U.S. Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan

Simpang 336-52-16-9
Jalan Duta
Bandar Seri Begawan BC4115, Brunei Darussalam
Telephone: +(673) 238-7500
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(673) 873-0691
Email: ConsularBrunei@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Brunei for information on U.S.-Brunei relations.

U.S. passport holders must have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passport before entering Brunei for business or pleasure. All travelers are required to obtain an E-Arrival Card registration approval before arrival to Brunei by air, land, and sea. The online E-Arrival Card registration is separate from visa requirements. No payment is required for the registration. Transit travelers are exempted from this requirement. Visits longer than 90 days require a visa. Travelers who apply for visas are required to have at least six blank passport pages. Travelers are also required to complete the Health Declaration through the Bruhealth mobile application, or https://www.healthinfo.gov.bn/travel before arrival. For further information about entry or exit requirements, travelers may consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Brunei, 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 237-1838, or visit the Embassy of Brunei website for the most current visa information.

Immigration Violations: Immigration offenses, including overstay of your visa, are punishable by jail sentence, fines, and caning. Individuals associated with violators, such as contractors or employers, are subject to the same penalties if the violator is found guilty.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Brunei. Visitors entering Brunei for employment purposes who have HIV/AIDS are first required to undergo a medical examination. The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Brunei Darussalam requires all travelers entering Brunei to fill out a Health Declaration Card and submit it to the Officer-In-Charge (MOH) upon disembarkation. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Brunei before you travel.

You may be subjected to a medical examination upon arrival in Brunei Darussalam. Travelers may be quarantined if infected or suspected to be infected with an infectious disease or if travelers have had contact with such a person.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

For emergency services in Brunei:

• Police: Dial 993
• Ambulance: Dial 991
• Fire & Rescue: Dial 995
• Search & Rescue: Dial 998

Crime: Most crimes that occur in Brunei are non-violent crimes of opportunity, including residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins.

While in Brunei, you can generally avoid becoming a victim of a crime of opportunity by practicing good security awareness. For example:

• secure your valuables (remove them from plain view),
• avoid secluded locations,
• properly secure your residence and vehicle, and
• do not travel alone late at night. 

Crime in Brunei peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session. 

Scams: Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 993 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (673) 238-7500 Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or (673) 873-0691 (24 hours). 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. In remote areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start. Brunei’s civil penal code and Sharia Penal Code (commonly known as “the sharia law”) operate in parallel. Both include provisions for corporal and capital punishment. 

Criminal penalties for some offenses are harsher than in the United States. This includes some acts that are not crimes in the United States. Under the Sharia Penal Code, punishments for certain crimes may include amputation of hands or feet and death by stoning. The Sharia Penal Code applies regardless of an individual’s religion or nationality. However, some sections of the law have specific applicability to Muslims.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values; U.S. citizens are advised to learn and respect local customs and traditions. You should consult a guidebook or other travel information on Brunei for more information about respecting local cultural norms.

Any public criticism of the Sultan or other members of the royal family, Sharia Penal Code, or Islam is illegal and punishable under Bruneian law.

Under Brunei’s Sharia Penal Code, consuming any food, drink, or tobacco in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan is a crime.

Gambling is illegal in Brunei.

Prostitution and pornography are illegal and can result in harsh punishments.

Non-Muslims may be arrested for khalwat (close proximity between the sexes) under the Sharia Penal Code if the other accused party is Muslim. Khalwat may include activities from holding hands or public displays of affection to sexual activity. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, are subject to khalwat and zina (fornication or adultery) laws.

Extramarital sexual relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim are a crime in Brunei. Violations may lead to severe punishment.

Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei. However, two liters of spirits/wine and 12 cans of beer (one can=330ml) may be imported by non-Muslim adults for personal consumption in private. You must declare your alcohol to customs upon arrival.

Importation of firearms and ammunition is prohibited. The illegal possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of firearms, ammunition, and/or explosives may carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Illegal possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of drugs may carry severe penalties. Penalties may include the death penalty.

Both medical and recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Brunei. Drug use/possession carry severe penalties.

Visit the Brunei Royal Customs and Excise Department’s website for further information about Brunei’s Customs laws.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

The Royal Brunei Police Force is generally professional and courteous. Most officers speak English. However, some, especially from the reserve units, have limited-to-no English-speaking capability.

You should carry a copy of your passport with you as you will need to produce proof of your identity should an incident occur.

Dual Nationality: Brunei does not recognize or permit dual nationality. Brunei nationals are expected to enter and exit the country on their Brunei passports. Should Bruneian authorities learn that a person is a dual national, they may require immediate renunciation of the citizenship of either the other nation or Brunei.

Customs Regulations: Bruneian customs authorities enforce strict import/export regulations. Contact the Embassy of Brunei in Washington, DC, for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Same-sex acts are criminalized in Brunei under Civil Law and under the Sharia Penal Code.

Possible penalties for same-sex acts under the Sharia Penal Code include fines, imprisonment, caning, and death by stoning.

Under the civil penal code, possible punishments include a fine and up to 10 years in prison.

Further information may be available from the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Washington, DC or by contacting an attorney in Brunei.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Brunei prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. However, there are no specific laws governing accessibility.

Wheelchair ramps may not be available on sidewalks, which often have very deep and wide gutters that are not covered.

Buildings may not always have wheelchair-accessible doorways or elevators.

Crosswalks, elevators, and buildings do not generally have signage or warnings for the visually or hearing impaired.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei. For more complicated care or elective surgery, some may decide to travel to another country.

• Brunei has a number of public hospitals and clinics.
• Further information about health care facilities in Brunei can be found on the U.S. Embassy website.
• Medication and prescriptions are readily available but may not be the same brands as those found in the United States.

For emergency services in Brunei:

• Ambulance: Dial 991
• Police: Dial 993
• Fire & Rescue: Dial 995
• Search & Rescue: Dial 998

Ambulance services are widely available.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Brunei.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most private care providers in Brunei accept major credit cards or cash payments, and some may accept local bank transfers. Public care providers only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Medication/Prescriptions:

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Brunei in Washington, DC, to ensure the medication is legal in Brunei. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Marijuana for medical use, even with a prescription, is not legal in Brunei.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Road Conditions and Safety: Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to those in most western countries, and they are well maintained.

• Traffic moves on the left side of the road.
• Holders of a foreign driver’s license are permitted to drive in Brunei Darussalam for 90 days only.
• For longer stays, a foreign driver’s license must be endorsed to a Brunei driver’s license, available at any Land Transport Department office.

Traffic Laws: Review the Brunei Land Transport Department office website for information.

• Drivers must always obey traffic rules and should take extra caution when approaching traffic signals.
• The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night, for license and registration checks, sobriety assessments, and contraband searches.
• If you are stopped by police, you will need to show your identification card, vehicle registration, and insurance card.

Public Transportation: There are six bus routes servicing the Bandar Seri Begawan area. Normal operating hours are from 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. daily. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait, and Seria depart from the bus stops located at Jalan Kianggeh (opposite the Chinese temple) and Jalan McArthur (along waterfront) in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centers, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan and are metered. You should use licensed, metered taxis or car services provided by hotels in Brunei. Car services through ridesharing apps have gained popularity both for convenience and fare transparency.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Visit the website of Brunei Land Transport Department and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Brunei’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Brunei should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website.