Health & Fitness

As countries around the world have continued to live with COVID-19 in the new norm of life, Brunei Darussalam is also no exception. Following the peak of the fourth wave of infection, Brunei at the time of writing has come to near full de-escalation of all measures against COVID-19 due to the country’s high vaccination rate.

As of March 19, 2023, the vaccination rate for those who have received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was 79.1 per cent, while 12 per cent have received the fourth dose.

The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam announced that effective September 15, 2022, Brunei Darussalam does not impose vaccination requirement for inbound travel into or outboard travel from the country. Travellers are also not required to complete a declaration form before departure to Brunei Darussalam and non-fully vaccinated travellers are not required to undergo post arrival COVID-19 tests.

As of December 1, 2022, Brunei Darussalam no longer requires travellers to obtain medical insurance. However, during a press conference on November 29, 2022 which announced the end of this requirement, travellers were encouraged to obtain travel insurance coverage for peace of mind, as it may help cover medical or treatment cost from unexpected incidents while overseas.

Citizens travelling overseas are advised to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of their travel details via the MFA e-Register on the ministry’s website. This will enable the MFA to identify Brunei citizens who are overseas in the event of an emergency in another country.

Using a mask indoors or outdoors is optional, but it is mandatory for individuals with symptoms who are leaving their house. Individuals in health facilities – either government or private facilities – and food handlers are also required to wear a mask.

Antigen rapid tests (ART) in school and educational institutions as well as training institutions under the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports are streamlined to standard operating procedures (SOPs). ART surveillance for Civil Service is no longer required, but ART is still needed for symptomatic individuals or if required by school such as prior to sitting for an examination.