Brunei Darussalam

Although crime levels are low, travellers are occasionally the victims of crimes such as theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins.

Cyber safety

Demonstrations and protests

Civil unrest is rare.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Terrorism

Brunei experiences heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes throughout the year. Incidents of objects and people being struck by lightning have occurred.

The wet seasons are September to January and May to July. Flooding and mudslides are common during these times.

Severe weather can affect essential services, such as power.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Wildlife

Brunei is home to saltwater crocodiles. They live along the Brunei River and beaches. People fishing on the riverbank have been attacked and killed by crocodiles, including around Bandar Seri Begawan.

There are venomous snakes in Brunei. Keep your distance if you encounter a snake outdoors. If a snake is found indoors or in a confined space, call Fire and Rescue Services on 995.  

Stray dogs are common. Don't approach or touch dogs. Be mindful of dogs when walking or exercising.

Although there have been no recent official rabies cases in Brunei, recent cases have been reported in Malaysia. Rabies is fatal if you don't seek immediate medical attention. Seek urgent medical attention if a dog, monkey or other animal scratches or bites you.  

The RIPAS public hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan carries antivenom and rabies vaccines.

Outdoors Activities

Trekking in the jungle and parks can range from beginner-level to more advanced options. Trekkers have been known to go missing. Inform family and friends before your trek and take a phone and sufficient supplies. 

Avoid swimming in rivers, wear a life vest when on boats and adhere to local advice when near a water source, as crocodiles in Brunei have been known to attack people. 

Local beach rescue services may not be of the same standard as in Australia.

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• dengue
• Japanese encephalitis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• HIV/AIDS
• hepatitis
• hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
• tuberculosis

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

Fires in neighbouring countries can adversely impact air quality in Brunei. Brunei regularly publishes its Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) levels, you should monitor these regularly and consult local weather reports if doing outdoor activities. 

More information

• Infectious diseases

Red algae

Red algae can reach dangerous levels in coastal waters. Local authorities may issue warnings about:

• swimming in certain areas
• eating certain types of seafood

Local authorities print warnings about red algae in local (including in English) newspapers.

If there's a red tide alert, follow local warnings. This algal bloom can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Avoid shellfish and seafood because they may be affected.

There’s no agreement between Australia and Brunei for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Public medical facilities in Brunei are of reasonable quality.

Private hospital facilities are of a high standard.

Most private healthcare facilities accept credit card and cash payments, while others may only accept local bank transfers. Some public healthcare facilities may only accept cash payments. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be moved to Australia or Singapore. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

In Brunei, it's illegal to:

• eat, drink or smoke in public places between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan
• persuade a Muslim to neglect their religious duties
• preach religions other than Islam, or preach Islam without permission from the government
• fail to attend Friday prayers if you are an adult male Muslim
• teach Islamic doctrine outside your own home or to anyone outside your household, without permission
• criticise Islam, the Sultan or other members of the royal family
• engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, and intimate public displays of affection, including kissing
• have same-sex relationships
• possess pornographic material
• gamble
• carry firearms or related items, including ammunition and empty cartridge shells
• sell alcohol
• import alcohol or tobacco products above legal limits

If you import alcohol, keep documents to prove you did so legally.

Under Brunei’s Internal Security Act, authorities have the power to detain individuals without charge for certain security-related matters. While not commonly applied to visitors, you should be aware that activities or statements perceived as a threat to national security or against the Royal Family may lead to detention without legal proceedings. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Royal Customs and Excise Department

Smoking

It's illegal to smoke in:

• government buildings
• hospitals
• recreational and educational centres
• public transport
• restaurants
• other specified public places

Photography

It's illegal to photograph:

• government or military infrastructure or equipment
• places used by security forces
• communications infrastructure
• civil infrastructure
• any other prohibited places or areas in the vicinity of such places

Sharia law

Brunei’s Sharia (Syariah) Penal Code came fully into effect in April 2019.

Sharia law applies to:

• Muslims and
• non-Muslims

whether resident Bruneians or foreigners. It applies even when transiting on Brunei-registered aircraft and vessels.

Non-Muslims may be arrested for being in close proximity with a Muslim of the opposite sex under the Sharia Penal Code – an offence known as khalwat.

Common law and courts will continue to operate in parallel with the Sharia Penal Code and courts.

Serious crimes can attract:

• the death penalty
• physical punishment
• imprisonment

Crimes that attract the death penalty include:

• drugs (consumption, possession, selling/trafficking)
• blasphemy
• sodomy
• adultery
• rape
• murder

More information:

• Syariah Penal Code (Brunei Attorney-General's Chambers)

Drugs

Some drug offences carry a mandatory death penalty. Other penalties include long prison sentences and physical punishment.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Brunei doesn't recognise dual nationality. 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 Australian consular assistance, as you will be treated as a Bruneian national.

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative. Take care not to offend.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

Be cautious when making comments about local issues, particularly those relating to the royal family. You could cause offence or even attract legal consequences.

On Fridays, businesses, including shops and restaurants, close between 12pm to 2pm for prayers.

Government offices and local schools do not operate on Friday. They open on Saturday instead.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Brunei. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public, between sunset and sunrise may be illegal. Even if you're not observing Ramadan, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

You need a visa to travel to Brunei. Visas and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Brunei High Commission or Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs for details about visas, currency, customs, and quarantine rules.

Immigration regulations are strictly enforced and overstaying can attract harsh punishments, including imprisonment and caning.

Check the entry stamp in your passport to confirm how long you can stay.

If you replace or renew your Australian passport, you must ensure your valid Bruneian visa is transferred to your new passport by visiting the Department of Immigration's headquarters before travelling.

More information:

• Brunei Department of Immigration and National Registration
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Border measures

You must have the following before boarding your flight:

• a valid air ticket
• a valid visa (for visa-required passport holders).
• a completed e-arrival Card
• a completed Health Declaration Form (BruHealth Portal)
• a medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of BND10,000 (if travelling for tourism purposes and staying longer than two weeks).

You're required to complete an e-arrival Card online before arriving in and departing Brunei. This includes air, land and sea routes. Transit passengers who do not pass through Brunei's immigration control posts will not be required to complete an E-Arrival Card. Refer to Brunei's Immigration and National Registration System Portal for more information.

Due to the global increase in Mpox cases, it's mandatory for all individuals arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea to complete a Health Declaration Form through the 'BruHealth' mobile application or Brunei's Ministry of Health Website prior to arrival.

You’re required to hold medical insurance throughout the duration of your visa, with tourists needing a minimum coverage of BND10,000 and Work Pass holders and long-term business or professional visits require a minimum coverage of BND100,000. 

Proof of your medical insurance will need to be shown at Brunei’s immigration control posts when entering. Failure to provide proof of medical insurance will limit your visa to two weeks. Exemptions are given to those transiting Brunei for up to 72 hours and holding an onward ticket. Insurance can be purchased from local insurers or international companies offering worldwide coverage that includes Brunei.

If you wish to cross Brunei's land or sea borders, you must apply online through the Exit and Entry System (EES). There is a service fee of BND 3.00. 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.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is the Brunei Dollar ($BND). You can also use Singapore dollars ($SGD). They have the same value as the BND.

You can use credit cards in some places.

Australian dollars can be changed at banks, hotels and authorised exchange bureaus.

If you plan to visit Malaysia, including Sabah or Sarawak, read our travel advice for Malaysia.

If you plan to visit Kalimantan, read our travel advice for Indonesia.

Driving permit

To drive in Brunei for up to 1 year, you need both:

• an Australian driver's licence (a digital driver's license may not be accepted)
• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous. Drivers have been known to:

• drive through red lights and pedestrian crossings
• exceed the speed limit
• not use seatbelts or appropriate child seats
• drive without a licence or insurance

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

If you plan to drive:

• check that your insurance policy covers driving
• get to know the local traffic laws and practices

If you're involved in a road accident as a driver, don't leave the scene or move your vehicle until the police have arrived.

There are limits on the sale of diesel and petrol for vehicles not registered in Brunei.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check whether your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. 

Public transport

A very limited public bus service operates throughout Brunei.  For the main Brunei-Muara and Kuala Belait districts the services operate between 6am and 8pm.

More information:

• Public bus route – Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications
• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

International cruise lines stop over in Brunei.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

Check Brunei's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 995.

Medical emergencies

Call 991.

Police

Call 993 or contact local police.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime. 

You may need to provide proof of identity should an incident occur.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Search & Rescue

Call 998.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Australian High Commission, Bandar Seri Begawan

Level 6, Dar Takaful IBB Utama building
Jalan Pemancha
Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8711
Brunei Darussalam

Phone: +673 222 9435
Email: austhicom.brunei@dfat.gov.au
Website: bruneidarussalam.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Brunei Darussalam
X: @AusHCBrunei 
Instagram: Duta.oz.bn

Check the Australian High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can’t contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia