Brunei

Översikt

Brunei shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia and Indonesia and is also located near the southern Philippines. The sultanate was a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984 and has not engaged in armed hostilities since the 1960s. Brunei enjoys amicable relations with its South-East Asian neighbours, though it is involved in an ongoing territorial dispute with China over the sections of the South China Sea. Although Brunei has in the past been perceived as a progressive, moderate and tolerant Muslim nation, its recent implementation of Sharia law for Muslims has prompted criticism from countless human rights advocates, who have labelled the move “draconian” and “medieval”.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information regarding recommendation on vaccines about 6-8 weeks prior to departing to Brunei.

The following vaccinations are recommended: dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), hepatitis, Japanese encephalitis, and tuberculosis. Ensure that your routine immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Brunei has a high risk of dengue fever and travellers are advised to use insect repellents and mosquito nets. The risk is especially high in  forested areas.

Bring mosquito nets and insect repellents. For additional protection, apply them to clothing, shoes, and bed nets. Do not sleep with the window open unless there is a screen. If sleeping outdoors or in an accommodation that allows entry of mosquitoes, use a bed net, preferably treated with insect repellent, with edges tucked in under the mattress. If the sleeping area is not otherwise protected, use a mosquito coil.

Water-borne, food-borne andinfectious diseases, outbreaks occur from time to time in Brunei. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.

In summer from July to October Brunei’s air quality reaches hazardous levels because of smoke haze coming from Indonesia. Haze can cause eye, nose, and mouth and throat irritations and aggravate respiratory and cardio-vascular chronic conditions. Follow advice of local authorities.

Another seasonal phenomenon in Brunei is Red Tide, an algae that is highly toxic. Avoid swimming in certain areas and eating any shellfish and seafood, as it is impossible to determine which may be contaminated by the Red Tide. Follow local warnings that can be found in the English language newspaper, the Borneo Bulletin.

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Brunei is rather low. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

It is advisable to get a Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance when travelling to Brunei.

A rather developed health service exists in Brunei. Private clinics are of high quality and available in the larger cities. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. In case of a serious illness or accident, very expensive medical evacuation to Singapore may be necessary. This is why you need to ensure your insurance covers this.  

High quality medical care is available in Bandar Seri Begawan, and a few other large cities, but may be difficult to locate in rural areas.

Pass

All travellers must have a valid passport, return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to support their stay in Brunei Darussalam. Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Brunei.

Visum

Visas are required by all nationals except nationals of ASEAN countries; the United Kingdom holding British passport, EU nationals (except for Bulgaria and Romania) for stays of up to 30 days; nationals of Canada for up to 14 days; nationals of the USA for up to 90 days for social and business purposes. Note that diplomatic and official visitors and ordinary passport holders need a visa if travelling on business.

British citizens may enter Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa.

Nationals of Australia may obtain transit visas (valid for 72 hours) and single and multiple entry visas can be issued to Australian passport holders on arrival in Brunei. Be aware that penalties may be imposed on those foreigners who do not leave the country after the allowed period of stay. A return ticket is a condition for visa-free visits to Brunei. Travellers may also be asked to present proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country.