Brunei

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

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Brunei through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Brunei.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is known to have occurred or has the potential to occur in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever is known to have occurred or has the potential to occur in this country.

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

Brunei maintains exceptionally low crime rates compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Violent crime is rare, and most incidents involve non-violent crimes of opportunity such as petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries. Crime typically peaks during July and December when schools are out of session. The country benefits from strict laws that act as strong deterrents, and the small, close-knit population creates natural social accountability. Street harassment is uncommon due to cultural values and Islamic customs that emphasize respect. Most residents and visitors feel safe walking around during both day and night. Terrorist threats exist but no recent history of attacks has been recorded in the country. You should remain aware of surroundings in public places. The Royal Brunei Police Force is professional, and most officers speak English. Wildlife poses specific risks, particularly saltwater crocodiles which inhabit rivers around Bandar Seri Begawan and have attacked people fishing on riverbanks. Crocodiles have also been spotted on beaches and at the Panaga golf course. When hiking in rainforests, avoid going alone as it is easy to become lost even at well-known recreation areas. Stray dogs are common, and although rabies cases are not officially reported in Brunei, cases have occurred in neighboring Malaysia. Venomous snakes are present, and the public hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan carries antivenom. During rainy seasons, heavy thunderstorms and lightning strikes are common throughout the year and can cause flooding and mudslides, particularly from September to January and May to July.

Extreme Violence

Brunei has virtually no history of terrorism or organized violent crime. The country has not experienced terrorist attacks in recent decades, though authorities acknowledge that attacks cannot be ruled out entirely and could be indiscriminate. Violent crime remains extremely low, with a near-zero homicide rate according to World Bank data. The country scores a low 24.62 on the crime index, ranking it as one of the safest in Southeast Asia. No mafia-style groups or significant criminal networks operate in the country, with the exception of minor loose gangs. Arms trafficking is not a significant issue, and the government prohibits all civilian possession of firearms, including for hunting or personal protection. Most arms trade is internal rather than transnational and consists mainly of crude, handcrafted weapons used by poachers. Drug trafficking poses a concern due to Brunei’s location on trafficking routes between China and Oceania, and its proximity to Malaysia and the Philippines, though the country enforces extremely strict penalties including the death penalty for drug offenses. There is limited evidence of human trafficking and some episodic cases of extortion related to trafficking activities, but these practices are not systemic. Brunei maintains strict penalties for violent crimes, including caning and lengthy prison sentences. The last execution in the country was carried out in 1957, and a moratorium on the death penalty has been in place, though it can be lifted at any time by the Sultan.

Political Unrest

Brunei is an absolute monarchy with no elected representatives at national level, ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967. The country has been under a state of emergency since 1962, which grants the Sultan extensive powers to make laws by royal decree without standard democratic processes. The Legislative Council exercises only a consultative role in recommending legislation and budgets. Public demonstrations are severely restricted, and freedom of assembly is limited by long-standing emergency powers. There are no provisions protecting freedom of speech in the constitution or laws, and laws exist that restrict expression, including the Sedition Act and the Harmful Publications Act. Criticism of the Sultan or royal family is illegal and causes great offense. Public criticism of the government or promotion of activities contradictory to Islam can result in imprisonment, fines, or exile. No human rights groups operate in the country, and the law does not provide for freedom of association. Political protests and unrest are extremely rare. In November 2024, over 5,000 participants joined a Palestine Solidarity Walkathon in Bandar Seri Begawan, a rare organized public gathering in a country where demonstrations are typically restricted. The last significant political unrest was the Brunei Revolt of 1962, a short-lived insurrection against the monarchy’s proposed inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia, which was quickly suppressed by British forces. The country has maintained political stability since then, with no recorded incidents of civil unrest, mass protests, or political violence in recent decades.

Areas To Avoid

Brunei does not have specific areas considered dangerous for visitors from a crime perspective. Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, is safe to explore during day and night with no particular neighborhoods requiring avoidance due to safety concerns. The main areas where visitors stay include the city center, Gadong, and Kampong Ayer. Specific environmental hazards exist in certain locations. Rivers throughout the country, particularly around Bandar Seri Begawan, are home to saltwater crocodiles that have attacked and killed people fishing on riverbanks. Crocodiles have been spotted on beaches and in the ponds of the Panaga golf course. Exercise caution around all water sources and follow local authority guidance. Rainforest areas present risks of getting lost, even at well-known recreation areas. Authorities advise against hiking alone in forests. The rainforests also contain venomous snakes and other wildlife that require caution. Weather conditions can change quickly in remote areas, potentially leaving people stranded or injured, especially at sea or in rainforest regions. During rainy seasons, flooding can affect certain areas and disrupt essential services. Heavy rain and lightning strikes occur commonly throughout the year. Border areas with Malaysia are generally safe, though you should ensure your vehicle is properly registered and fueled before traveling between countries, as fuel purchase restrictions apply to foreign-registered vehicles. No specific regions of Brunei are designated as no-go zones or areas with heightened security risks for travelers.