Last checked: November 2026
Local laws note: The US State Department rates Brunei Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), issued 14 May 2026, and the UK FCDO lists no region as off-limits in the material we reviewed. Brunei’s Sharia Penal Code operates alongside civil law. According to the US State Department, it applies regardless of religion or nationality, although some sections apply only to Muslims. Read the US advisory and the UK FCDO safety advice before you go.
Do you need a visa to visit Brunei?
It depends on your passport. Brunei lets many nationalities visit without a visa for 14, 30 or 90 days, according to the Brunei Tourism website. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival. Everyone else must apply in advance through a Brunei mission abroad. Check your own passport on the official Brunei visa information page, because lists and stay limits can change.
Which group are you in?
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Visa-free for 90 days | Enter with a valid passport and complete the E-Arrival Card |
| Visa-free for 30 or 14 days | Check your exact stay limit before you plan a longer trip |
| Visa on arrival available | Confirm your nationality qualifies and carry the documents the immigration desk may ask for |
| Visa required | Apply at a Brunei mission abroad, or send the application by secure courier if there isn’t one in your country |
| Only changing planes | Staying in the airport transit area without clearing immigration doesn’t need entry registration; leaving the airport does |
What is the E-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals arriving or departing by air, sea or land must complete the E-Arrival Card before entering Brunei, according to the Brunei Tourism website. It replaces the old paper form and asks for your passport, travel details and accommodation. Register on the official Immigration and National Registration Department portal before you travel, and keep a screenshot or confirmation ready. Our getting around guide explains the land and sea crossings from Malaysia. Foreign nationals who only transit without passing immigration control don’t need to register.
The US State Department also mentions a Health Declaration through the Bruhealth app or the Ministry of Health website. Rules like this can change, so check the current Brunei requirement before you fly.
What documents should you carry?
- A valid passport. Many sources say Brunei expects at least six months of validity, so check the rule for your nationality and renew early if it’s close.
- Your visa or proof of visa exemption, if relevant.
- Return or onward travel details.
- The address of your first hotel.
- The completed E-Arrival Card confirmation.
- A document showing you imported alcohol legally, if you bring any. The US State Department says you must declare alcohol to customs on arrival.
What can you bring in, and what’s restricted?
Cash entering or leaving Brunei is limited to 15,000 Brunei dollars, according to the US State Department. The sale of alcohol is banned. The UK FCDO says non-Muslims aged 17 and over may import a limited amount, so check the current allowance with Brunei’s Royal Customs and Excise Department. Drones must be registered with the Department of Civil Aviation, and gambling is illegal.
How long can you stay?
Your stay limit depends on how you enter. A visa-free entry has a fixed limit of 14, 30 or 90 days. A visa shows its own dates. Overstaying can lead to fines, jail or removal, so leave before your permission ends. If you need longer, ask the Brunei Immigration Department or a Brunei mission before you travel, since extension rules can differ by visa type.
Local rules to know before you arrive
- Eating, drinking or using tobacco in public during fasting hours in Ramadan is an offence, according to the US State Department.
- Public criticism of the Sultan, the royal family, the Sharia Penal Code or Islam is illegal.
- Non-Muslims may be arrested for khalwat, meaning close proximity between the sexes, if the other person is Muslim.
- The UK FCDO publishes advice for LGBT+ travellers. Read it before you book.
- Dress modestly in public places.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a friend’s visa-free rule applies to your passport.
- Forgetting the E-Arrival Card.
- Staying beyond a 14 or 30 day visa-free limit.
- Carrying alcohol without declaring it.
- Planning a visit during Ramadan without learning the public eating and drinking rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Brunei?
Only some nationalities can. If yours isn’t on the official list, apply before you travel. Check the Brunei Tourism visa page, and confirm the process with the nearest Brunei mission.
Do children need their own E-Arrival Card?
The requirement applies to foreign nationals arriving in Brunei. Check the form’s instructions for children, and have each traveller’s passport details ready.
Is Brunei safe for solo travellers?
Crime is low, according to the US State Department’s security assessment. The main risks are strict local laws and wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles near rivers and coasts. Follow warning signs and local advice.
Can I enter Brunei overland from Malaysia?
Yes, there are road and water crossings from Sarawak and Sabah, and the same entry rules apply. Check your visa status and the E-Arrival Card before you cross.