Brunei: Authorities to allow cross-border travel by land and sea for nonessential purposes from Aug. 1 /update 45

Event

Authorities will allow cross-border travel by land and sea for nonessential purposes to resume from Aug. 1. Following the relaxation, foreigners 18 years old and above who wish to enter Brunei by any mode of transport will have to be fully vaccinated; Bruneian officials consider a foreigner to be fully vaccinated if the person has received at least two doses of a WHO-recognized COVID-19 vaccine. Exceptions are possible for foreigners who have obtained a certificate of medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination. Bruneian citizens can return to the country regardless of vaccination status.

All inbound travelers must complete an online health declaration form. Partial or unvaccinated travelers who can enter Brunei must make an advance payment of BND 100 for the cost of an on-arrival COVID-19 test, quarantine at home or their accommodation for at least three days, take an ART on day one and PCR test on day three, and receive a negative PCR test result before exiting quarantine. Most foreigners entering Brunei for less than 90 days must have a COVID-19 treatment insurance coverage of at least BND 20,000; exemptions are allowed for foreign nationals who are entering Brunei for long-term purposes, such as employment, and returning Bruneian permanent residents (PRs).

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. Officials allow business owners or event organizers the discretion to require visitors or program attendees to scan a QR code. 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 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
Passengers who present proof of recovery from COVID-19 for an infection within six months before arrival only need to undergo an RAT upon arrival.

Bruneian citizens and PRs must be fully vaccinated to travel out of the country; authorities consider a Bruneian citizen or PR to be fully vaccinated if the person has received at least three COVID-19 vaccine doses or a second dose within three months before the trip. A COVID-19 treatment insurance coverage of at least BND 20,000 is mandatory for Bruneian citizens and PRs who are traveling overseas for short visits. Exceptions are possible for Brunei citizens and PRs who are traveling for employment and other long-term purposes, Bruneian PRs who are visiting their home countries, and Bruneian civil servants who are on government-sponsored official overseas trips, among others. Brunei citizens and PRs who are traveling overseas must also complete an e-registration form with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Prime Minister's Office
BruHealth application
On-Arrival Health Declaration Form
e-Registration for Outbound Travel of Bruneian Citizens and PRs
World Health Organization (WHO)