Brunei: Authorities ease nationwide domestic restrictions as of March 8 /update 20

Event

Brunei has eased several gathering and social distancing restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as of March 8. Mass gatherings with up to 1,000 people can now occur. Several public facilities, such as food establishments and cinemas, can operate at full capacity; however, authorities continue to encourage health protocols such as workers wearing facemasks and visitors sanitizing their hands frequently.

Other public venues, including educational, recreational, and religious venues, can continue operating with health protocols. Large events like trade fairs and bazaars can continue to occur with protocols, such as requiring workers to wear masks, spacing booths at least three meters apart, and barring entry for people showing flu-like symptoms. Organizers of these events must submit an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Business owners and customers have to download the BruHealth application. Violators could face a BND 10,000 (USD 7,100) fine and six months' imprisonment. Officials could reintroduce or expand restrictions in the coming weeks if COVID-19 activity increases in-country.

The national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) continues to serve only limited routes. The services that remain operational include flights to and from Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals, including long-term pass holders, remain banned from entering or transiting Brunei. Existing travel, student, and dependent visas remain suspended, with limited exceptions. People who can enter Brunei must test for COVID-19 before departure and upon arrival. Arrivals must quarantine 2-14 days at designated premises, depending on the risk level of the country of departure. Travelers can leave the isolation sites upon testing negative for COVID-19. Authorities will consider appeals from foreigners in special situations, such as those on scholarship studies or undergoing medical treatment in Brunei, to enter the country. Foreigners permitted entry in such cases must obtain a Bruneian citizen or entity as a guarantor.

A ban on persons traveling for business and transporters of nonessential goods from traveling or transiting by land and sea remains in effect as of March 8. Exemptions are in place for transport workers of essential goods, emergency service workers and patients, and people on government affairs, among others. Transport operators who cross the borders frequently must undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) weekly.

Brunei allows travel for business and official purposes with Singapore in a so-called Reciprocal Green Lane scheme. For travelers from Singapore, a Bruneian host company or government agency must apply for the employee's travel pass and controlled itinerary for the first 14 days in Brunei. The travelers must have remained in Singapore for 14 days before travel, obtain a visa if applicable, purchase a return flight ticket, test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure, and download the BruHealth contact tracing application. Upon arrival, the employees must test for COVID-19, remain in their pre-approved accommodation place until the test returns negative, and adhere to a controlled itinerary.

Local nationals, permanent residents, and foreigners holding Bruneian identification cards remain barred from leaving the country. Only people departing to seek medical treatment or resume studies overseas can leave Brunei after obtaining approval from the Prime Minister's Office. Outbound local citizens and permanent residents who require COVID-19 tests have to pay BND 100 (USD 75), while outbound foreign nationals will have to pay BND 200 (USD 149); students, government employees on official duty, and people with permission from the Ministry of Health are exempt.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Home Affairs
Prime Minister's Office
BruHealth application
World Health Organization (WHO)