Brunei customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Brunei's customs regime is shaped by Syariah law: alcohol and tobacco are heavily restricted, and narcotics carry a zero-tolerance policy with the death penalty possible for trafficking. The real risk for arriving passengers is not the duty-free allowance but strict declaration enforcement and severe penalties for smuggling.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
Non-Muslims aged 18+ may bring 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV OR 2 litres of wine/beer for personal consumption only. Must be declared at customs. Public consumption is prohibited.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / — g
Cash to declare
$15,000
BND 15,000 (approx. USD 11,000) or equivalent in cash or bearer negotiable instruments. Declare using the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$750
Duty-free allowance for personal goods/gifts up to BND 1,000 (approx. USD 750). Above that, duty is charged at varying rates (e.g., 5%–30% depending on item).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, heroin) — zero tolerance, death penalty possible
  • Firearms and ammunition (without special permit)
  • Firecrackers and fireworks
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Alcohol and tobacco (within allowance, must declare)
  • Medicines (prescription required, some controlled drugs need approval)
  • Plants and live animals (require import permit)
  • Drones (may require permit from authorities)
  • Satellite phones (require license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (available on the plane or at the airport). Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare (including alcohol/tobacco within the allowance) or the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare. Officers may still inspect bags randomly.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for own use are allowed with a doctor's prescription and should be declared. Controlled drugs (e.g., morphine, codeine, some psychotropics) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Narcotics are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from certain countries may be restricted due to biosecurity. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed but subject to inspection.

Rules worth knowing

Syariah Law and Alcohol

Non-Muslims may bring in the small alcohol allowance, but consumption in public is prohibited. Muslims are not allowed to import or consume alcohol at all.

Tobacco Restrictions

All tobacco products must be declared. The allowance is strictly enforced; excess is confiscated and duty charged. Smoking is banned in most public places.

Cash Declaration

If you carry BND 15,000 (approx. USD 11,000) or more in cash or bearer negotiable instruments, you must declare it. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and fines.

Medication Approval

Some common over-the-counter medicines (e.g., those containing codeine) are controlled. Check with Brunei's Ministry of Health before travel if you carry such medication.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, non-Muslims aged 18+ may bring up to 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 litres of wine/beer for personal consumption. It must be declared at customs. Drinking in public is not allowed.
You must declare the excess and pay duty. The duty rate for cigarettes is BND 0.25 per stick plus 5% ad valorem. If you fail to declare, you may face fines or prosecution.
Yes, you should declare all personal medications. Bring a copy of your prescription. Some drugs (e.g., those containing narcotics) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
No, Brunei does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. There is no sales tax or GST on most goods, so no refund is available.
Yes, but all food items must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy may be restricted. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed but subject to inspection.
Brunei has a zero-tolerance policy on narcotics. Trafficking can result in the death penalty. Possession for personal use can lead to long prison sentences and caning.
Yes, drones may require a permit from the Department of Civil Aviation. It is best to check with the authorities before bringing one.

Official source

Royal Customs and Excise Department, Brunei Darussalam

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Royal Customs and Excise Department, Brunei Darussalam before travelling.