Brunei: Authorities to further ease COVID-19 restrictions from June 15 /update 44

Event

Authorities will further ease some domestic and international travel restrictions from June 15 due to continued low COVID-19 activity. Officials will no longer require inbound travelers of any vaccination status to undergo pre-departure COVID-19 tests. Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need to undergo ART testing or quarantine upon arrival. The minimum COVID-19 treatment insurance coverage for foreigners entering Brunei for less than 90 days and for Bruneian citizens and permanent residents who are traveling overseas will be reduced to BND 20,000. The government also plans to allow travel by land and sea for non-essential purposes to resume from Aug. 1.

Additionally, the government will no longer require individuals to scan a QR code when entering or exiting any premises. Officials, however, allow business owners or event organizers the discretion to require visitors or program attendees to scan a QR code.

Domestic Measures
Offices and factories can operate at full capacity. Most public facilities, including dining establishments, markets, and sales exhibitions, can open at maximum capacity or a cap of 300 people, whichever is lower. Public transport can operate at 75 percent capacity of the vehicles. Business owners and customers must download the BruHealth application. Violators could face a BND 10,000 fine and six months' imprisonment; businesses flouting rules may face closures. Enforcement level of the curbs varies across the country.

Wearing facemasks remains mandatory when indoors; officials continue to encourage people to wear facemasks in outdoor locations, especially in crowded venues and during mass gatherings.

International Travel Restrictions
Fully vaccinated passengers can enter Brunei from any country by air for nonessential purposes, provided travelers have received a second COVID-19 dose within three months before entry or a booster dose. Unvaccinated foreign nationals can enter Brunei only if they provide evidence of medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination. Partial or unvaccinated travelers who can enter Brunei must quarantine at home or their accommodation. Arrivals must also take a RAT on day 1 and PCR test on day 3 at their own expense and receive a negative PCR test result before exiting quarantine.

Passengers who present proof of recovery from COVID-19 for an infection within 90 days before arrival only need to undergo an RAT upon arrival. The government requires inbound passengers to complete an arrival declaration form before boarding flights.

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 a RAT at least twice weekly through June 14. Bruneian citizens and residents must be fully vaccinated, defined as having received a booster dose or having received a second dose within three months before the trips, 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
BruHealth application
World Health Organization (WHO)