Visas and Entry

Most foreign visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points such as Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan, with a stay of about 14 days and a fee of approximately 20 Brunei dollars. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa in advance. Transit passengers holding valid visas for a third country may be eligible for transit stays under certain conditions. Brunei’s visa policy may change occasionally, so please check the latest announcements from the relevant embassy or consulate in your own country before departure. Be sure to declare items truthfully upon entry—bringing alcohol or prohibited goods is not allowed.

Best Time to Visit

• February to April: Relatively dry and less rainy, making it the most comfortable time to visit Brunei, ideal for city sightseeing and rainforest hikes.
• May to October: Tropical and rainy, with frequent afternoon showers, but the rainforests are at their greenest and the air is fresh.
• November to January (next year): Rainy season with more precipitation. Outdoor and rainforest activities may be weather-dependent, and sea-based excursions could also be affected.

Budget Reference (Per Person)

Etiquette and Taboos

• Islam is the national religion, so dress modestly, and women should avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Shoes must be removed when entering a mosque, and women are required to wear head coverings, which are usually provided on-site.
• Alcohol is banned nationwide—do not drink in public or bring alcohol into the country.
• During Ramadan, non-Muslims should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
• Use your right hand or both hands when passing or receiving items and when eating—avoid using your left hand and do not touch members of the opposite sex casually.
• Avoid loud noises in public, and don’t play or run around near mosques. Always ask for permission before taking photos.

Currency and Spending

Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (BND), which is at par with the Singapore dollar and can be used interchangeably—Singapore dollars are widely accepted for payment, though change is typically given in Brunei dollars. Credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels and shopping malls, but cash is still the norm in hawker centres, water villages, and water taxis. As a high-welfare country, Brunei’s overall cost of living is slightly higher than surrounding areas, so manage your expectations regarding value for money on dining and accommodation. It’s more time- and cost-efficient to plan your itinerary around the capital. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge and government tax—please check your bill carefully upon payment.