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Before you go to Brunei: what to know

Must know

  • Submit the e-Arrival Card before travel and the Health Declaration before or on arrival.
  • Alcohol sales are illegal; eligible non-Muslim visitors must declare permitted personal imports.
  • Shops and offices close for Friday prayers, noon to 2pm.

Entry and visas

British citizens and US ordinary-passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; Russian ordinary-passport holders get 14 days. Other passport rules must be checked individually. An e-Arrival Card and separate Health Declaration are required and do not replace a visa.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months from arrival; passport must be undamaged.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Check your entry stamp and permitted departure date.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, mfa.gov.bn ↗, imm.gov.bn ↗, healthinfo.gov.bn ↗, kdmid.ru ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Use licensed banks for SGD/BND exchange.

ATMs: ATMs generally accept US-issued cards; operator and issuing-bank fees may apply.

  • Keep cash for small businesses and taxis.
  • BND and SGD are equal in value. Banks exchange them at par without charge; retailers need not accept SGD.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: bdcb.gov.bn ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Drug offences can carry the death penalty.
  • Possession of pornography is illegal.
  • Do not bring firearms, ammunition or replicas.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Alcohol sales are illegal. Eligible non-Muslims may import limited quantities, declare them and drink only in private.
  • During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking publicly during fasting hours is prohibited.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islam is the state religion.

Clothing: Dress modestly; avoid shorts in government and public buildings.

Etiquette

  • Plan around Friday prayer closures, noon to 2pm.
  • Public criticism of the royal family can result in legal action.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Hot and wet year-round. Rainfall usually peaks in late October to early January; February and March are relatively drier.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: wet; rain usually eases late in the month
  • February: Feb: relatively drier
  • March: Mar: relatively drier
  • April: Apr: monsoon transition; showers
  • May: May: secondary rainfall peak
  • June: Jun: southwest monsoon; showers
  • July: Jul: southwest monsoon; showers
  • August: Aug: relatively lower rainfall; still wet
  • September: Sep: southwest monsoon
  • October: Oct: transition; rainfall increases late in month
  • November: Nov: wet; transition season
  • December: Dec: usually the wettest month

Best season: February–March for relatively lower rainfall; carry rain protection all year.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: met.gov.bn ↗

What to pack

  • Rain protection and closed-toe shoes for guided forest walks
  • Modest clothing
  • Entry confirmations and passport copies

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Pornographic material
  • Firearms, ammunition and replicas

Practical

Plugs: UK-style three rectangular pins; confirm appliance voltage with your hotel.

Water: Use sealed bottled or safely treated drinking water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Mobile and eSIM: Foreign visitors can buy a local SIM with a passport.

Emergency: Police 993; ambulance 991; fire 995.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.

Before you go to Brunei: what to know · Atlas