Brunei

Översikt

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan (pop. 266,682)
Population: 466,330 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim, Christian, Buddhist
Languages: Malay, English, Chinese
Time Zone: UTC+8
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +673
Electrical plug(s): Type G

Pengar

The local currency in Brunei is Brunei dollars (BND). As of 6 October 2026 100 BND is equal to 78.14 USD. In addition to the local currency, SGD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at airports, banks and exchange offices.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Some remote areas may operate on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are available in most places.

SGD are accepted at a 1:1 ratio.

Tipping is not customary. Large hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

El

The power supply in Brunei is reliable. Electricity operates on 240V at 50Hz using plug type(s) G. Plug adapters can be rented in most hotels or found at the shops and airports.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Brunei. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. A visa on arrival scheme is in place for select travellers, but often depends on nationality, purpose of travel and port of entry. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Brunei (14 days): Foreign nationals of select countries may enter Brunei for tourism-related purposes for up to 14 days without a visa.

Visa-free travel to Brunei (30 days): Foreign nationals of select countries may enter Brunei for tourism-related purposes for up to 30 days without a visa.

Visa-free travel to Brunei (90 days): Foreign nationals of select countries may enter Brunei for tourism-related purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.

Visas on Arrival

Visa on arrival (14 days): Foreign nationals of select countries may apply for a visa upon arrival to enter Brunei; these travellers are permitted to stay for up to 14 days in the country. Details on the types of visas available for inbound travellers can be found here.

Nationals of China may only apply for the on-arrival visa when they are travelling under travel agents; for business-related visits, they must have a sponsor based in Brunei.

Travellers are advised to consult via the embassy or consular services prior to departure.

Visa on arrival (30 days): Foreign nationals from select countries may apply for a visa upon arrival to enter Brunei; these travellers are permitted to stay for up to 30 days in the country. Details on the types of visas available for inbound travellers can be found here.

Travellers are advised to consult via the embassy or consular services prior to departure.

Visas

Entry Visa: Foreign nationals intending to visit Brunei but are not eligible to enter visa-free may apply for an entry visa for the purpose of social visit (tourism) and business, among other government-approved purposes. The length of visa validity issued to visitors is a maximum of three months. Authorities do not specify the permitted stay period. Travellers are advised to consult via the embassy or consular services prior to departure.

Lokal resor

Overview

Brunei is a small Islamic sultanate. It is accessible by sea, land and air. Travelling within most populated parts of the country is easy and safe. Local public transport includes buses and taxis and is fairly reliable and comfortable; however, their availability outside of urban areas is limited. The country has good road safety standards. Vehicle rentals are available for tourists who want to opt for the self-drive option. There are no particular precautions to be taken while travelling in Brunei, besides respecting local etiquette and Islamic customs.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Brunei International Airport (BWN/WBSB) is Brunei's main airport and has direct air connections to several Asian capitals. The airport is located eight kilometres (five miles) from the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan and it is easily reached by taxi in approximately 20 minutes. Royal Brunei is the national airline and meets international safety standards. As Brunei is governed according to Sharia law, Royal Brunei does not serve alcohol on its flights. When leaving the country, passengers have to pay an airport departure tax.

Borders and Entry

Entry bans: Israeli passport holders are banned from entry.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Brunei. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Brunei might face legal and social difficulties.

Required Documents

Entry requirement: All foreign travellers arriving by sea, land and air are required to register electronically before their departure to obtain an E-Arrival Card. Transit travellers are exempt from this rule. Document link: http://www.immigration.gov.bn/SitePages/APPLICATION.aspx

Exit

All outbound travellers intending to cross the land border, including frequent cross-commuters, must register themselves within the Exit and Entry System (EES) portal

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right side of the road. Roads in Brunei are safe and generally of good quality. The main highway running across Brunei is the Pan Borneo Highway. To be permitted to drive, travellers must own a valid driver's licence issued in French language or an International Driving Permit.

The speed limits are 30 kph (18.6 mph) in residential areas, 50 kph (31 mph) in built-up areas and 100 kph (62 mph) on highways. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: The main ferry terminal is the Serasa Ferry Terminal at Muara, about 25km (15.5 miles) from the capital city. The extensive network of boats allows you to reach many destinations, including Malaysia.

Buses: The Bandar Seri Begawan's bus service is well-maintained and inexpensive. Several regular routes operate in the urban area from 06:00-20:00 local time. The service is frequent and reliable. There is also a network of local buses reaching other major destinations in Brunei. Further information can be found here.

Taxis: Taxi service is limited and is not a popular mode of transport among locals. Usually, you can find taxis at the airport, near the main bus stations, hotels and shopping centres. Fares are usually metered; if not, they should be agreed upon before the journey.

Travellers are recommended to use ride-hailing servives, namely Dart, as these are cheaper and more reliable than traditional taxis.

A water taxi service is available and it is the most common form of transport in Kampong Ayer, Brunei's renowned water village. Fares are negotiable. Regular water taxi services are also available to reach some cities in Malaysia, although this service is more expensive than buses.

Vehicle Hire: Tourists holding a foreign driver's licence are allowed to drive in Brunei for 90 days only. For longer stays, a foreign driver's licence must be endorsed to a Brunei driver's licence at any Land Transport Department office.