Brunei

Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northern coast of the Island of Borneo. It is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is its major city. Brunei’s official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business. Tourist facilities and services are generally available throughout the country. Sunni Islam of the Shafi’i school is the official religion of Brunei. In May 2014, the country began partial implementation of Sharia (Islamic) criminal law, in addition to continuing to follow existing criminal law. Brunei government offices are closed Fridays and Sundays; most private businesses operate Monday through Friday; all businesses are required to close from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Fridays for midday prayers. For more information concerning Brunei, please see the Government of Brunei website. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Brunei for additional information on U.S.- Brunei relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Brunei, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to those in most western countries, and they are well maintained. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Holders of a foreign driver’s license are permitted to drive in Brunei Darussalam for 90 days only. For longer stays, a foreign driver’s license must be endorsed to a Brunei driver’s license, available at any Land Transport Department office. Drivers must obey traffic rules at all times and should take extra caution when approaching traffic signals.

The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night. These checkpoints are normally set up for one of two reasons: 1) routine license and registration checks and 2) DWI/search for contraband (drugs and alcohol). In case you are stopped, be prepared to show identification card and vehicle registration. You should also always have your insurance policy in the car. In case of an accident you will need all three documents.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Brunei Land Transport Department for more details on road safety information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Brunei, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Brunei’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Noting several past anti-Western terrorist bombings in Indonesia, the Department of State continues to be concerned that terrorist groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) have the capability to carry out terrorist attacks throughout the region. U.S. citizens in Brunei should 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 and to the U.S. Embassy.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values, and U.S. citizens are advised to learn and respect local customs and traditions. Persons violating Brunei’s laws, even unknowingly, may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. Any public criticism of His Majesty the Sultan, other members of the Royal Family, Sharia, or Islam is strongly discouraged. Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei; however, two liters of spirits/wine and 12 cans of beer may be imported per border entry by non-Muslim adults for personal consumption in private. Importing more than the allowed amount of alcohol per border entry will result in arrest. The Royal Brunei Police Force is generally professional and courteous. Most officers speak English but some, especially from the reserve units, have limited-to-no English speaking capability. Travelers are strongly urged to carry a copy of their passport, as police will almost always ask for identification for all parties involved in any type of incident. In the event of police detention, U.S. citizens should request to contact the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy local guard force operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all guards speak English. The 24-hour number of the Embassy is 673-238-4616 and the number of the Duty Officer is 673-873-0691

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Brunei on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Most crimes that occur in Brunei are non-violent crimes of opportunity, including residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins. While in Brunei, you can generally avoid becoming a victim of a crime of opportunity by practicing good security awareness. For example, secure your valuables (remove from plain view), avoid secluded locations, properly secure your residence and vehicle, and do not travel alone late at night. 

Crime in Brunei peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line emergency line in Brunei is 993 for Brunei Police, 995 for Fire and Rescue, and 998 for Search and Rescue.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.