Reading Time: 6 minutes

Brunei outbound tourism is experiencing significant growth, with more citizens traveling abroad each year. This trend is driven by the country’s high per capita income and a strong interest in cultural exploration, luxury shopping, and unique experiences. Bruneian passport holders can travel visa-free to 166 countries, including popular destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, Australia, and Japan. The ease of travel, facilitated by visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements and the connectivity provided by Royal Brunei Airlines, makes international travel attractive and accessible. This growing trend highlights the increasing interest among Bruneians in seeking diverse and enriching travel experiences.

Brunei’s economy heavily relies on its extensive petroleum and natural gas reserves. While these resources have provided Brunei with one of the highest per capita incomes in Asia, they have also made the nation dependent on a single commodity, which is vulnerable to market fluctuations. Furthermore, Brunei imports nearly all of its manufactured goods and most of its food. To enhance economic stability, the government has been working since the late 20th century to diversify the economy by developing other sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and financial services.

Brunei passport highly 19th ranks on the Henley Passport Index, showcasing strong global mobility. It allows Bruneian citizens to travel easily to numerous countries, including popular 166 destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, the UK, and Australia, without needing a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. This ease of travel stems from Brunei’s diplomatic relations and agreements, which enhance international travel opportunities for its residents. Consequently, Brunei’s outbound tourism is thriving, supported by the nation’s high per capita income. As global travel patterns continue to change, the strength of Brunei’s passport is likely to persist, providing extensive opportunities for international travel and cultural exchange.

Visa-Free Countries

• Albania
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Cayman Islands
• China
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• eSwatini
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao (SAR China)
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mayotte
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Myanmar
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Norway
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Reunion
• Romania
• Russian Federation
• Rwanda
• San Marino
• Senegal
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• The Gambia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Vietnam

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Bahrain
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Guinea-Bissau
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Palau Islands
• Qatar
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• St. Helena
• Tajikistan
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• United Arab Emirates
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• American Samoa
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• Puerto Rico
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• United States
• US Virgin Islands

Strength of the Brunei Passport in the Travel Industry

The Brunei passport is ranked 19th globally on the Henley Passport Index 2024, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 166 destinations. This high ranking highlights the passport’s effectiveness in facilitating international travel, providing significant convenience and freedom for Bruneian citizens. It enhances opportunities in tourism, business, and cultural exchange, underscoring the value of the Brunei passport in the global travel industry. Additionally, this ease of access reflects Brunei’s strong diplomatic relations with other countries.

Booming Travel Bookings and New Visa Policies

Brunei has seen a significant increase in travel bookings in 2024, with a 25% rise compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to new visa policies, including streamlined processes and expanded visa-free access to additional countries. These changes have encouraged more Bruneians to travel internationally and attracted a greater number of tourists to Brunei. The country’s tourism sector is responding by enhancing infrastructure and services to accommodate the growing number of visitors, reflecting a global trend towards increased mobility and exploration.

Economic impact of Brunei Travel & Tourism market growth

By 2024, Brunei Travel & Tourism market is projected to reach US$46.96 million, with a growth rate of 3.69% annually, leading to US$56.29 million by 2029. The Hotels segment, the largest in this market, is expected to generate US$19.50 million in 2024 and grow to 132.70 thousand users by 2029, with user penetration increasing from 33.0% to 40.9%. Online sales are projected to account for 65% of total revenue by 2029. The average revenue per user is anticipated to be US$312.00. The United States is expected to lead globally, with US$214 billion in revenue in 2024. Brunei’s tourism is notably eco-focused, prioritizing natural beauty preservation.

Popular countries Visited By Bruneian citizens

Bruneian citizens frequently travel to neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. These destinations are popular due to their cultural similarities, close proximity, and diverse attractions. Additionally, the United Kingdom and Australia are also common travel destinations for Bruneians, often for educational, business, and familial reasons. The strong ranking of the Brunei passport facilitates easy access to these and other international destinations, making travel more convenient and appealing for Bruneian citizens.

• Malaysia: Malaysia is celebrated for its vibrant cities, diverse rainforests, and beautiful beaches. It offers a mix of cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and historical sites, making it a popular destination for Bruneian travelers.
• Singapore: Known as a global financial hub, Singapore boasts a clean, modern skyline and rich cultural diversity. It’s a favorite among Bruneians for its shopping, dining, and leisure activities, supported by efficient public transport and numerous attractions.
• Thailand: Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, temples, and lively markets. It attracts Bruneians with its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering affordable vacations and culinary experiences.
• Indonesia: Indonesia, with its varied landscapes and cultures, includes popular destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. Known for beaches, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife, it appeals to Bruneians seeking relaxation and adventure.

Most visited Tourist places By Brunei Traveller’s

• Petronas Twin Towers: Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, these iconic twin skyscrapers are a symbol of modern architecture and a major tourist attraction, offering stunning views from their skybridge and observation deck.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens: This UNESCO World Heritage site in Singapore features a lush tropical landscape, including the National Orchid Garden and numerous plant species, providing a serene retreat in the city.
• Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun): Situated in Bangkok, Thailand, Wat Arun is a stunning riverside temple known for its intricate design and towering spire, offering picturesque views, especially at sunset.
• Waterbom Bali (Indonesia): Located in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, Waterbom Bali is a renowned water park celebrated for its exciting water slides, beautifully landscaped gardens, and family-friendly attractions, making it a top spot for fun and relaxation.

Main Airport In Brunei

Brunei International Airport: Situated near Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei International Airport is the country’s main international gateway. It serves as the primary hub for Royal Brunei Airlines and offers modern facilities, including passenger terminals, duty-free shopping, and dining options. The airport connects Brunei with various destinations across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, playing a crucial role in supporting the nation’s tourism and business travel sectors.

Major Airlines Operating from Brunei

• Royal Brunei Airlines: The national carrier of Brunei, Royal Brunei Airlines serves various destinations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Known for its excellent service, it caters to both leisure and business travelers.
• Singapore Airlines: Renowned for its outstanding service, Singapore Airlines offers extensive global connections from Brunei, ensuring a comfortable and reliable travel experience.
• Malaysia Airlines: As Malaysia’s national airline, it provides regular flights between Brunei and numerous international destinations, particularly within Southeast Asia, noted for its warm hospitality.
• AirAsia: A well-known low-cost carrier, AirAsia offers affordable flights from Brunei to many Asian destinations, popular among budget travelers.

Cruise Ports in Brunei

Port of Muara: Situated at the entrance of Brunei Bay, north of Sarawak, the Port of Muara is Brunei’s largest port, in operation since 1973. It handles diverse cargo types, including raw materials, cement, containers, and vehicles, with an annual throughput of about 1,100,000 tonnes and 27,000 TEUs. The port features a cruise terminal with amenities like a lounge, food court, and shops, as well as extensive storage facilities, including the Muara Export zone and long-term warehouses.

Port Bandar Seri Begawan: The capital city of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the country’s main administrative and commercial hub. Originally an agricultural town and inland port, it was rebuilt after World War II and now hosts a population of over 1.5 million. The city’s economy includes manufacturing and agriculture, with exports like furniture, textiles, and crafts. It is also a growing tourist destination, known for the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, museums, and traditional markets such as Pasar Malam.

Conclusion

Brunei’s outbound tourism has significantly increased, driven by rising affluence, improved visa policies, and greater global mobility. Popular destinations for Bruneian travelers include Southeast Asian countries and various international locations, reflecting their growing interest in diverse cultures and experiences. This trend showcases Brunei’s expanding role in the global travel scene, bolstered by a strong passport and enhanced travel convenience. The surge in outbound tourism highlights Brunei’s integration into the global tourism network and its citizens’ increasing engagement with the world.