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Visa requirements, security, medical & other essential information
The following information will give you the basic facts you need to know before starting out on your trip. Visa requirements, security concerns, local medical facilities and laws vary tremendously across the Asia Pacific region, so it is important that you know the facts for your destination and don't arrive without a visa or inadvertently break a local law! The information on this page is intended to give you an overview - please be sure to confirm entry requirements with your travel agent when purchasing your ticket.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the only major city. Tourist facilities are good and generally available. For more information concerning Brunei, please see the Government of Brunei web site at http://www.brunei.gov.bn.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
Most nationalities visiting Brunei for business or pleasure may obtain visas upon arrival for up to 90 days at no charge. There is an airport departure tax.
Effective June 12, 2004, Immigration offenders will be punishable by caning. Workers who overstay their visas can face jail sentences and three strokes of the cane. Those associated with violators, such as contractors or employers, are subject to the same penalties if found guilty.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
Following the terrorist bombings in Indonesia, there are concerns that terrorist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), that have transnational capability to carry out terrorist attacks, may do so in various Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei.
JI is known to have cells operating in Southeast Asia and to have connections with Al-Qaeda, other regional terrorist groups and previous regional terrorist attacks. As security is increased at official facilities, terrorists will seek softer targets. These may include, but are not limited to, facilities where Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit, including, but not limited to, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events.
Westerners in Brunei should continue to be vigilant with regard to their personal security, maintain a low profile, vary times and routes during their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to the local police.
Visitors are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
CRIME:
Though there is some crime, violent crime is rare. Burglaries and theft are on the rise. Visitors are reminded to be prudent in their own personal security practices.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and your Embassy or Consulate. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:
There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, due to unpredictable shortages of materials and uncertain support staff, elective surgeries or complicated care is best obtained in Singapore or elsewhere.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
You are advised to consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
Roads in Brunei are generally of a good standard in the capital and to most attractions.
Road connections to Sabah and Sarawak are of a lesser standard in places. While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those at home.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Brunei as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Brunei’s air carrier operations.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Visitors in Brunei are subject to the laws of the country and may be arrested for violation of the new immigration regulations, or any other law.
In such cases, most embassies will provide consular services to their citizens arrested in Brunei, in accordance with international law. However, the Embassy may not intervene in local judicial matters. Visitors should be aware that the new immigration law is more stringent and less flexible than the previous one, with harsher penalties.
Foreign nationals on contract in Brunei are advised to be fully aware of their immigration status and of crucial dates regarding contract extensions and renewals, and have their employment documents in order. It would be wise to apply the same approach to any personal and domestic staff they may have hired, to ensure that they, too, do not run afoul of Brunei immigration regulations.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Brunei customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency restrictions, ivory and alcohol. For non-Muslims, limited amounts of alcohol for personal consumption are permitted.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, a visitor is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those at home and may not afford the protections available to the individual at home. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating Brunei's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brunei are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Under the current law, possession of heroin, ecstasy and morphine derivatives of more than 15 grams, Cocaine of more than 30 grams, Cannabis of more than 500 grams, Syabu or methamphetamine of more than 50 grams, or Opium of more than 1.2 kg. carries the death penalty. Possession of lesser amounts can result in a minimum twenty-year jail term and caning. |
HOTEL RESERVATIONS 
