Brunei Darussalam is a constitutional monarchy. Islam is Brunei’s official religion. Brunei is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, and has been geographically spared from major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and typhoons. However, occasional flash floods may occur during the monsoon season at the end of the year. Brunei’s climate is generally similar to that of Singapore.
Singaporeans travelling to or living in Brunei may wish to follow the Singapore High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeHighComBrunei/) and Instagram page (https://instagram.com/sghighcomm.bn) for timely travel alerts and updates.
Singaporeans can visit Brunei for up to 30 days without a visa. Singaporeans who plan to travel to Brunei and stay there for an extended period of time are strongly advised to closely monitor their immigration status and ensure they do not exceed the permitted length of stay. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency or the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Singapore for up-to-date information.
Custom regulations imposed by Brunei’s Customs and Excise Department are available here. For more information, please contact the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Singapore.
E-Arrival Card
As of 9 February 2023, it is mandatory for all foreign nationals to register using the e-Arrival card at least three days before arriving and entering Brunei Darussalam. There are no registration fees. You will require the following to register:
Foreign nationals who travel to Brunei Darussalam for the purpose of a transit/stopover, without going through the immigration control post, are not required to register.
Arrival Declaration Form
It is also mandatory for all travellers arriving into Brunei to fill in the Arrival Declaration Form here or through the 'BruHealth' application. The 'BruHealth' application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Singaporeans who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan using the contact details provided below. Singaporeans in Brunei are strongly encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that they can be contacted, should the need arise.
Crime: There is a low incidence of serious or violent crimes in Brunei. Occasional petty crimes, such as residential burglaries, theft and vehicle break-ins, do occur. Please exercise normal precautions when travelling in the country. Stay vigilant and do not leave your personal belongings unattended.
Driving: Foreign-registered vehicles will have to pay non-subsidised petrol prices in Brunei. Information on these measures is available on Brunei's Ministry of Energy website.
Local Customs: Please dress modestly (e.g. no tank tops, bikinis, shorts and mini skirts) in public areas and respect Islamic and local traditions, customs and laws. Please be mindful that the Sultan and members of the Royal Family are highly revered.
Local Laws: The Brunei legal system is based on British common law, with a parallel Syariah law system. The government has gazetted the Syariah Penal Code Order in 2013, and there are some provisions that applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims. For example, it is an offence for any person to consume food and drink in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan. You may wish to refer to the Brunei Attorney-General’s Chambers website at www.agc.gov.bn for more information on the Syariah Penal Code.
Alcohol: The sale of alcohol is banned in Brunei. Non-Muslims over the age of 17 may import duty-free two bottles of wine or spirits and twelve cans of beer on entry into Brunei for personal consumption in private. This must be declared at all points of entry upon arrival.
Smoking: Effective from 1 March 2012, smoking in Brunei is prohibited in all enclosed and work places. The ban also include pavements near business premises and a six-metre radius from any building where smoking is banned.
Drugs: There are severe penalties for all drug offences including capital punishment in some cases.
Please observe all local laws and regulations. Refer to an updated guide book or consult your travel agency for more information regarding local cultural norms.
Health: A list of medical facilities in Brunei is available on the Brunei’s Ministry of Health website. For travel advisories or basic health information on Brunei, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
Natural Disasters, Climate and Weather: Brunei has not encountered any major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and typhoons. The climate is generally similar to Singapore. However, flooding and mudslides can be common during the wet season (September to January and May to July). Certain services e.g. power supplies may be affected at these times. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event such incidents occur.
Money: The Singapore Dollar is pegged at the same value as the Brunei Dollar and can be used in Brunei. Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments (check with your bank if additional surcharges are applied). Most other major currencies can be exchanged for Brunei Dollars at banks, hotels or official money changers.
Friday Prayers: Most places, including restaurants, are closed on Fridays between 12pm and 2pm for prayers. However, room service meals will still be available.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
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