Brunei: Authorities extend restrictions for travel and transit by land and sea through March 10 /update 19

Event

Brunei has extended a ban on persons traveling for business and transporters of nonessential goods from traveling or transiting by land and sea through March 10 to stem the spread of COVID-19. Exemptions are in place for transport workers of essential goods, emergency service workers and patients, and people on government affairs, among others. Transport operators who cross the borders frequently must undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) weekly.

Domestic restrictions remain in place. Mass gatherings are limited to 350 people. Public facilities, including educational, recreational, and religious venues, are operating with hygiene protocols. Trade fairs can occur with protocols, such as requiring workers to wear masks, spacing booths at least three meters apart, and barring entry for people showing flu-like symptoms.

Business owners and customers have to download the BruHealth application. Violators could face a BND 10,000 (USD 7,100) fine and six months' imprisonment. Officials could reintroduce or expand restrictions in the coming weeks if COVID-19 activity increases in-country.

The national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) continues to serve only limited routes. The services that remain operational include flights to and from Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals, including long-term pass holders, remain banned from entering or transiting Brunei. Existing travel, student, and dependent visas remain suspended, with limited exceptions. People who can enter Brunei must test for COVID-19 before departure and upon arrival. Arrivals must quarantine between 2-14 days at government-designated facilities, depending on the risk level of the country of departure. Travelers can leave the isolation sites upon testing negative for COVID-19. Authorities will consider appeals from foreigners in special situations, such as those on scholarship studies or undergoing medical treatment in Brunei, to enter the country. Foreigners permitted entry in such cases must obtain a Bruneian citizen or entity as a guarantor.

Brunei allows travel for business and official purposes with Singapore in a so-called Reciprocal Green Lane scheme. For travelers from Singapore, a Bruneian host company or government agency must apply for the employee's travel pass and controlled itinerary for the first 14 days in Brunei. The travelers must have remained in Singapore for 14 days before travel, obtain a visa if applicable, purchase a return flight ticket, test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure, and download the BruHealth contact tracing application. Upon arrival, the employees must test for COVID-19, remain in their pre-approved accommodation place until the test returns negative, and adhere to a controlled itinerary.

Local nationals, permanent residents, and foreigners holding Bruneian identification cards remain barred from leaving the country. Only people departing to seek medical treatment or resume studies overseas can leave Brunei after obtaining approval from the Prime Minister's Office. Outbound local citizens and permanent residents who require COVID-19 tests have to pay BND 100 (USD 76), while outbound foreign nationals will have to pay BND 200 (USD 151); authorities have exempted students, government employees on official duty, and people with permission from the Ministry of Health.

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. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Prime Minister's Office
BruHealth application
World Health Organization (WHO)