Brunei Darussalam

Quick Overview

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Population: 423,196
Official language: Malay
Time zone: Brunei Darussalam Time (BNT)
Emergency #: 991
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: Yes
Climate Info

Brunei Darussalam: Travel Health Information

Popular travel destinations in Brunei Darussalam include Ulu Temburang National Park, Kampong Ayer, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Palau Selirong. 

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Brunei may differ from your home country. Brunei has public and private health sectors and they both provide adequate health services. Healthcare professionals are trained outside of the country and many speak English.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals typically require upfront payment in cash, regardless if you have travel health insurance. In the event of a complicated medical emergency, medical evacuation may be required, typically to Singapore or Bangkok, Thailand. You should ensure you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Brunei.

Pharmacies and medications

Brunei imports many pharmaceutical and medical supplies so medications may be temporarily unavailable or in short supply. Specific medications may be unavailable or difficult to find and the country imposes strict laws on controlled substances – drugs that are classified as having a high potential for abuse or addiction, which can include narcotics and psychotropic medications. 

If you are travelling with medication, check with Brunei's embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review Brunei's regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Roads in Brunei are generally in good condition. Road traffic rules may not always be followed so drivers and pedestrians should practice caution. Seat belt laws only apply for drivers and front passengers, but all passengers of a vehicle should wear their seat belts for safety. Motorcycle drivers and their passengers are required to wear a helmet at all times. Driving occurs on the left-hand side of the road.


  • Commonwealth Health Online: Health in Brunei Darussalam.
  • World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Western Pacific. (2009). Road Safety in the Western Pacific Region: call for action. Manila : WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
  • World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory (GHO) data: Brunei Darussalam.
  • World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Western Pacific. (2018). How pharmaceutical systems are organized in Asia and the Pacific. Manila : WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
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