Ruth Haines
If you're wondering whether you can leave Brunei International Airport during a layover, the answer is yes. The airport is only 15 minutes away from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which is easily accessible by public transport or the ride-booking app, Dart. The city itself is not crowded with tourists, and locals are friendly, so you'll have a great time exploring the local sights and sounds. If you're looking for a quick workout, there are several gyms and crossfit boxes near the airport, including Hybrid Movement and Reebok Crossfit 673. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, there are also health and wellness spas just 15 minutes away from the airport, such as Zen Spa and Thann Sanctuary. However, do note that there are separate treatment rooms for men and women, so be sure to inquire about available treatments before your visit. Before leaving the airport, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, such as proof of medical insurance, and that you have completed the required forms, such as the E-Arrival Card and Health Declaration Form.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving Brunei airport during transit | Allowed, but travellers must check and fulfil Brunei Darussalam's entry and exit requirements. |
| Transit duration | Not more than 24 hours. |
| Visa requirements | Not required for some nationalities. However, some nationalities may receive a visa on arrival. |
| Medical insurance | Required. Failure to provide proof of medical insurance will limit the visa validity to two weeks. Exemptions are given to those transiting for up to 72 hours with an onward ticket. |
| E-Arrival Card | Not required for transit passengers. |
| Health Declaration Form | Required within three days before arrival in Brunei. |
| Transportation options from the airport | Taxi or bus. |
| Attractions near the airport | Royal Brunei Recreation Club, Zen Spa, Thann Sanctuary, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Gadong Night Market, and Kianggeh Market. |
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What You'll Learn
Brunei transit requirements
As of October 2022, travellers were allowed to transfer through Brunei International Airport (BIA). However, it is the traveller's responsibility to check and fulfil Brunei Darussalam's entry and exit requirements. This includes completing a Health Declaration Form within three days of arriving in Brunei.
If you intend to leave the airport and enter Brunei, you must clear immigration upon arrival at BIA and check in again for your onward flight. It is important to note that some sources advise against making bookings that require a transit through BIA.
If you are transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you do not need immigration clearance, but your duration of transit must not exceed 24 hours. You must also check in for all your flights at the original departure point and have baggage checked through.
When entering Brunei, you will need to show proof of medical insurance at immigration control posts. Failure to do so will limit your visa to a validity of two weeks. Exemptions are given to those transiting for up to 72 hours with an onward ticket.
If you are an Australian citizen, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival in Brunei. However, it is recommended to bring cash, as it is commonly used in the country.
If you have a long layover in Brunei, there are several things to do and see near the airport. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located 8 km from BIA and is easily accessible by public transport. You can get there by taxi or bus. The Zen Spa and Thann Sanctuary are about a 15-minute drive from the airport if you want to unwind and destress before your next flight.
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Visa and paperwork
If you're transiting in Brunei, you will not be required to complete an E-Arrival Card. However, you must complete a Health Declaration Form within three days of arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea. This is in response to the global spread of Mpox.
You must also hold medical insurance throughout the validity of your visa. Failure to show proof of medical insurance will limit your visa to a validity of two weeks. Exemptions are given to those transiting Brunei for up to 72 hours and holding an onward ticket.
If you wish to cross Brunei's land or sea borders, you must apply online through the Exit and Entry System (EES). There is a service fee of BND 3.00. Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rules inconsistently, and travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources. It is the traveller's responsibility to check and fulfil Brunei Darussalam’s entry and exit requirements if they intend to leave the airport and clear immigration.
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Transport options
If you're transiting in Brunei and want to leave the airport, you can do so by obtaining a transit pass, which is issued for all countries and is valid for up to 72 hours. However, you must have an assurance ticket for travelling to another destination and a sponsorship letter or guarantor from the airline.
Once you have your transit pass, you can explore the nearby capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, located just 8 km from Brunei International Airport. Here are some transport options to get you there:
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most convenient and timely option. Taxis are readily available outside the passenger terminal and at the taxi stand in the arrivals hall. The typical fare is around €23 (BND 34), and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
- Bus: For a more affordable option, you can take the local bus, known as the Franchise Bus. This journey usually takes around 30 minutes, and the fare is approximately €0.70 (BND 1). Routes 23, 24, 34, 36, and 38 serve the airport and depart every 30 minutes. However, buses only operate between 6:00 and 20:00, and you'll need to pay in cash.
- Dart: If you prefer a ride-booking option, you can download Brunei's very own Dart app, similar to Uber or Grab (which are not available in Brunei). Dart offers competitive pricing and the convenience of booking through the app.
In addition to these options, you can also consider renting a car or even taking a water taxi if you want to explore beyond the capital. Car rental prices range from BND60 to BND100 per day, while water taxi rides typically cost between BND2 and BND5.
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Things to do
If you're looking to make the most of your time in Brunei during a long layover, there are several things you can do and see. Here's a list of suggestions to help you make the most of your time:
Explore the Capital, Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a short 15-minute drive from the airport. Known for its friendly locals and walkable attractions, it's a great place to explore during your layover. The city offers a range of popular tourist attractions, including the magnificent mosque, a symbol of modern Islamic architecture with its golden domes and artificial lagoon. You can also visit the residence of the current Sultan of Brunei, with its majestic gold dome and vaulted roofs.
Experience Local Culture at Kianggeh Market
Take a bus, Dart, or taxi to the historic Kianggeh Market, one of the oldest markets in the country. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with friendly locals, sample traditional food, and even pick up some unique souvenirs.
Relax and Unwind at Health and Wellness Spas
If you're looking to unwind and relax before your next flight, Brunei offers a range of affordable health and wellness spas. You can treat yourself to a deep tissue or Thai massage at places like Zen Spa or Thann Sanctuary, located just 15 minutes from the airport.
Stay Active at Local Gyms and Swimming Pools
For those who want to stay active during their layover, there are several options near the airport. You can head to the Royal Brunei Recreation Club, just 5 minutes away, for a quick swim and workout. There are also crossfit gyms nearby, such as Hybrid Movement and Reebok Crossfit 673.
Join a Transit Tour
Royal Brunei Airlines offers transit tours ranging from 2 to 7 hours. These tours, including City, Bandar Splendour, Brunei by Night, and Kampong Ayer, provide a hassle-free way to explore the best of Brunei during your layover.
Remember to check the latest entry and exit requirements for Brunei, and ensure you have all the necessary documentation, such as proof of medical insurance and, if required, a visa.
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Local laws
If you are transiting in Brunei, there are several local laws that you should be aware of. Firstly, it is important to note that Brunei's Sharia (Syariah) Penal Code applies to both residents and foreigners, even when transiting on Brunei-registered aircraft and vessels. Under this code, non-Muslims may be arrested for being in close proximity with a Muslim of the opposite sex, an offence known as khalwat. Common law and courts operate in parallel with the Sharia Penal Code.
Some drug offences in Brunei carry a mandatory death penalty, while other penalties include lengthy prison sentences and physical punishment. It is important to be aware of these strict laws and to comply with them during your time in the country, even if you are just transiting.
Additionally, you must provide proof of medical insurance when entering Brunei, including during transit. Failure to do so will limit your visa validity to two weeks. However, exemptions are given to those transiting for up to 72 hours with an onward ticket. It is recommended to purchase insurance before your trip to ensure smooth entry into the country.
If you wish to cross Brunei's land or sea borders, you must apply online through the Exit and Entry System (EES) and pay a service fee of $BND 3.00. It is also important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date, as some countries will not allow entry otherwise, even for transit passengers.
When entering or departing Brunei, you are required to complete an E-Arrival Card online. However, this requirement is waived if you are only transiting. Additionally, due to the global spread of Mpox, you must complete a Health Declaration Form within three days before arriving in Brunei by air, land, or sea.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, travellers are allowed to leave Brunei International Airport during a layover. However, it is the traveller's responsibility to check and fulfil Brunei Darussalam's entry and exit requirements.
The two main transport options for travelling from Brunei Airport to the city centre are by taxi or by bus. A taxi is the most convenient and timely option, taking around 15 minutes and costing around €23 (BND 34). The bus is a cheaper alternative, with a one-way ticket costing €0.70 (BND 1) and the journey taking 30 minutes.
Travellers must provide proof of medical insurance when entering Brunei. Failure to do so will limit your visa to a validity of two weeks. Exemptions are given to those transiting for up to 72 hours with an onward ticket. Additionally, travellers are required to complete a Health Declaration Form within three days of arriving in Brunei.
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is located 8km from the airport and is easily accessible by public transport. The city is home to grand mosques, such as Omar Ali Saifuddien, and the Gadong Night Market. The Brunei International Airport website also mentions various short tours that travellers can participate in during their layover.
The Brunei Airport is relatively small, and 1 hour and 45 minutes should be plenty of time for an international layover.
