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April 15, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo . The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan , is the only major city. Tourist facilities are good and generally available. For more information concerning Brunei , please see the Government of Brunei web site at http://www.brunei.gov .bn.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. passport-holders visiting Brunei for business or pleasure may obtain visas upon arrival for up to 90 days at no charge. There is an airport departure tax. For further information about entry requirements, travelers may consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Brunei, 3520 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel. (202) 342-0159 ( http://www.bruneiembassy.org )
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
SAFETY AND SECURITY INFORMATION : Following the October 2002 and August 2003 terrorist bombings in Indonesia, the Department of State continues to be concerned that extremist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), that have transnational capability to carry out terrorist attacks, may do so in various Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei. JI, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, is known to have cells operating in Southeast Asia and to have connections with al-Qaida, other regional terrorist groups and previous regional terrorist attacks. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists will seek softer targets. These may include, but are not limited to, facilities where Americans and other Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. Americans in Brunei should continue to be vigilant with regard to their personal security, maintain a low profile, vary times and routes during their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to the local police or to the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Officer.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found.
The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling
1-317-472-2328.
CRIME: Though there is some crime, violent crime is rare. Burglaries and theft are on the rise. Americans are reminded to be prudent in their own personal security practices.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via http://www.gpoaccess.gov , or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site, http://travel.state.gov .
MEDICAL FACILITIES: There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, due to unpredictable shortages of materials and uncertain support staff, elective surgeries or complicated care is best obtained in Singapore or elsewhere.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith .
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Brunei is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of public transportation: Good
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Good
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside assistance: Good
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html . For specific information concerning Brunei driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Brunei National Tourist Organization offices in New York via http://www.brunei.gov .bn.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Brunei's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Brunei's air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) at
tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's web site, http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm . The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. 618-229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Brunei customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency restrictions, ivory and alcohol. For non-Muslims, limited amounts of alcohol for personal consumption are permitted. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Brunei in Washington, D.C. for specific information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Brunei's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brunei are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Under the current law, possession of heroin, ecstasy and morphine derivatives of more than 15 grams, Cocaine of more than 30 grams, Cannabis of more than 500 grams, Syabu or methamphetamine of more than 50 grams, or Opium of more than 1.2 kg. carries the death penalty. Possession of lesser amounts can result in a minimum twenty-year jail term and caning.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/U.S. EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Brunei are encouraged to register at the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Brunei and obtain updated information on travel and security within Brunei. The U.S. Embassy is located on the 3rd floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8811, Brunei Darussalam. Mail sent from the United States can be addressed to the Embassy's FPO address: American Embassy, PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP, 96507. The telephone number is (673)(2) 229-670, fax number (673)(2) 225-293 and e-mail address USEmbassy_BSB@state.gov. The Consular section's fax number is (673)(2) 23-5254 and their e-mail address is: ConsularBrunei@state.gov. The Embassy's after-hours number for emergency calls is (673)(8) 730-691.
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This replaces the October 23, 2003, Consular Information Sheet to update sections on Safety and Security Information and Crime.
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