The Government of Brunei Darussalam has decided to allow foreign nationals to enter into the country for essential travel starting from September 15, 2020. It is the first time Brunei relaxing the COVID-19 travel restrictions on foreign nationals that have been in place for almost five months.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, second minister of finance and economy, has announced in a press release last week that Brunei is entering into the first phase of easing restrictions on entry and exit into the country.

The new travel guidelines are issued and applicable to foreign nationals who are travelling on essential business and official travel, seeking medical treatment or studying in Brunei and emergency situation when they have to visit their relatives who are Brunei citizens or residents.

According to the new travel guidelines, any foreign national permitted to enter into Brunei will also be required to present below documents to airport or border authorities:

1. Valid Entry Travel Pass
2. Valid air ticket
3. Hotel reservation in Brunei
4. Valid visa (for visa-required passport holders)
5. Proof of installation of BruHealth App on mobile
6. Proof of payment for a post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test
7. A negative result slip of COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before the departure

Upon arrival, travelers will be required to self-quarantine at the hotel for 2 to 14 days depending on the self-quarantine notice issued upon arrival and determined by the risk assessment of the Ministry of Health. The travel or sponsoring agency will be required book directly with the hotelier and ensure the safety of such accommodation before arrival.

In regards to Brunei nationals, they are still not allowed to travel abroad unless they have been permitted to travel abroad for emergency or urgent purposes.

Brunei Darussalam has closed its border to foreign nationals along with suspension of international flight operation and banned the issuance of all type of visas including e-visa, on-arrival visa, dependent visas, visitor visa and student visa since March 24, in a bid to limit the spread and importation of the virus.

In regard to COVID-19 transmission in Brunei, the country has reported a total number of 145 confirmed cases which are under treatment and 3 patients have lost their lives due to virus. However, 139 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Monday (Sept 7).