Brunei: Authorities to ease international travel restrictions from May 6 /update 42

Event

Authorities will ease international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 from May 6. Officials will abolish the Travel Green List categorization, which currently allows less strict protocols for entrants by air from some locations. The government will also lift quarantine and on-arrival RT-PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated entrants from all locations from May 6, though the passengers will have to undergo ART tests at their own expense on each of their first three days after arrival. Fully vaccinated passengers will be allowed to enter Brunei from any country by air for non-essential purposes. Officials will also tighten the conditions for a person to be considered fully vaccinated, requiring a traveler to have received the second COVID-19 shot within three months before entry or have received the booster shot.

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated can enter Brunei only if they provide evidence of medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccinations. Those allowed to enter Brunei must undergo an ART test upon arrival and an RT-PCR test on the third day after arrival at their own expense before quarantining at either their residence or a designated facility for at least five days.

Domestic Measures
The government has extended domestic measures under the early endemic phase through May 31. 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. For the Hari Raya Aidilfitri May 2-4, events at residences for family members may occur with up to 30 visitors, who must obtain a negative result from an ART test before the gathering. Programs in halls can involve up to 300 people. Participants in events at residences or halls must wear facemasks and are encouraged to avoid shaking hands.

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 exercising, among others.

International Travel Restrictions
Passengers who present a proof of recovery from COVID-19 for an infection within 90 days before arrival will be exempted from on-arrival testing and quarantine protocols and only need to undergo an ART upon arrival. Non-resident foreigners visiting Brunei for less than 90 days must obtain travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage worth at least BND 50,000.

Cross-border activities by land and sea remain restricted to essential purposes. Only vehicles with Transit Permits may pass through the borders. Transport operators who cross the borders frequently must undergo an ART test at least twice weekly. Bruneian citizens and residents must be fully vaccinated, defined as having received a booster dose, to travel out of the 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)