Brunei Darussalam - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: The legal system in Brunei is partly based on Sharia law and can, occasionally, apply to non-Muslim visitors. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered at all times.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Brunei, including, in some cases, the death penalty.

The sale of alcohol in Brunei is prohibited and during Ramadan restaurants close during the day.

Malays make up the majority of the country’s population, though there are also Chinese Bruneians who have their own social and business etiquettes.

A light handshake is the traditional form of greeting among Muslim men.

Food may only be touched with the right hand and is never given or received with the left. It is regarded as discourteous to eat or drink in public places when Muslims are fasting during Ramadan.

Dress is generally informal except for special occasions. Suits are the norm for business meetings and appointments must be made. Business cards are customary among Chinese Bruneians. Although Malay is the official language, English is used in business circles. The best time to visit on business is outside the monsoon season (between November and December). Office hours are Mon–Thur 0800–1700 and Sat 0800–1200. (Business hours may be interrupted during Ramadan or the Chinese New Year.)

Immigration and customs: Visas are required by most nationals and visitors should contact their local consulate to check current visa requirements. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of departure and a return ticket is required. Visitors are advised to carry photocopies of their passport and travel documents, and to keep the originals in a safe place. Non-Muslims over 17 years of age may import duty free goods, but must declare them to Customs on arrival.

Lone parents coming into the country will need documentary evidence to show parental responsibility for accompanying children.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required by all those arriving from infected countries.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left, and car hire is available at the airport and from major hotels for those with an international driving permit. The best roads are found in the Brunei-Muara district.

There is a good national bus service linking the main towns, and local buses are well maintained and efficient.

Taxis are widely available in Bandar Seri Begawan and can be found near the major hotels. Fares are usually metered, but travellers should ensure they agree a price if no meter is visible.

There is a water taxi service to Kampong Ayer, where boats are the most common means of getting around Brunei’s ‘water village’. Fares are negotiated before travel.

Travel health: Brunei’s health care facilities are good. Should complications arise, medical evacuation to Singapore may be necessary and visitors should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance that covers this.

Air quality periodically reaches hazardous levels because of smoke haze and this may affect some travellers.

Dengue fever is endemic to Brunei, and visitors will need insect repellent and suitable clothing to discourage mosquito bites. All current vaccination requirements must be checked well before travel.

Water for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice should first have been boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised.

Money: Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments. Travellers cheques can be cashed at banks or major hotels. Singapore dollars may also be used in Brunei and are of the same value as the Brunei dollar. Most other major currencies are convertible at banks, hotels or official moneychangers.

There were 815,054 tourist arrivals in 2005.