COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Brunei (15 July Update)

*Can a resident enter the country? *

• Yes

• Citizens and permanent residents of Brunei are allowed to enter the country.

*Can a foreigner enter the country? *

• No with exceptions

• Most foreigners are not allowed to enter. Foreigners are allowed to enter Brunei only for essential travel (education, business, medical, and special circumstances involving immediate family members of citizens of Brunei).

• Any foreign citizen, intending to enter Brunei must apply for a permit from the Prime Minister’s office online.

• There is a temporary entry ban on travellers arriving from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal until 31 July. The suspension also applies to foreign nationals who have been granted pre-approvals to enter Brunei Darussalam from the above-mentioned countries via pre-authorized flights. Exceptions apply to diplomatic passport holders and members of the armed forces of Brunei Darussalam.

• As of 12 July, the Government of Brunei has lifted the suspension on the Reciprocal Green Lane Arrangement between Brunei and Singapore.

*Is transit allowed through the country? *

• No with exceptions

• There is a temporary suspension on transits through Brunei Darussalam for all foreign nationals departing from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh until 31 July, except for travellers who have been granted approval by the Government of Brunei.

• Transit while en-route to Brunei is only permitted in a country with an equivalent or lower risk category as per the Ministry of Health risk assessment. The traveller may not leave the airport while in transit.

• Transit by foreigners from Malaysia through Brunei can be considered for vehicles with permission from the government of Brunei with support from Malaysian authorities for the following purposes:

• Travellers on official government business, schooling, emergency services (such as ambulances, police and military); and

• Vaccinated foreign-registered transport operators with a Crossing Permit issued by the Government of Brunei Darussalam for delivery of goods.

*Is a test required on arrival? *

• Yes.

• Arrivals will be required to undergo a post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test. Post-arrival health procedures (COVID-19 RT-PCR test schedule day and period of isolation notice) will be determined upon arrival. The sponsor is required to make a payment for the post-arrival COVID-19 RT-PCR test for the traveller before the date of arrival in Brunei Darussalam. Payment can be made online via this link. More details can be found here.

• Citizens and permanent residents returning to Brunei Darussalam will be required to undergo a post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test, the cost of which will be borne by the Brunei Government, either on Day 1 or Day 5 after their arrival.

*Is a test certificate accepted? *

• Yes

• Test certificates obtained outside of Brunei are accepted from a designated medical centre that is recognized by the government of the country of departure.

*Test certificate required? *

• Yes

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure is required.

• Travellers must show a payment receipt for the PCR test. Sponsoring agencies or sponsoring family members are required to make a payment for another COVID-19 test on arrival. The payment can be done online or from the authorized service counter. For online payment, please follow this link.

• All foreign nationals passing through land checkpoints are required to have a certificate for a COVID-19 PCR test performed at least fourteen days from their arrival in Brunei. A copy of their negative test results must be submitted to the Immigration and National Registration Department at border control posts.

*Is quarantine required on arrival? *

• Yes

• Arrivals must undergo immediate isolation for two to 14 days at a designated monitoring centre and will be subject to COVID-19 testing, all at the traveller's expense.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend between 2 and 14 days in quarantine.

*Entry form required? (health or other) *

• Yes

• Citizens and permanent residents of Brunei are allowed to enter the country. A declaration form must be completed upon arrival. The form is available here.

• Foreigners are allowed to enter Brunei only for essential travel (education, business, medical, and special circumstances involving immediate family members who are citizens of Brunei). The application must be submitted at least eight business days before the date of travel by the sponsoring agency or family member. Travellers must have stayed in the country of departure for 14 days before departing for Brunei. Applications must be submitted via this link. The contact person of the sponsoring agency or sponsoring family member must be available to be contacted at all times.

• If permitted to travel via land border, an online application form must be completed by the traveller before entering Brunei. The form can be found here

• The frequent commuter pass can be filled online at this link

Vaccination Required

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance Required?

• No.

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Proof of installation of BruHealth App on a phone is required.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open. International flights are limited.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Foreign travellers must have the following documents to be permitted entry into the country. Without these documents, a traveller may be fine or imprisoned or both:

• A valid entry travel pass;

• A valid air ticket;

• A valid visa (for visa-required passport holders);

• The details of the cross-border movements for business purposes can be found here.

• Authorities have temporarily suspended the entry of foreign nationals via land and seaports until 31 July 2021.

• Temporary suspension on the collection and delivery of private goods at checkpoints handled by runners registered in Brunei Darussalam is also extended by 16 days until 31 July 2021.

• Temporary suspension on commuters via land and sea for the purpose of work is also extended by 16 days until 31 July 2021.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no curfew restrictions in place at this time.

Social restrictions

• Minimal

• Social restrictions are gradually easing.

• A physical distance of one meter must be maintained.

• Any foreign citizen who does not comply with quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements of Brunei will have to pay a fine and/or face imprisonment.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Face masks are required.

• Public transport is operating at full capacity.

• No movement restrictions are in place.

*Non-essential shops open? *

• Yes

• Markets have opened.

*Accommodations open? *

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

*Restaurants open? *

• Yes

• Restaurants are open only for take-away.

*Bars and cafes open? *

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open only for takeaway.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• Personal care services such as salons, beauty parlours are open.

*Places of worship open? *

• Yes

• Places of worship are open with public health measures in place.

*Events allowed? *

• Yes

• Events may not exceed 1000 people.

*Masks required in public? *

• Yes

• A face mask is required in public.

Other

• Cinemas are currently open.

• Educational institutions have opened for face-to-face classes.

• Driving schools, golf courses, gyms, food stalls, and sports facilities have opened with public health guidelines.

• Sports tournaments (tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis, sepak takraw, and golf) are allowed without spectators and with permission from relevant authorities.

• Swimming pools, libraries, exhibition galleries, and internet cafes are permitted to open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.