Brunei
About Brunei
| Currency | Brunei dollar (BND) |
| Language | Malay |
| Capital | Bandar Seri Begawan |
The Sultanate of Brunei is located in Southeast Asia in the South China sea, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo. The government is a constitutional sultanate (monarchy) with a sultan as both chief of state and head of government. The sultan also serves as head of the Islamic faith. The royal family has ruled Brunei for over 600 years. This small country, with a population of about 430,000 people, has a very high standard of living due to rich energy resources. Citizens do not pay income taxes or capital gains tax and receive free medical care and education through the university level. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar and both currencies are legal tender in both Brunei and Singapore under a Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken.
From about the 15th to the 17th centuries, Brunei controlled large areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. After a period of internal conflict over royal succession, and as a result of European colonial expansion, Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888 and gained full independence in 1984.
In spite of strong international criticism, Brunei became the first East Asian country to adopt Islamic sharia law and penal code in 2014. In spite of a large non-Muslim population, the country is officially Muslim.
Travellers to Brunei can enjoy one of the many eco-tours, visit the Belalong National Park in the rainforest, river cruises and diving among shipwrecks. The country is home to many species of plants and animals, including the proboscis monkeys and other primates, macaques, kingfishers.
Recommended Vaccinations For Brunei
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Due to the risk of exposure to hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Due to the risk of exposure to hepatitis A, vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
One dose of measles-mumps-rubells (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months old before traveling.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended to all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with wild animals while involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers). Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Japanese encephalitis occurs countrywide, with year-round transmission. There is a high risk if traveling to rural areas or engage in activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities and rural areas.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei, however, there is a certificate requirement. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended Medications For Brunei
There are no recommendations for Brunei at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Brunei
For Most Travellers
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is known to have occurred or has the potential to occur in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Brunei.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever is known to have occurred or has the potential to occur in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Brunei through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products.
For Some Travellers
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in the country through contaminated food or coming in contact with someone infected with the virus.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring measles in the country.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in Brunei, however, there is a certificate requirement. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country with year-round transmission. Travellers who are staying for a month or longer at at higher risk of exposure, especially if travelling in rural areas with rice fields and marshlands.
Malaria
There is very low risk of exposure to a particular type of malaria found mostly in monkeys in forested areas in Brunei. Nevertheless, travellers should follow all recommendations to avoid mosquito bites. Anti-malaria medication is not recommended.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through consumption of contaminated food and water in Brunei, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Rabies
Brunei is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. Most travellers are considered to be at low risk for rabies. Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with wild animals while involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers). Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Tuberculosis
There is a risk of exposure to tuberculosis, especially in health care workers or for people who care for a person who is sick with this infection.
Safety & Security in Brunei
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no problems. However, occasional petty crime, such as pickpocketing or other theft, can occur. Crime peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.
Brunei is an Islamic state. It is against the law to sell alcohol, and there are strict laws governing bringing alcohol into the country. Gambling is illegal. Smoking in public places is not allowed. There are severe penalties associated with the use and possession of narcotics.
Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs.
It is illegal to make negative comments about the royal family or matters involving the royal family and it is illegal to take photos of military or government buildings or equipment.
Road travel can be unsafe. Drivers may not follow standard rules of the road, and speeding is common. Public transportation is limited. Use only licensed taxis.
Never hike alone in the rainforest. Use reputable guides.
Committing adultery with a Muslim or close proximity between a man and woman is a legal offence and may bring a fine and/or imprisonment or even corporal punishment. Homosexual relations and behaviours are illegal. Penalties can include imprisonment and even the death penalty.
Extreme Violence
Although there has not been a recent terrorism-related incident in Brunei, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political Unrest
To minimize safety risk, always avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations. Even peaceful situations can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent. In some countries, it is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities.
