hrs on 31 December 2021 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

• Non-Hong Kong residents are not allowed to enter Hong Kong.
• If they have stayed in the same country in the previous 14 days
• Have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record
• Hold a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test collected within 48 hours before departure
• They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 7 nights or 14 nights upon returning to Hong Kong. Refer to the official Hong Kong Government website for full quarantine requirements.
• Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found here .

Brunei-issued vaccination booklet (yellow booklet) is not recognised as a valid proof of vaccination status. Using your BruHealth app, download a digital copy of your vaccination certificate to be used as a valid proof of vaccination status.

Travellers arriving into Indonesia are reminded to comply with the requirements set by the destination’s government and  may change last minute.  It is travellers’ responsibility to check the latest requirements and have all necessary approvals and/or documentation for travel.

Electronic Custom Declaration (e-CD) - Jakarta & Surabaya

Travellers arriving Jakarta are required to complete Electronic Custom Declaration (e-CD) three (3) days before arriving to Jakarta & Surabaya.

QR code will then be generated for travellers and to be shown custom officer.

Vaccination

• All travellers (fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated) are allowed to enter Indonesia.
• Showing card or certificate as a proof of vaccination is no longer needed.

Mobile Application

Travellers are no longer required to download and use SatuSehat/Peduli Lindungi mobile application .

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport reminds passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. With longer waiting times and queues reported at the airport within the last month, RB advises our guests to immediately proceed to immigration and security check after check-in/baggage drop. We would also like to advise you to utilise online check-in for faster check-in process. Please be reminded that RB Check-in counter at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opens 3 hours prior to scheduled departure and closes 45 mins before scheduled departure time.

Starting 9 January 2023, entry measures into Thailand are as below.  We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant government or authorities and be well-informed on all travel requirements before their trip.

• Foreigners are longer required to show proof of COVID-19 insurance coverage.  However, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Travel insurance is mandatory for travellers from and to India and China.  Insurance validity must be +7 days for the duration of stay in Thailand.
• Foreigners are no longer required to register Thailand pass or Certificate of Entry (COE) before departure.
• Mandatory Quarantine requirement has been removed.
• Proof of vaccination to Thai authorities before arriving are no longer needed.

All United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents, visitors and tourist can enter Dubai.  However, visitor and tourists have to meet the visa requirements (if needed) before travelling into Dubai.  Refer here for visa requirements to enter UAE.

It is travellers’ responsibility to check the  latest requirements  and have all necessary approvals and/or documentation for travel.

• Be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the UAE .
• All travellers arriving into the UAE are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests.
• Recovered COVID-19 traveller must present a valid medical certificate from the relevant authorities issued within one month before the date of arrival.  The certificate must contain a QR code.

The following people are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test or a vaccination certificate at the departure airport:

• all UAE nationals returning to Dubai from any country
• non‑UAE nationals accompanying a first‑degree UAE national family member
• domestic workers accompanying a UAE national sponsor.

The following people are exempt from being tested for COVID-19:

• children below 12 years of age
• passengers with moderate to severe disabilities.

Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. For example: Acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism spectrum, Bell’s palsy, Brain tumours, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy and seizures. All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, have a hearing impairment or are physically challenged, must hold a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate as per the requirements.

Guest arriving into Korea are reminded to comply with the requirements set by the destination’s government and may change last minute.  It is guests’ responsibility to check the latest requirements  and have all necessary approvals and/or documentation for travel.

• Pre-departure COVID-19 test or PCR is no longer required upon arrival to South Korea.
• From 18th December 2023 to 31st December 2024, Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) will be temporarily exempted for guests coming from Brunei. For guests who still wants to apply K-ETA to receive benefits such as not having to submit an arrival card upon entry, guest may apply for K-ETA and pay for the fee.  Previously approved K-ETA will remain valid until its expiry date.

Japan has reopened its border to international travellers.  All travellers are to comply with the travel requirements by their government.  We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant government or authorities and be well-informed on all travel requirements before their trip.

Vaccinated travellers

• Certificate must be issued government or public institution.
• Items in the certificate must be indicated in Japanese or English
• It must be clearly stated on the certificate that the applicant has received three (3) doses of any of the vaccines listed on the WHO’s Emergency Use List.
• Travellers are not required for pre-departure COVID-19 test.
• Travellers are encouraged to fill up the questionnaire from FAST TRACK
• To wear face mask indoors.
• To sanitize hand thoroughly and wash hand frequently.
• Avoid the three C’s (closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings).

Unvaccinated travellers

• Travellers who does not have a valid vaccination certificate must obtain a certificate of test for COVID-19 (confirming negative) within 72 hours of departure.  Without the certificate, travellers are not permitted to land in Japan.
• Children under the age of 18 years without a valid vaccination certificate but travelling with guardian with a valid vaccination certificate, will adhere to same protocol as valid vaccination certificates.

All travellers travelling into Taiwan are to comply with the travel requirements by their government.  We advise our guests to check the latest advisory issued by relevant government or authorities and be well-informed on all travel requirements before their trip.

• Travellers arriving into Taiwan are no longer required to submit a health declaration via Quarantine System for Entry.
• Travellers arriving into Taiwan are no longer required to have a mobile phone with a Taiwanese number.
• Arriving travellers are no longer issued COVID-19 Health Declarations and home quarantine notices.
• Covid-19 positive travellers must postpone their flights to Taiwan within five days after the specimen was collected.
• Travellers arriving in the country with any suspected COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of arrival should be assessed by a quarantine officer upon arrival and undergo a saliva PCR test.
• Arriving travellers are no longer required to undergo quarantine, but rather undergo a seven-day period of self-initiated prevention.

Upon arrival,

• Four rapid test kits will be provided to all travellers aged 2 and older. The rapid test kits should be stored properly and tested on the designated dates. Rapid test kit will not be provided to passengers who are under the age of 2, and they will not be required to perform rapid tests during the period of self-initiated prevention.
• Passengers without symptoms may use public transportation, picked up by friends, relatives, companies or organizations.
• Passengers with symptoms should take the quarantine vehicles.

During Self-initiated prevention measure period,

• Travellers are required to stay at their primary home, a friend or relative’s residence, or a hotel that meets the requirement of one person per room (with a private bathroom) during the whole 7 days Self-initiated prevention measure period. However, if a shared bathroom can be cleaned and disinfected after each use, travellers can undergo self-initiated prevention in a room without a private bathroom. Cohabitants must take appropriate protective measures, including wearing face masks, practicing respiratory hygiene, washing hands frequently, and maintaining good hygiene and social distancing. They must avoid sharing food. Note: If all the people living with you or traveled with you need to undergo self-initiated prevention, the one person per room principle does not have to be followed.
• Perform one rapid test on the date of entry or 1st day of self-initiated prevention (D0/D1).
• A negative result from rapid test taken within the past 2 days is required before going out during the Self-initiated prevention period.
• If travellers developed symptoms during the Self-initiated prevention period, rapid tests should be performed by travellers themselves.
• Instructions for rapid test can be found here .
• For children aged below 2 years and developed COVID-19 symptoms during the Self-initiated prevention period, caregivers can take symptomatic children to a doctor by driving, riding, walking or getting a ride from friends or family members.  Caregivers can also contact their local health bureau to arrange medical treatment. In case of emergency medical needs, please call 119. Calling 119 for an ambulance is the advised mode of transportation. If an ambulance is not available, the caregiver should take a quarantine vehicle as instructed, get a ride from an individual residing in the same household to seek medical help, or seek medical care by themselves (e.g., walking or driving/riding). Note: Masks must be worn at all times, and no public transportation is allowed.

Please be informed transit at Brunei International Airport is currently not permitted. Guests are advised not to make bookings through a multiple city search that require a transit. Guests will not be permitted to board if travel restriction criteria and government approvals are not met. For further information please click here .

Requests for a full refund into a RB credit voucher or rebooking to a new travel date is applicable for all existing or new flights booked for travel until 31 October 2022 . This only applies to guests on affected flights. Please contact your nearest RB Customer Service Centre for assistance.

Please note that during this time, print-at-home boarding passes are temporarily unavailable. Kindly proceed to check-in counters for entry/exit approval verification and boarding pass collection. Check-in counters at the airport open three (3) hours prior to scheduled departure. It is our guests' responsibility to ensure they meet the strict travel criteria and have all appropriate approvals and documentations to enter/depart any country. Without these, RB is not permitted to allow guests to travel inline with international air transport regulations. Visit our dedicated COVID-19 page for more information.

Brunei Darussalam Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Brunei Darussalam

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Brunei Darussalam from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brunei Darussalam.

Can I travel to Brunei Darussalam if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Brunei Darussalam without restrictions.

Can I travel to Brunei Darussalam without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Brunei Darussalam without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Brunei Darussalam?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Brunei Darussalam.

Can I travel to Brunei Darussalam without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Brunei Darussalam?

Mask usage in Brunei Darussalam is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Brunei Darussalam?

Restaurants in Brunei Darussalam are open. Bars in Brunei Darussalam are .

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Brunei Darussalam

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis; Rabies.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with  risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Japanese Encephalitis :  spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito breeds in rice paddies and mainly bites between dusk and dawn. Risk is highest for long stay travellers to rural areas, particularly if unable to avoid mosquito bites.
• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Human P.knowlesi malaria has been reported. Antimalarial tablets are not usually advised. Travellers are advised to avoid mosquito bites and report any fevers promptly.

Other Health Risks

Dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

• 40 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Brunei travel guide

Thanks to sizeable deposits of oil and gas, the tiny tropical sultanate of Brunei Darussalam has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its two non-contiguous territories, situated on the northern coast of Borneo in South-East Asia, are home to some of the region's most pristine rain forest habitats.

The country only gained independence in 1984, but has the world's oldest reigning monarchy and centuries of royal heritage. At the helm of the only remaining Malay Islamic monarchy in the world, the Sultan of Brunei comes from a family line that dates back over 600 years. The current sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, has been on the throne for 43 years and is one of the world's richest individuals.

Visitors to the "Abode of Peace" (the literal translation of darussalam ) will find the country surprisingly laid-back and relaxing. In addition to admiring the gilded domes, towering minarets and extraordinary ornamentation of two landmark mosques in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, tourists can explore water villages by boat and on foot, learn about local culture in several interesting museums, sample delicious Malay cuising (some of the best can be found at open-air markets), and experience the incredibly biodiversity of the Bornean rain forest in Ulu Temburong National Park.

5,765 sq km (2,226 sq miles).

428,874 (UN estimate 2016).

74.5 per sq km.

Bandar Seri Begawan (popularly known as 'BSB').

Traditional Islamic monarchy.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967.

Travel Advice

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

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes: 

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

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

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.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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.

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. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Brunei guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate. 

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 foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. 

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 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 

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 promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccinations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip check: 

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Brunei guide  
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page  

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 . 

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad . 

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 facilities 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 English-speaking doctors in Brunei .    

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 overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks. 

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© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

Travel in Brunei: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit

Categories Destinations , Asia , Brunei

I have to be honest. Travel in Brunei has never been at the top of my list for a variety of reasons. Life had other plans and I landed up spending three months in the country, making Borneo the island that I had spent the longest on.

One thing that I did realize after those three months is that I had been wrong about the country on so many counts and right in a few others. Do I miss Brunei? I do.

I miss the forests and the peace that the country has and most of all I miss Shawn because he had to stay back for a couple of months while I returned to India. With three months of exploring and travel in Brunei, I feel competent enough to write a detailed guide to the country so let’s plunge in shall we?

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

The Global Consensus And Actual Travel In Brunei

Before I headed out to Brunei, I did a lot of research on the place. I looked at the news articles and the travel blogs. I must say that while the Brunei travel blogs talked about a smattering of things to do in Brunei, the media talked about how restrictive the country was.

Staying for three months in such a country did not seem pleasant to me but at that point I did not have much of a choice. Three days in however and my whole perspective took a drastic change. Why?

The thing about Brunei is that it has been in the news for all the wrong reasons and since traveling through the country is not popular because of its location, it is hardly ever explored properly. It doesn’t take you long to realize that the people in Brunei are some of the friendliest people you will meet.

I had someone hand me a box full of jackfruit on day one for free just because I said I loved it. It was something that happened (with other things) over and over again throughout my stay and it emphasizes just how generous people are.

What about the Sharia Law?

Now while I did fall in love with the country, I have to say that I did not agree with a lot of things. The Sharia law was one of those things. Unfortunately for us, we were in the country when the second wave of the Sharia law implementation took place.

My particular beef was with the laws involving the LGBTQ community. Luckily, the Sultan was forced to backtrack from some of the harsher punishments that were due to be implemented.

To Write Or Not To Write About Travel In Brunei

With all this in mind, I found myself at a crossroads. Do I write about travel in Brunei or not? I finally decided that I would write about it largely to talk about my feelings and the things that I did like about the country.

After all, Brunei is not very well documented, and I found myself exploring lesser visited destinations. Talking to the expats and the locals in the smaller town that I lived in reminded me that I wrote for the people who needed it. Factual tips about travel and living in a country that I spent a long while in.

Navigating Through The Brunei Travel Guide

In order to help you navigate through Globetrove’s Brunei Travel Guide, I have divided it into sections so that you can scroll directly down to the part of the post you want to access.

Expect the post to be long because I have a lot to share and talk about. I hope that the Brunei Travel Guide will help you if you do consider travel to the country or find yourself inside its borders for some reason.

• Facts about Brunei
• Facts for the visitor
• Things to do in Brunei

BRUNEI TRAVEL GUIDE: Facts About Brunei

Travel in Brunei is not complete without visiting the board walk.

Let’s talk about the country before we get into the specifics about travel in Brunei. I always find that knowing about the location you head to in advance gives you a more immersive feel when you actually touch down. That is why I like to read up a bit on the weather, geography, history and culture before I start exploring.

Brunei has an interesting past. Today, the country is ruled by a Sultan but it wasn’t always so. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Till date you will find a British Garrison in Brunei. Things however began to change around 1929 when petroleum production began.

It was this production that turned the tides for Brunei and till today it is what sustains the economy of the country. For a brief period during 1941-1945 in the World War II, Brunei found itself being occupied by he Japanese. The British however later returned and eventually, negotiations were made for the independence of Brunei.

Once Brunei stabilized politically in the 1970’s, it quickly rose to become one of the most flourishing economies in the world thanks to the amount of petroleum that was and continues to be produced in the country. It does not come as a surprise therefore that there are a lot of expats (who are linked to the oil industry) that live in the oil towns of Brunei.

One of the first things that I realized during my travel in Brunei was that the entire landscape appears green. Okay, you may not see as much of this in Bandar Seri Begawan which is the capital of Brunei but the moment you start heading out of the city, the landscape changes rather dramatically.

The forest cover of the country is spectacular and many of the locals love walking through the numerous forest reserves and natural parks . Ulu Temburong however remains the most popular natural park that tourists visit.

Brunei has a tropical climate which means that you can expect it to be hot and humid. It rains during a large part of the year and when I say rains, I mean that it pours! So you need to plan what to pack accordingly. I recently wrote a whole guide to what to pack when visiting Brunei. You can find the link to the post below.

RELATED ARTICLES: The Ultimate Packing List For Brunei

The currency in Brunei is called the Bruneian Dollar and is often abbreviated as BND. Since it is benchmarked against the Singaporean dollar, both currency are valid tender in the country. I found this rather surprising at first but then I realized that it was part and parcel of life in Brunei.

One of the things that surprised me about travel in Brunei was the food. The food is surprisingly multicultural with large influences from the Malaysian, Singaporean,, Indonesian and Indian cuisines. That however isn’t all. It also has a thriving fast food industry.

Burgers are big deal in the country and you see them at all the local stalls. Italian food is also highly loved. I won’t do into the details of it since I have already written an in depth article about the food in Brunei.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• A Detailed Guide To Food In Brunei
• Guide to places to eat in Kuala Belait

BRUNEI TRAVEL GUIDE: Facts For The Visitor

If you are considering travel in Brunei, then you may want to arm yourself with a couple of facts like how to get into the country, what is the transportation like, where should you stay etc. In order to make your quest for this information a bit easier, we have compiled as much pertinent information as we could in this segment of the Brunei Travel Guide.

Entering The Country

There are two main ways to enter Brunei and those are by the land borders and by air. I have however heard that the government is encouraging cruise ships to dock in Brunei to promote tourism in the country.

Flying into Brunei is a popular choice if you are heading just to the country itself. Many however choose to take one of the cheaper flights to either Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia) or Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia) and then backpack their way through. There are a couple of cheapish flights that ply between these cities and the route through remains a popular one.

One of my pet peeves in Brunei was the transport. There is not much public transport to talk off. A couple of stray buses that head out of the main city but that is it. Everyone owns a car and, in some cases, multiple cars. There are cabs but they are extremely expensive when you compare the rates to the rest of Asia. Yes! Brunei is expensive so keep that in mind too!

Accommodation

Accommodation is definitely something that you will need to consider when you think about travel in Brunei. While we personally stayed closer to Kuala Belait which is a small town in Brunei, I wouldn’t recommend heading that far out if you are just passing through.

Most of the spots that you would see as a tourist are in or close to the capital city named Bandar Seri Begawan. Finding accommodation there would be the wisest. If you are looking for an experience, then think of staying in Kampung Ayer also known as Brunei’s water village.

One of the things that you should keep in mind when it comes to travel in Brunei is the dress code. While there are a couple of foreigners that wear knee level shorts, I would suggest staying modest. Loose cotton clothes is the way to go especially since the weather is hot and humid.

Avoid thicker fabrics. I preferred white and light colours for this very same reason. Carry a scarf or a shawl that you can use to cover your head when you enter a mosque or religious building. As a rule, most people are not bothered about what you wear but I would still err on the side of caution.

BRUNEI TRAVEL GUIDE: Things To Do In Brunei

Travel in Brunei should definitely include visiting the different religious structures in the country.

When I talk about travel in Brunei, a lot of people stop me and ask me where Brunei is. Unlike its popular neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei covers just a small piece of land on the mighty island of Borneo. A large part of this land is covered with forests and hence it does not come as a surprise that there are few tourist related activities to indulge in.

Main Cities In Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city of Brunei and is the place with most of the activities that as a tourist you would seek out. In fact, as far happening places in Brunei go, this is as bustling as it gets. The other cities are smaller and definitely less touristic.

Kuala Belait and Seria are two sleepy towns that lie closer to the Malaysian border. These two are oil towns and are largely populated by expats. Jerudong, Tutong and Gadong are other popular cities.

Religious Monuments

One of the main items that everyone talks about when they head to Brunei is the gorgeous mosques in the country. While I have had a chance to just visit one of them, I have seen many of them as we passed by. They are without a doubt gorgeous and well worth exploring if you have the time.

National Parks

Remember when I mentioned that Brunei is covered by forests? You can see this as you swoop in with your flight. Brunei has a number of forests that are protected and luckily deforestation is not a threat here as compared to neighbouring Malaysia.

They do however have some problems with forest fires during the hotter months and it can get bad with the highways being closed. Most of these forests however have parks that are incorporated into them so you can trek and enjoy nature. They are so profuse that you will definitely find a green spot no matter which part of Brunei you stay in.

RELATED ARTICLES:  Forest Reserves and Recreational Parks in Brunei

BRUNEI TRAVEL GUIDE: Experiences You Should Not Miss

As with every country, you will find that while you travel in Brunei, there are a couple of experiences that you really should not miss. While most of the notable sites can be covered in a two to three days (if you choose to visit Ulu Temburong), most of the sites are within the city of Bandar Seri Begawan and you don’t have to travel far. 

*This post contains Affiliate links

Update April 12, 2024

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Brunei Travel Advisory

Travel advisory december 19, 2023, brunei - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Brunei.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Brunei. 

If you decide to travel to Brunei:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Brunei.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .     

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Your Complete Guide to the UK ETA for Bruneian Citizens

As a Commonwealth member, Brunei has close ties with the UK. This long-standing partnership has resulted in various agreements, including an entry agreement.

In 2024, Brunei citizens traveling to the United Kingdom (UK) will be required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

ETA is a new digital travel permit mandatory for citizens of countries who can visit England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland without a visa for short trips. This includes the citizens of Brunei.

It will simplify travel to the UK for leisure, business, and visiting family and friends of Bruneians who study at the UK’s top universities.

This guide explains everything Bruneian travelers need to know about the UK ETA: eligibility, requirements, application process, travel expectations, and more.

Why is the UK ETA being introduced for Bruneian citizens?

The UK ETA aims to improve the security of the UK border and allow the government more control and oversight over individuals entering the country.

The system seeks to help prevent illegal immigration, thwart organized crime syndicates, and identify potential threats to national security before they even arrive on UK soil.

The ETA is also designed to improve border control and streamline the immigration process for pre-verified, low-risk travelers.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Bruneian citizens

The ETA is an electronic document that grants pre-screened non-visa nationals permission to travel to the UK. It is not a visa, so applicants can skip the complex and lengthy process of acquiring one.

For Bruneian citizens, the UK ETA presents benefits that include the following:

Quick and easy process

Applying for a UK ETA is entirely online and paperless. Bruneian applicants can complete the application in less than 20 minutes. They also do not need to visit consulates or visa offices for an in-person interview or to submit documents.

It generally takes three days to process an ETA application. Travelers will receive the decision, whether approved or rejected, via the email address they provided.

If granted, the ETA will be linked to the passport they used to apply, so there is no need to print it out.

Affordable fee

A UK ETA application costs £10 each. The price is comparable to similar digital travel permits imposed by other countries.

For instance, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) of the United States (US) costs US$21 (£17).

Australia’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) costs AU$20 (£10), while Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) costs CA$7 (£4).

Once operational, the European Union’s upcoming European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) will cost €7 (£6).

Long validity period

Most digital travel permits are valid for a year to five years or when the passport it is linked to expires.

The UK ETA will be valid for multiple short visits over two years. Travelers only need to apply for an ETA every two years or when their passport expires, whichever comes sooner, not every time they visit the UK.

How the UK ETA system will affect Bruneian travelers

Currently, Bruneians do not need an ETA to travel to the UK.

However, once the system opens for citizens of Brunei in 2024, they must apply and obtain a valid UK ETA before traveling to the UK.

It is required regardless of the mode of transport used, whether arriving on a flight, on a ship (e.g., as part of a cruise), or over land, such as through the rail tunnel connecting Britain and France.

A UK ETA is valid for the following travel purposes:

• Short-term stay for less than six months (180 days) for tourism, short-course study, visiting friends and family, and permitted business activities and medical treatments.
• Short-term stay for up to three months (90 days) on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transiting through the UK (i.e., changing planes), whether or not passing through UK border control

ETA Eligibility Guidelines for Bruneian Citizens

To be eligible for an ETA, Bruneians must meet the following conditions:

• Be a national of a country that has a visa-waiver status with the UK. Brunei is included in the list of countries whose citizens need an ETA to travel to the UK.
• Have a biometric passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from the UK.
• Only intend to stay, work, or study in the UK for up to six months.
• Do not have a criminal record or past immigration breaches in the UK or elsewhere.

All travelers, including children and babies , will need an ETA before traveling to the UK. Parents and guardians can apply for an ETA on their behalf.

Individuals with a history of immigration breaches, criminal convictions, or incarcerations of more than 12 months in the UK or elsewhere may be denied an ETA. These travelers should consider getting a UK visa instead.

Bruneian citizens planning to stay in the UK for more than six months or to work will still need an appropriate UK visa. The new ETA system does not affect these travelers.

UK ETA Application Requirements for Bruneian Citizens

Bruneians eligible for a UK ETA must prepare the following application requirements:

• A valid biometric passport issued by Brunei, whose citizens do not need a visa to travel to the UK for short trips.
• A recent digital passport photo
• A valid email address
• A working electronic payment method, such as credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

How to Apply for UK ETA

Bruneian citizens can apply for a UK ETA through the official UK government website or app.

The UK ETA application process is entirely online and paperless, so there is no need to visit consulates or visa offices. It only takes a few minutes to complete once all the necessary documents and information are ready.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how Bruneians can apply for an ETA.

1. Upload or take a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK.

Ensure you include the picture and the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom.

2. Upload a recent passport photo or take a picture using your device’s camera.

Images should be saved as a jpeg file or with the file extension .jpg. Children aged nine and under will not need to upload a passport photo.

3. Fill in all the required information.

These include personal information (i.e., name, birth date), passport details, employment details, home address, and contact information.

4. Answer questions on security and eligibility.

Like any other UK visitor, Bruneian ETA applicants must truthfully disclose criminal records, past immigration offenses, and any associations with or membership in any unlawful or illegal groups or organizations.

5. Pay for the UK ETA application online.

A UK ETA application costs £10 each. To submit the application, you must pay the fee online using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

After completing the UK ETA online application, travelers will receive a confirmation through the email they provided.

Tips on Applying for a UK ETA

Applying for an ETA is simple, but there is still room for errors. To avoid common mistakes, follow these guidelines for a swift and efficient UK ETA online application.

• Provide or capture clear, high-quality photos of your passport and yourself. Ensure the images comply with passport photo specifications and are in full color without filters or effects.
• Make sure you provide the correct data. Giving false or incorrect information and even withholding information could result in delays or your application being refused.
• Check beforehand if your online payment method works and if you have enough funds to pay for the application online.
• Review and double-check the data you provided in your ETA application before you submit.

After submitting the UK ETA application, travelers can no longer amend or withdraw it. Should Bruneian travelers need to correct simple mistakes in their ETA application, they can quickly do this by re-submitting the application and paying the fee again.

Processing and Receiving the ETA for Bruneian Nationals

Once a UK ETA online application is submitted, the system will cross-verify the details submitted against several security databases in the UK and worldwide to check if the applicant is qualified for an ETA.

It typically takes three days (72 hours) for applicants to receive a decision on their ETA application via the email address provided.

Many travelers receive a decision within hours of submitting their application. Still, some applications may take more than three days to receive a decision.

Brunei citizens are recommended to apply for a UK ETA before booking their travel to the UK to prevent delays or other issues.

If an ETA application is denied, the applicant can choose to complete a new ETA application form and pay the fee again. However, this is only recommended if they can establish the reason for the initial rejection and address it before doing so.

Denying an ETA does not mean the applicant is banned from traveling to the UK. The alternative to a UK ETA is an appropriate UK visa: a Standard Visitor visa, Temporary Work visa, or Transit visa.

However, getting a visa is a more complicated and longer procedure, so adjust travel plans accordingly.

Traveling with a UK ETA

A UK ETA is digitally linked to an individual’s passport. It is valid for two years, allowing multiple short visits lasting up to six months per visit.

Travelers from Brunei must apply for a new ETA after two years or when their passport expires, whichever comes first, to continue being allowed to travel to the UK.

Departure to the UK

Since it is an electronic document, Bruneian visitors don’t need to bring a physical copy of their ETA. Still, they can print it and carry the paper copy with them or be prepared to show the ETA decision email in their inbox in case of unprecedented circumstances.

For travelers with multiple passports, make sure to travel to the UK with the passport used in the application.

Before boarding a plane, ship, or train, carriers will check if travelers have the appropriate permission-to-travel document by scanning their passports. Carriers will only allow boarding to Bruneian travelers who can present an approved UK ETA or visa.

Those still waiting to decide on their ETA applications will also not be permitted to board.

Arriving in the UK

An ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Upon arrival, Bruneian citizens with an approved UK ETA must still submit their identity documents to the UK Border Force or go through an electronic passport gate (eGate), if available.

Be prepared to provide proof of onward travel upon request. This typically means presenting a ticket to leave the UK within six months of arrival.

If asked, Bruneian travelers must also show evidence that they have enough funds to support themselves during their entire stay in the UK and their journey home.

Travelers with a valid ETA may still be refused entry into the UK if they fail a border check or meet other entry conditions.

Once past border security, Bruneian citizens with a valid ETA can freely travel between the UK’s four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Bruneian visitors can use all modes of transportation within the UK, such as trains, ferries, and local flights. Before boarding a ferry or an internal flight within the UK, they only need to present an ID, usually a passport or driving license.

Important Note: UK ETA is not valid in Ireland or other European Countries.

A UK ETA does not allow entry to the Republic of Ireland and other European countries. The UK is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Common Travel Zone.

Bruneians visiting Ireland or other European countries must inquire about the country’s entry requirements before booking their travel.

Travelers can check the UK ETA FAQ page for more information.

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