Brunei Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Brunei.
Healthcare System
Brunei has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. Healthcare is heavily subsidized for citizens but available to tourists at reasonable costs. The country has both government hospitals and private clinics.
Hospitals
RIPAS Hospital is the primary facility for serious medical issues. Jerudong Park Medical Centre is a private hospital popular with expatriates and tourists. Most doctors are trained in the UK, Australia, or Singapore and speak excellent English.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (locally called 'farmasi') are widely available in urban areas. Many common medications are available over the counter, but some require prescriptions. International brands may not always be available, so bring essential medications with you. Guardian and other chain pharmacies operate in shopping centers.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. While basic emergency care is affordable, medical evacuation or specialized treatment can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Singapore if needed.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is widely available
- Dengue fever is present; use mosquito repellent, especially during rainy season
- Heat and humidity can cause dehydration; drink plenty of water
- Private clinics are faster but more expensive than government facilities
- No vaccinations are mandatory unless arriving from yellow fever endemic areas
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Petty theft is rare in Brunei compared to neighboring countries, but opportunistic theft can occur in crowded areas or tourist sites
Road conditions are generally good, but driving standards vary. Some drivers speed or drive aggressively, and road signage may be limited in rural areas
Unknowingly breaking Brunei's strict Islamic laws can result in severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, or corporal punishment. This includes alcohol possession, drug use, unmarried couples sharing rooms, and public displays of affection
Brunei's tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially for visitors not acclimatized
While tap water is treated, some visitors may experience stomach upset. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, transmitted by mosquitoes
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some unlicensed taxis or drivers may quote inflated fares to tourists, especially at the airport or cruise terminal, as taxis don't use meters
Individuals may approach tourists at popular sites offering guide services at inflated prices or providing substandard tours
Individuals may approach tourists claiming to collect for mosques or charities, though this is rare in Brunei
Sellers may misrepresent the quality or authenticity of local handicrafts, textiles, or jewelry
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Legal and Cultural Compliance
- Absolutely no alcohol - possession or consumption is illegal with severe penalties; duty-free allowances for non-Muslims are for personal consumption only in private
- No pork products - do not bring pork into the country
- Dress modestly in public - cover shoulders and knees; women should avoid tight or revealing clothing
- During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours out of respect
- Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes
- Homosexual acts are illegal and can result in severe penalties including death under Sharia law
- Drug offenses carry mandatory death penalty - do not carry any illegal substances
- Public displays of affection should be avoided
- Unmarried couples may face scrutiny; some hotels may require proof of marriage
Personal Security
- Keep copies of passport and important documents separately from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Be aware of your surroundings, though violent crime is extremely rare
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night
- Keep valuables in hotel safes when not needed
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs, especially at night
Transportation
- Public transportation is limited; consider renting a car or using taxis
- Agree on taxi fares before departure as meters are not used
- Wear seatbelts at all times - it's mandatory
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Be extra cautious at roundabouts and intersections
- Avoid driving at night in rural areas due to limited lighting
- International driving permits are accepted for short stays
Health Precautions
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Stay hydrated in the tropical climate
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach
- Seek medical attention promptly for any fever or unusual symptoms
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications
Photography
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or the royal palace
- Be respectful when photographing in and around mosques
- Avoid photographing people praying
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Brunei is very safe for women travelers, with low rates of harassment and crime. However, as a conservative Islamic country, women should be particularly mindful of dress codes and cultural norms. Women traveling alone are uncommon but generally face no serious issues beyond occasional curiosity from locals.
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders, chest, and knees; loose-fitting clothing is preferable
- Carry a scarf to cover hair when visiting mosques (mandatory) or as an extra layer if needed
- Avoid traveling alone to very isolated areas or late at night
- Be prepared for questions about marital status or traveling alone - this is curiosity rather than threat
- Use hotel taxis or reputable transport rather than unmarked vehicles
- Respect gender-segregated areas in some religious sites or traditional settings
- Some hotels may question solo female travelers or unmarried couples - book reputable accommodations in advance
- Harassment is rare, but if it occurs, seek help from authorities or nearby businesses
- Consider joining group tours for jungle treks or remote area visits
- Female travelers generally receive respectful treatment from locals
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexual acts are illegal in Brunei under both civil and Sharia law, with extremely severe penalties including death by stoning under the Sharia Penal Code. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Do not engage in any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics or your sexual orientation publicly
- Exercise extreme discretion at all times
- Be aware that even private conduct could potentially be subject to legal action
- Do not attempt to access LGBTQ+ venues or events - they do not exist legally
- Consider whether travel to Brunei aligns with your values and risk tolerance
- Ensure travel insurance covers potential legal issues (though many exclude coverage for illegal activities)
- Register with your embassy and ensure they have your contact information
- Seriously consider alternative destinations where you can travel safely and authentically
- If you must travel, maintain a very low profile and avoid any behavior that could attract attention
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Brunei despite its excellent safety record. While basic medical care is affordable, specialized treatment, medical evacuation, or repatriation can be extremely expensive. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected emergencies. Given Brunei's strict laws, having comprehensive insurance including legal assistance coverage is prudent.
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