Brunei: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions through March 31 /update 39

Event

Authorities have extended domestic COVID-19 restrictions as part of the endemic phase through March 31.

Domestic Measures
A 00:00-04:00 nightly curfew remains in effect. Mass gatherings, government offices, and business premises, including workplaces, dine-in services, recreational venues, sports facilities, and supermarkets, may operate at up to 75 percent of a venue's capacity or 300 people in attendance. Unvaccinated individuals must show a negative ART result taken within the previous 48 hours to enter government facilities. Schools and childcare centers have suspended on-site activities through at least March 19 due to concerns over a recent increase in local COVID-19 activity.

Business owners and customers must download the BruHealth application. Individuals must scan a QR code when entering or exiting any premises, activate the Bluetooth function on their phones when in public places, and enter public facilities only if they have green or yellow health codes. Violators could face a BND 10,000 fine and six months' imprisonment; businesses flouting rules may face closures. Facemasks are mandatory in public except when alone or exercising.

International Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering or transiting Brunei, except those on business and official travel, studying in Brunei, undergoing medical treatment, and transport operators, among others. Unvaccinated foreign citizens can enter Brunei only if they are on essential travel or have medical exemptions from the vaccination. Foreigners who can enter Brunei must obtain an Entry Travel Pass with a Bruneian citizen or entity as a guarantor.

All inbound air travel passengers, including Bruneian citizens, must obtain a negative result from an RT-PCR test within 48 hours before travel, complete an Arrival Declaration Form within 24 hours before departure, pay BND 100 prior to arrival for an on-arrival test, download and register on the BruHealth Application, and undergo an on-arrival ART test. Foreigners who are visiting Brunei for less than 90 days must obtain travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage worth at least BND 50,000. Upon arrival, vaccinated and unvaccinated inbound passengers must quarantine at designated facilities for at least five and ten days, respectively.

Only vehicles with Transit Permits may pass through the borders. Transport operators who cross the borders frequently must undergo an RT-PCR test weekly.

A Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme with Singapore is in effect, allowing people to travel for business and official purposes to and from Singapore with exemption from quarantine requirements. Travelers from Singapore who have obtained entry approval under the RGL program must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and remain in isolation until the test returns negative. Bruneian and Malaysian authorities have announced plans to commence a quarantine free travel scheme between the two countries; the details, including the start date, of the policy are unclear.

Essential outbound travel for Bruneian nationals and permanent residents is allowed only for those who have obtained advance exit approval from the government and received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines between 14 days and three months before departing or have received a booster dose. Bruneian nationals and permanent residents who are traveling out of Brunei for short visits must purchase travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage worth at least BND 50,000, with exemptions for those who are currently working or studying in a foreign country.

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.

Resources

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