Brunei Visitor Information
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Alien residents with United States passports are exempted from visa requirement for visits not exceeding 3 months. Nationals of the United Kingdom and nationals of Germany, Malaysia, Singapore with a right of abode in the United Kingdom and/or New Zealand are exempted from visa requirement for visits not exceeding 30 days.
Nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Maldives, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Liechtenstein are exempted from visa requirements for visits not exceeding 14 days. Nationals of Australia are issued Visa on Arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 14 days.
All other visitors entering Brunei Darussalam are required to obtain a visa from any of the Brunei Darussalam diplomatic missions abroad. The visa is normally issued for a 14-days stay but may be renewed in the country. Visitors are required to provide evidence of onward journey and sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country.
Nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Maldives, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Liechtenstein are exempted from visa requirements for visits not exceeding 14 days. Nationals of Australia are issued Visa on Arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 14 days.
All other visitors entering Brunei Darussalam are required to obtain a visa from any of the Brunei Darussalam diplomatic missions abroad. The visa is normally issued for a 14-days stay but may be renewed in the country. Visitors are required to provide evidence of onward journey and sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country.
The import of the following products are subject to restrictions imposed by Brunei Darussalam's Customs and Excise Department.
Currency and Negotiable Instruments:
Passengers entering or leaving Brunei carrying physical currency or other negotiable instruments valued at BND15,000 (USD 11,000 approx.) or more are required to complete a declaration form and submit it to a customs officer upon arrival and/or an immigration officer prior to departure.
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products:
Duty charge on cigarettes is BND0.25/stick, i.e. BND5 per pack of 20 sticks and BND50 per carton of 10 packs. Duty charge on other tobacco products may vary.
Alcohol:
Non-Muslim passengers are permitted to bring two bottles of liquor and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption only.
Perfume:
A reasonable quantity of perfume is allowed.
Prohibited Items:
The carriage of prohibited items such as drugs and live ammunition, including amulets, lucky charms, decorations, and other byproducts containing prohibited items, is a serious offense punishable by law for 5 to 15 years of imprisonment and 3 to 12 strokes of whipping. This applies to all passengers traveling into or transiting in Brunei without exception.
Currency and Negotiable Instruments:
Passengers entering or leaving Brunei carrying physical currency or other negotiable instruments valued at BND15,000 (USD 11,000 approx.) or more are required to complete a declaration form and submit it to a customs officer upon arrival and/or an immigration officer prior to departure.
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products:
Duty charge on cigarettes is BND0.25/stick, i.e. BND5 per pack of 20 sticks and BND50 per carton of 10 packs. Duty charge on other tobacco products may vary.
Alcohol:
Non-Muslim passengers are permitted to bring two bottles of liquor and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption only.
Perfume:
A reasonable quantity of perfume is allowed.
Prohibited Items:
The carriage of prohibited items such as drugs and live ammunition, including amulets, lucky charms, decorations, and other byproducts containing prohibited items, is a serious offense punishable by law for 5 to 15 years of imprisonment and 3 to 12 strokes of whipping. This applies to all passengers traveling into or transiting in Brunei without exception.
The Brunei Dollar is equivalent to the Singapore Dollar, both of which are accepted in Brunei. Banks, hotels, and most department stores will cash traveller's cheques. Some banks provide ATMs linked to global access systems.
The official language of Brunei is Malay. English is widely used. Other languages include Chinese and its various dialects, as well as other indigenous dialects. The official religion of Brunei is Islam, but other faiths including Christianity and Buddhism are also practised.
Hotels in the capital city of Brunei ranges from mid- to international standards. Service apartments are available at reasonable rates.
Light clothing is advisable as the climate is generally warm and humid all year round. Women are suggested to dress modestly, in keeping with the local customs.
Brunei offers many Malay favourites, such as satay and curry dishes. Chinese, European, and Indian cuisines are also commonly available.
Brunei observes several nation-wide public holidays, including the following:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Tue | New Year's Day |
| 5 Feb | Tue | Chinese New Year |
| 23 Feb | Sat | National Day |
| 3 Apr | Wed | Israk and Mikraj |
| 6 May | Mon | Awal Ramadhan |
| 22 May | Wed | Nuzul Al-Quran |
| 31 May | Fri | Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Day |
| 1 Jun | Sat | Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Day Holiday |
| 5 Jun - 8 Jun | Wed - Sat | Hari Raya Aidil Fitri |
| 15 Jul | Mon | His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday |
| 11 Aug | Sun | Hari Raya Aidil Adha |
| 12 Aug | Mon | Hari Raya Aidil Adha Holiday |
| 1 Sep | Sun | Islamic New Year |
| 2 Sep | Mon | Islamic New Year Holiday |
| 9 Nov | Sat | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday |
| 25 Dec | Wed | Christmas Day |
Bruneian values are strongly influenced by Islam. Some courtesy to observe include the following:
• Remove shoes before entering mosques
• For women, ensure that the head, knees, and arms are covered before entering mosques
• Do not pass in front of people in prayers
• Do not touch the Qur'an
• Shake hands lightly if you must, but never with a member of the opposite sex
• Point with the right thumb instead of the index finger
• Beckon another with the palm facing downwards
• Do not smack the right fist into the left palm
• Food and gifts must be passed with the right hand
• When sitting, the sole of the feet should not be pointed towards one's companions
• Remove shoes before entering mosques
• For women, ensure that the head, knees, and arms are covered before entering mosques
• Do not pass in front of people in prayers
• Do not touch the Qur'an
• Shake hands lightly if you must, but never with a member of the opposite sex
• Point with the right thumb instead of the index finger
• Beckon another with the palm facing downwards
• Do not smack the right fist into the left palm
• Food and gifts must be passed with the right hand
• When sitting, the sole of the feet should not be pointed towards one's companions