{"slug":"brunei","title":"Brunei travel advice","updated_at":"2026-03-19T14:05:48+00:00","reviewed_at":"2026-03-19T14:05:48Z","change_description":"Updated information about global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brunei","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Brunei’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Brunei set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.mfa.gov.bn/uk-london/SitePages/Home.aspx\">Brunei High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to. </p>\n\n<p> You 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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"british-brunei-dual-nationals\">British-Brunei dual nationals</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>If you enter on a Brunei passport, you cannot access British consular assistance, as you will be treated as a Bruneian national.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>British citizen passport holders may enter Brunei as visitors for up to 90 days without a visa. If you have another type of British nationality, check visa requirements with <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.immigration.gov.bn/en/SitePages/Visa,%20Visit%20and%20Diplomatic.aspx\">Brunei immigration authorities</a>.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.mfa.gov.bn/uk-london/SitePages/Home.aspx\">Brunei High Commission in the UK</a>.  </p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped when you enter Brunei.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"overstaying-your-visa\">Overstaying your visa</h3>\n\n<p>Do not overstay your visa or violate the terms of entry. Penalties include detention and caning. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"declaration-form\">Declaration form </h2>\n\n<p>You must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.imm.gov.bn/\">submit an e-arrival declaration form</a> 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. </p>\n\n<p>You must also complete the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.healthinfo.gov.bn/travel#/user/login\">Health Declaration Form</a> before or upon arrival. More information can be found at the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.moh.gov.bn/\">Ministry of Health website</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"land-and-sea-travel\">Land and sea travel </h2>\n\n<p>Check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.immigration.gov.bn/SitePages/Pos-Pos%20Kawalan.aspx\">border post opening hours</a> before you travel. They are not open 24 hours. Make sure your exit and entry stamps are correct before leaving the border post.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Brunei, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>\n</li>\n  <li>a polio vaccine, in some circumstances</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/35/brunei#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Brunei guide</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://bdnsw.mofe.gov.bn/Pages/ImpExpProh-RestictionGoods.aspx\">goods and the amount of alcohol you can take into and out of Brunei</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<p>You can complete a declaration through the Customs.BN app or on arrival at the airport. Download the app for <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rced.egnc.customsbn&amp;pli=1https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rced.egnc.customsbn&amp;pli=1\">Android</a> or <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/customs-bn/id6449696019\">iOS</a>.</p>\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism-\">Terrorism  </h2>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-brunei\">Terrorism in Brunei </h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Brunei, attacks cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings  </h3>\n\n<p>Crime levels are low, but there are occasional incidents of petty crime against tourists as well as house burglaries. You should:  </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>take care of your passport </li>\n  <li>avoid carrying valuables with you </li>\n  <li>not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sight  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences-\">Laws and cultural differences  </h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Places of business and offices, including shops and restaurants, shut between midday and 2pm every Friday for prayers.</p>\n\n<p>Friday is a non-working day for government offices and local schools. Government offices and state schools open on Saturdays instead.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"ramadan\">Ramadan </h3>\n\n<p>Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. 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. </p>\n\n<p>You should dress modestly. For example, do not wear shorts in government and public buildings such as health centres. </p>\n\n<p>Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"criticism-of-the-bruneian-royal-family\">Criticism of the Bruneian Royal Family </h3>\n\n<p>His Majesty The Sultan and other members of the Bruneian Royal Family are highly revered and public criticism of them causes great offence and may result in legal action.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"relationships-outside-marriage\">Relationships outside marriage </h3>\n\n<p>Adultery and closeness in private between an unmarried man and woman is illegal if one person is a Muslim. In general, public displays of affection may cause offence.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"pornographic-material\">Pornographic material </h3>\n\n<p>Possession of pornographic material is illegal. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"firearms-ammunition-and-explosives\">Firearms, ammunition and explosives </h3>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers </h3>\n\n<p>Brunei criminalises same-sex sexual activity. Sentences 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.</p>\n\n<p>Read <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-penalties\">Illegal drugs penalties</h3>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"alcohol-laws-and-bans\">Alcohol laws and bans </h3>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"smoking-and-e-cigarette-bans\">Smoking and e-cigarette bans </h3>\n\n<p>Smoking is illegal in certain public places, including shopping and eating areas, bus stops and stations, car parks and in close proximity to any public buildings. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"hiking-and-mountaineering\">Hiking and mountaineering </h3>\n\n<p>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: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>use recognised and well-known guides </li>\n  <li>stay on paths and trails, rather than pushing through the undergrowth  </li>\n  <li>always carry food and water with you  </li>\n  <li>consider carrying a whistle to attract attention and a torch  </li>\n  <li>wear closed-toe shoes </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"wildlife\">Wildlife </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"saltwater-crocodiles\">Saltwater crocodiles </h3>\n\n<p>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: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>pay attention to signs warning of crocodiles </li>\n  <li>stay away from the water’s edge  </li>\n  <li>seek local advice on taking further precautions</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"venomous-snakes\">Venomous snakes </h3>\n\n<p>There are a number of venomous snakes in Brunei. If you see a snake while outdoors: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>keep your distance   </li>\n  <li>wait for the snake to move away </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you find a snake indoors or outside in a confined space, like a garden, call the fire service (‘bomba’) on 995.  </p>\n\n<p>The RIPAS public hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan carries antivenom. Get medical advice if a snake bites you.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel  </h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Brunei, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>. </p>\n\n<p>You can drive in Brunei with a valid UK driving licence for up to 90 days. You’ll then need to <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.jpd.gov.bn/SitePages/Land%20Transport%20Department/Services/Driving%20Licenses.aspx\">apply for a Bruneian licence from the Land Transport Department</a>. </p>\n\n<p>If your vehicle is not registered in Brunei, you can only buy motor fuel at <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://bsm.com.bn/products/shell-fuels/shell-v-power/\">14 designated filling stations</a>, to a maximum of 250 litres. Petrol stations will only sell premium “V-Power” fuel to foreign cars. You can usually only pay in cash. </p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>If you’re involved in a road accident as a driver, do not leave the scene or move the vehicle until the police arrive (call 993 for the police). </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"sea-travel\">Sea travel </h3>\n\n<p>Small boats carry passengers across to the water village in Bandar and along the rivers on cruises. You should: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>check there are adequate life jackets for all passengers, including children  </li>\n  <li>keep hands inside the boat, as there may be river crocodiles   </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you’re taking a longer trip, for example, a wildlife cruise, get local recommendations and plan your trip in advance.</p>\n","customs_snippets":["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.","You can complete a declaration through the Customs.BN app or on arrival at the airport.","Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.","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.","Smoking and e-cigarette bans","You can usually only pay in cash."]}
