Brunei
About
| Brunei is a heavily forested state where visitors will encounter the grandeur of Islamic architecture and royal tradition. Architectural treasures in the capital include the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with its gleaming gold dome. Also in the capital, don't miss the Brunei Museum and the Malay Technology Museum displaying traditional crafts. Traditional sporting activities, such as gasing, a game involving highly polished giant tops, and kite flying can be sampled. Take a tour to the Ulu Temburong National Park, which has forest canopy trails on wooden walkways. Trips can include rafting and swimming.. |
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| Official Name: | Negara Brunei Darussalam (The Country of Brunei, Abode of Peace) |
| Capital: | Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) |
| Currency: | Brunei Dollar (BND). Singapore Dollars can also be used. |
| Language: | Malay. English and Chinese are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 673 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +8 (6 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1; Feb 1, 23; Apr 3-4, 19; May 2-4, 31; Jul 9, 15-16, 30; Oct 8; Dec 25-26 |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | February – October. Avoid Ramadan. |
| Best for: | Jungle Wildlife, Religious Sites |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are most commonly used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | Healthcare facilities are of a high standard, but may not be available in rural areas. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | As a predominately Islamic country, dress should be conservative. When visiting mosques, men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms, legs and head covered. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. The right hand should be used for eating. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | The legal system is based on Shariah law and penalties for crimes are severe. Travel Tips/ Warnings: Alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but non-Muslim tourists are allowed to bring alcohol in (refer to duty free allowance) and can consume it in private. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Brunei by travellers aged over 17 years without incurring customs duty: • 2 x 1L bottles of alcohol and 12 cans of beer (by non-Muslims for personal consumption only, provided declared at customs upon arrival). • 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette. Duty is charged on all cigarettes and tobacco products. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Drugs (death penalty may apply), guns, ammunition, fire crackers, certain vaccines, and cigarettes without a health warning printed on the packet. The import of live plants requires authorisation in advance. |
| Prohibited Exports: | You cannot export petrol, diesel, cigarettes or antiques unless you receive authorisation from customs control. |
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders. Ensure the passport has a minimum of 2 blank pages and is valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of return.
THE NEAREST BRUNEI EMBASSY IS IN EGYPT:
23 A Mohamed Mazhar Street,
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: 00 20 2 273 66651
Fax: 00 20 2 27360240
E-mail: suniman.sulaiman@mfa.gov.bn
Please see below information received from the Embassy of Brunei in Egypt :
It would take between a month to 3 months for any visa to be approved, as all the applications would have to be forwarded to the relevant authority in Brunei Darussalam for approval. Please submit applications at the earliest possible time to avoid delays, submit all your personal particulars such as :
1. A copy of passport, which is the expired date not less than 6 months.
2. Proof of your flight (return ticket)
3. Hotel booking
4. Your bank statement as supporting document for a proof of sufficient fund for your journey to Brunei Darussalam.
Do not send your original document until you have secured the visa approval. We will send you Visa Application Form after you had sent me your mail address.
1. The visa fee is US$20.00.
2. Two copies of your passport size photo are required.
3. Fill the visa form completely. It is not advised to send your travel document through courier service. We would suggest you to submit your application through our embassy here in Cairo, Egypt and our address is as follows:
Embassy of Brunei Darussalam
23 A, Mohamed Mazhar Street
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel no: 202-27366651
Fax no: 202-27360240
Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact at above address.
* Please take note that incomplete documentations above would not be entertained and processed
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A &B, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
