Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Brunei is a wealthy, orderly sultanate on Borneo with very low crime. Note that it is a conservative Muslim country with strict laws.
- Overall risk
- Very low; crime rates are among the lowest in the region
- Main concern
- Understanding and respecting strict local laws and customs
- Emergency number
- Police 993, Ambulance 991, Fire 995
- Brunei enjoys low crime and a stable, orderly society. Islam is the state religion and the country follows conservative norms, so familiarise yourself with local laws on alcohol, dress and conduct before you travel.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Brunei is compact and orderly, with normal precautions sufficient throughout.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- General
- Standard care in the capital and rural areas
- Bandar Seri Begawan and the wider country are calm and well policed. Use ordinary caution as anywhere, and take care on remote roads and rainforest excursions.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Brunei has a tropical climate with heavy rain. Earthquake and typhoon risk is low, but monsoon flooding and haze can occur.
- Rainy season
- Heavy downpours and localised flooding
- Haze
- Seasonal smoke haze from regional fires possible
- Seismic/typhoon risk
- Low on Borneo
- Brunei sits on Borneo, largely outside the main typhoon and earthquake belts. Expect frequent tropical downpours; monitor local weather and air-quality reports during haze periods.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Brunei has good modern healthcare in the capital. Take standard tropical precautions against mosquito-borne illness and heat.
- Healthcare
- Good facilities in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Tap water
- Often bottled water is preferred by visitors
- Mosquitoes
- Dengue risk; use repellent
- Hospitals in the capital are modern; serious cases may require evacuation to Singapore. Guard against dengue with repellent, stay hydrated in the heat, and carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime against tourists is rare in Brunei. Petty theft is uncommon; take normal care with valuables.
- Main risk
- Opportunistic petty theft, though uncommon
- Violent crime
- Very rare against visitors
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure as a routine habit
- Brunei has very low crime rates and street theft is unusual. Apply the same sensible precautions you would anywhere and beware of online or investment scams targeting foreigners.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Brunei is a stable, wealthy absolute monarchy governed by a sultan. Public order is high and unrest is very uncommon.
- Government
- Absolute monarchy under the Sultan
- Stability
- Very stable with high public order
- Demonstrations
- Rare; public protests are uncommon
- Brunei is calm and orderly. Show respect for the Sultan and royal family, as criticism can be a legal offence. Public gatherings and protests are uncommon.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Brunei is a conservative Muslim country with strict laws. There are no alcohol shops; drug offences carry severe penalties. Dress and behave modestly.
- Alcohol
- Not sold; non-Muslims may import a limited amount for personal use and must declare it
- Drugs
- Very strict laws with severe penalties
- Dress & conduct
- Dress modestly; respect Islam and the royal family
- Islam is the state religion. Alcohol is not sold; non-Muslim visitors may bring in a limited personal allowance and must declare it on arrival. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites, avoid public displays of affection, and respect Ramadan customs. Drug laws are strict.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Emergency numbers in Brunei: Police 993, Ambulance 991, Fire 995. English is widely spoken.
- Police
- 993
- Ambulance
- 991
- Fire
- 995
- Dial 993 for police, 991 for ambulance and 995 for fire. English is widely understood by emergency services and staff in the capital.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover, as serious cases may need evacuation to Singapore.
- Cover
- Comprehensive medical and evacuation cover
- Evacuation
- Serious cases may require transfer to Singapore
- Include
- Rainforest or adventure activities if relevant
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays and medical evacuation, since complex care may be referred abroad. Add cover for any planned adventure or jungle activities.