Southeast Asia
Is Brunei safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Brunei safe?
Very safe, with little crime beyond occasional petty theft. The main things to respect are strict Islamic laws, erratic driving and wildlife.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-05-13.
- Homicide rate: 0.5 per 100,000 people (2013, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 7.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 993 · Ambulance 991 · Fire 995.
- Solo women: Very safe for solo women. Dress modestly, especially in mosques and government buildings; unmarried closeness is illegal if one partner is Muslim.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Strict Syariah laws, some applying to non-Muslims
- Saltwater crocodiles near rivers and some beaches
- Getting lost hiking alone in the rainforest
Laws visitors break by accident
- No alcohol is sold; drinking in public is illegal.
- Eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan fasting hours is illegal.
- Criticising the Sultan or royal family can lead to prosecution.
Safety by place in Brunei
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Bandar Seri Begawan | 5/5 · Very safe |
Quick answers
Is Brunei safe for tourists?
Very safe, with little crime beyond occasional petty theft. The main things to respect are strict Islamic laws, erratic driving and wildlife.
Is Brunei safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for solo women. Dress modestly, especially in mosques and government buildings; unmarried closeness is illegal if one partner is Muslim.
What is the emergency number in Brunei?
Police 993 · Ambulance 991 · Fire 995.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department
- Brunei e-Arrival card portal
- UK FCDO travel advice: Brunei
- Brunei Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Brunei
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.