Brunei: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Extreme
Overall verdict for Brunei: Extreme. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
Brunei: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Alcohol, Sex & dating
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
Get the exact rules for your trip
This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Brunei, offline, in 23 languages.
Brunei: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
How Brunei compares
With 10 of 23 topics flagged red, Brunei is stricter than 8 of the 9 other countries in South-East Asia (regional average: 7.1). Worldwide, Brunei ranks #17 of 148 for strictness (tied with 6 other countries).
What sets it apart
- Dress code: flagged red here, while only 8 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Alcohol: flagged red here, while only 13 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Behavior: flagged red here, while only 19 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Driving: relaxed here, while 144 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
What to watch most in Brunei
- Religious sites almost universally require covered shoulders and knees, for everyone.
- Several tourist cities fine beachwear worn away from the beach — walking to your hotel in a swimsuit can cost hundreds.
- Full face coverings are restricted in some countries and mandatory in others. Both directions carry penalties.
- Drinking in the street: allowed in some countries, heavily fined in most tourist city centres.
- Being visibly drunk in public is an offence in itself in the Gulf, in Japan's stations, and in many resort towns.
- Sale hours: several countries block alcohol sales during afternoons, election days or religious holidays.
- Insulting the head of state, the royal family or the flag is a criminal offence in a number of countries.
- Losing your temper in public — shouting, aggressive gestures — is treated far more seriously in Asia than in Europe.
- Rude gestures that are trivial at home can be a public order offence elsewhere.
Brunei at a glance
CapitalBandar Seri Begawan
CurrencyBrunei Dollar (BND)
LanguageMalay
Emergency number993 police / 991 ambulance
Driving sideLeft
Mains voltage240 V
Calling code+673
Time zoneUTC+08:00
Plug typesG
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunei strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Extreme. 10 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Alcohol, Sex & dating, Dress code, Religion, Weapons, Behavior, Jail risk, Drones, Politics & protest), 8 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in Brunei?
The strictest topics for travellers in Brunei are: Drugs, Alcohol, Sex & dating, Dress code, Religion, Weapons, Behavior, Jail risk, Drones, Politics & protest. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for Brunei?
In LawsTravels: open Brunei, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in Brunei?
In Brunei, dial 993 police / 991 ambulance. Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND). Main language: Malay.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Brunei?
In Brunei, traffic drives on the left. Mains voltage: 240 V. Calling code: +673. Time zone: UTC+08:00. Plug types: G.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
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