Entry Requirements and Visas
Before traveling to Brunei, all foreign nationals must complete an online arrival form prior to arrival. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality, so check your eligibility carefully.
Citizens of European Union member states, British citizens with right of abode, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Several other countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days. A longer list of nations, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, can enter visa-free for 14 days. In all cases, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
If you're from Australia or Kuwait, you can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days, while citizens of Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia can get a visa on arrival for 14 days. A single-entry visa on arrival costs $20, and a multiple-entry visa costs $30 (though Saudi citizens can only obtain single-entry). Important note: At land borders like Sungai Tujoh Checkpoint, only Brunei or Singapore dollars are accepted for visa-on-arrival payments—there is no ATM at this location. At the airport, cash payment is also required, though a money changer with reasonable rates is available before immigration.
If you don't qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, apply in advance at a Brunei embassy. Processing takes up to 3 days and costs $20 for a single-entry visa.
You'll need proof of return or onward travel to check in for your flight to Brunei. If leaving overland (for example via Kuala Belait to Miri), your onward flight is acceptable. If planning to leave by ferry, you may need to purchase a flight out of Brunei before arrival, or book a refundable flight that you cancel later.
Money, Currency, and Typical Costs
Brunei's currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND). The currency is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar due to a Currency Interchangeability Agreement between the two countries.
ATMs are available at the airport at departures, but none are located airside or at arrivals, so plan accordingly when you land. A money changer with reasonable rates operates before immigration at the airport.
A taxi from Brunei International Airport to downtown Bandar Seri Begawan takes about 20 minutes and costs around US$25. Alternatively, purple buses run every half hour between 06:00 and 20:00 to the city centre for $1—a covered walkway from the car park leads to the bus stop.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Brunei is very safe, with low crime rates and no major security concerns. The country has a strict legal system combining British common law and Sharia law, which deters crime significantly.
Be aware that Brunei's laws are severe for violations. Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death sentence, and other serious crimes including murder, kidnapping, and unauthorized firearm possession are also capital offenses. Though an informal moratorium on capital punishment exists, offenders should expect life imprisonment or long prison terms. Caning (for males only) is used for rape and less serious crimes including illegal entry, visa overstaying beyond 90 days, robbery, corruption, and vandalism—strokes from the rattan cane are excruciating and can take weeks to heal or scar permanently. Homosexuality carries a penalty of up to 40 strokes of the cane and/or up to 10 years in jail. These laws apply to foreigners as well.
Brunei has very strict drug laws similar to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Avoid any involvement with illegal substances.
Health
No specific health concerns are documented in standard travel guidance for Brunei, which benefits from being a well-developed country with good infrastructure. However, ensure your routine vaccinations are current before travel. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure for personalized recommendations based on your health history and planned activities.
Staying Connected: SIM Cards and Internet
The international dialing code for Brunei is +673. You can purchase local SIM cards from mobile providers upon arrival to use your own phone, or arrange international roaming with your home provider before departure. Internet connectivity is generally available in urban areas including Bandar Seri Begawan.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Brunei's official language is Malay, and Islam is the state religion, though other religions are nominally tolerated. Understanding and respecting local customs is important for visitors.
Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or government buildings. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, swimwear, or items with offensive imagery. Shoes should be removed before entering mosques and in many homes.
Handshakes between men and women may not be appropriate; wait to see if a local offers their hand first. When greeting or receiving items, use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture. Show respect to the Sultan and the royal family—insulting them is taken very seriously.
Photography at religious sites should be done respectfully and only when permitted. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting, even if you are not Muslim.
In social interactions, remain polite and respectful. Avoid public displays of affection, excessive alcohol consumption, and behavior that might be considered disrespectful to Islamic values. Tipping is not customary but may be appreciated for exceptional service.