Brunei Security

Brunei doesn’t suffer from any form of political turmoil, meaning it is a relatively safe country to travel in. Visitors needn’t concern themselves with security issues or no-go areas yet should exercise common sense, as with travel anywhere.

Political hotspots: there are no political hotspots in Brunei as the country has been politically stable since February 2002 when the government announced to the world that there were no terrorist groups or individuals in Brunei. The country is also tight on security and illegal immigration, so visitors can be sure that the situation should stay stable for some time to come.

No-go areas: fortunately for visitors to Brunei there are no areas of the country which are off limits and tourists are free to wander wherever they choose. The lack of natural diseases, tropical diseases and hidden dangers means that tourists shouldn’t have anything to fear as they explore. However, it is always advisable to exercise a certain amount of caution when exploring a new area.

Travel Warnings

Travel to Brunei is generally considered safe; however, a number of international governments have issued safety and security advisories about travel to Brunei. Recent travel advisories are as follows:

  • Concern that Islamic terrorist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), may carry out terrorist attacks on soft targets in Southeast Asia, and potentially Brunei. Targets may include: beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, schools, places of worship, recreational events, or anywhere Westerners are seen to congregate. Western visitors to Brunei should be fully aware of their surroundings, vary travel times and routes during their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to their embassy and local police. American, Israeli, and British tourists may be specifically targeted.
  • Rare instances of violent crime have occurred. Theft and burglary are on the rise, and visitors are cautioned to keep an eye on their personal belongings.
  • Immigration offences, such as overstay of visa, have been punishable by caning since June 12, 2004. This punishment, often combined with a jail sentence, concerns business travelers to Brunei who overstay their work visas, as well as their work associates, and others who don't abide immigration laws.
  • Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses, and penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Embassies may be able to recommend legal council for offences committed in Brunei but visitors are subject to, and must abide by, local laws.
  • Brunei's transportation network and roads are thought to be of good quality, although in recent years local drivers running red lights have resulted in a number of fatal accidents. It is best to exercise caution while driving in Brunei and to follow local laws.
  • Possession of pornographic material is illegal, as is homosexual activity.
  • The sale of alcohol is not permitted in Brunei.
  • Outbreaks of dengue fever were reported in late 2005, and visitors should take care to protect themselves against mosquitoes.