Brunei
Last update 13 September 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 2: Increased attention (please be informed in detail about the current situation in the country)
2
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Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria does not have a diplomatic mission in Brunei Darussalam, but the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Indonesia is also accredited to Brunei Darussalam.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Indonesia
Address: Jakarta 10310, 34-36, Jalan Imam Bonjol
Telephone: +62 21 390 40 48; +62 21 391 31 30
Telephone/fax: +62 21 390 40 49
Mobile phone number for contacting the diplomatic mission in case of need, outside working hours and on weekends and holidays: +62 811932200
Consular Office
Opening hours by a preliminary scheduled appointment – Monday to Friday.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/indonesia
General information
Security level:
Generally good level of security. Particular attention should be paid to observing local traditions and norms in public places — dress, behaviour in public and prohibition of the consumption of alcohol.
Healthcare:
Healthcare standards in Brunei are on a relatively good level. There are two significant medical centres — the Government General Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan and the privately owned Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). Should more severe diseases or complications arise, medical evacuation to Singapore may be necessary, for which it is advisable to have insurance that covers the relative costs. There are cases of dengue and malaria in Brunei, for which it is recommended to take preventive medication.
It is recommended to drink only bottled water.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following Regional Health Inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Specifics of the local legislation and norms:
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, foreign tourists should refrain from eating and smoking in public places throughout the day until sunset, until sunset, according to the tradition. Consuming food, drinks or tobacco products during the fasting hours of the day during the holy month is considered a crime. The penalty can be a fine of up to BND 4000 and/or imprisonment for up to 1 year.
Drug trafficking and import are punishable by death.
On 22 October 2013 a new Sharia Penal Code was adopted in the country. Since the beginning of May this year Brunei Darussalam begins implementation of the new Code in phrases. Severe corporal punishments, including death, are envisaged for various offences, and in some cases the Code will also be applicable to non-Muslims.
Adultery (involving a Muslim) and the display of intimacy between the sexes in public places are considered crimes and can be punished with a fine, imprisonment or both. Corporal punishment may also be applied in some circumstances.
Brunei Darussalam is an absolute monarchy and insults and criticism of the Sultan, even in private conversations, should be definitely avoided. It is advisable to avoid, in conversations with the local population, political topics and comments on world events, especially related to Islam and Islamic countries.
The sale and consumption of alcohol is banned throughout the country. Smoking is heavily restricted in public places.
Customs requirements:
Non-Muslim foreigners over 17 years of age are allowed to bring in up to 2 litres of alcohol (regardless of wine or hard liquor) and up to 12 cans of beer per 48-hour stay. A customs authorisation should be obtained for the said import of alcohol. Failure to comply with this prohibition shall also be punishable by imprisonment.
You may export from Brunei unlimited amounts of local or foreign currency. There are also no restrictions for different types of goods.
Road traffic:
The traffic of vehicles in Brunei is in the left lane of the roadway.
Local currency:
The local currency is Brunei Dollar (B$).
Climate:
The climate is tropical. There are no seasons in the true sense of the word. Only dry and rainy periods alternate. The humidity of the air is between 80 and 100 percent.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens can visit the country without a visa, with an authorized stay of up to 90 days.
A visa is required in the following cases:
1. when the stay exceeds 90days;
2. for business trips:
- it is issued for investment intentions or business activities in Brunei;
- a company registered in Brunei may apply for the visa on behalf of the applicant;
- the application should be submitted to the Visa and Diplomatic Section, Department of Immigration and National Registration, Brunei Darussalam;
- depending on the written statement, the applicant should contact the nearest Embassy of Brunei in order to have a visa sticker affixed to the passport.
Timelines:
The application processing time is as follows:
- 3 working days for applications submitted to the Department of Immigration and National Registration and Kuala Belait branch office;
- 5 working days for applications submitted to the Temburong branch office.
For some applications, the decision period may be extended.
Documents required:
The following documents should be attached to the application:
- A letter of intent and documents from the guarantor/company in Brunei in support of the application;
- A letter of support from the Government of Brunei or the relevant registered company;
- Any other documents in support of the application.
3. for professional visits
- this type of visa is issued for work or expertise on a specific project approved by Brunei.
- a public agency or a company registered in Brunei can submit the visa application on behalf of the applicant.
- the application should be submitted to the Visa and Diplomatic Section, Department of Immigration and National Registration, Brunei Darussalam.
- depending on the written statement, the applicant should contact the nearest Embassy of Brunei to have a visa sticker affixed to the passport.
Timelines:
The application processing time is as follows:
- 3 working days for applications submitted to the Department of Immigration and National Registration and Kuala Belait branch office;
- 5 working days for applications submitted to the Temburong branch office.
For some applications, the decision period may be extended.
The following documents should be attached to the application:
- A letter of intent and documents from the guarantor/company in Brunei in support of the application;
- A letter of support from the Government of Brunei or the relevant registered company;
- Any other documents in support of the application.
Practical advice
Competitive service
In case of need for consular services, Bulgarian citizens in Brunei Darussalam may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia.
European Emergency Travel Document:
In cases of loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can seek assistance and request the issuance of an Emergency Travel Document with a validity of up to 1 year, from a diplomatic mission of a Member State of the European Union in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.