Can Travelers Drink Alcohol In Brunei? [Know Before You Go]

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Can Travelers Drink Alcohol In Brunei?

Travelers can (privately) drink alcohol in Brunei.

Brunei is a “dry country”, meaning alcohol is not sold or served publicly. Islamic law, which Brunei’s penal code mostly aligns with, prohibits alcohol consumption for Muslims. In order for a foreigner to drink in Brunei, they must bring their own alcohol.

In this travel guide, we’ll cover how Brunei’s alcohol laws apply to foreigners.

We’ll explore the process that a foreigner must follow in order to bring alcohol into Brunei, where visitors are and are not allowed to drink, alcohol rules on Royal Brunei Airlines flights, plus Bruneian laws regarding cigarettes and recreational drugs.

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Table of Contents

• Can Travelers Bring Alcohol Into Brunei?

• Where Can Travelers Drink Alcohol In Brunei?

• Alcohol On Royal Brunei Airlines Flights

• Cigarettes And Recreational Drugs

• Conclusion

• Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

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Can Travelers Bring Alcohol Into Brunei?

Foreign travelers above the age of 17 may bring alcohol into Brunei through customs. In order to legally bring alcohol into Brunei, you must declare it on your customs form. Keep the form with you while in the country, in case you’re asked to present it. Follow this process whether you enter via Brunei International Airport, Labuan ferry or overland from Malaysia. The Brunei airport does not sell alcohol.

By law, a single person may enter Brunei with up to:

• Two 2-liter liquor bottles (wine, spirit)

  and

• Twelve cans of beer (330 ml or less)

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Where Can Travelers Drink Alcohol In Brunei?

By law, alcohol can only be stored and consumed in your place of residence. Alcohol brought into Brunei must be for your own personal consumption - distribution isn’t allowed. If you take alcohol outside your room, you’re subject to punishment by law. Many Bruneians are devoutly Muslim, some of whom may be offended by the sight of alcohol. Some hotels, like Empire Brunei, may allow guests to drink in designated areas inside.

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Can You Drink Alcohol On A Royal Brunei Airlines Flight?

No, you can not drink alcohol on any Royal Brunei Airlines flight. Royal Brunei Airlines is the country’s national airline and is 100% government-owned. Just like the law of the land, Islamic law is enforced during Royal Brunei flights. Royal Brunei also serves “halal” food (prepared in accordance with Islamic law).

Foreign travelers are permitted to transport alcohol through their carry-on and/or checked luggage. Any alcohol transported via carry-on must be packaged in its original retail form, contain less than 70% alcohol by volume and stored in a 5-liter (or less) receptacle. For up-to-date information regarding Royal Brunei’s luggage allowance, visit their official website.

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Cigarettes And Recreational Drugs

The sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products is forbidden in Brunei. Smoking is prohibited in most public places in Bandar Seri Begawan (including by shopping malls and bus stations), but may be allowed in some low-traffic or private areas. If you do want to smoke, it’s best to ask your hotel what their rules are.

Recreational drugs are strictly prohibited in Brunei. Any person caught with drugs on them is subject to punishment by law (may include cocaine, cannabis, opium and/or other drugs classified to be illegal).

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Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

When visiting Brunei, it’s important to understand the cultural differences prior to arriving. While these alcohol rules may seem strict to some, they are simple to follow. Take note and employ common sense. To learn more about Brunei, explore our guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

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Best Way To Find A Hotel In Brunei

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