Brunei customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Brunei enforces strict Islamic laws, including a total ban on alcohol importation for all travellers and severe penalties for drug offences, with the death penalty applicable for trafficking. In 2026, the duty-free allowance for personal goods is BND 250 (approx. USD 185), and cash amounts over BND 15,000 (approx. USD 11,000) must be declared. Tobacco allowances are 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco, with a minimum age of 18.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol import is completely prohibited for all travellers, including non-Muslims. No duty-free allowance exists; any alcohol found will be confiscated.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$11,000
Cash or monetary instruments exceeding BND 15,000 (approx. USD 11,000) must be declared on arrival using the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$185
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is BND 250 (approx. USD 185) per person. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and 5% GST.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (death penalty for trafficking)
  • Alcoholic beverages of any kind
  • Pork and pork products
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including replicas)
  • Pornographic materials and obscene publications
  • Goods bearing counterfeit trademarks or pirated copyright works

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (requires prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Live plants, seeds, and animals (requires an import permit from the Department of Agriculture)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (requires a permit from the Department of Civil Aviation)
  • Satellite phones and telecommunications equipment (requires approval from the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry)
  • Religious materials (may be subject to review by the Ministry of Religious Affairs)

Rules worth knowing

Strict Drug Laws

Brunei has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Possession of even small amounts can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Do not carry any drug residue in luggage.

Alcohol Ban Enforced

Importing alcohol is illegal for all travellers. Non-Muslims may consume alcohol in licensed venues only, but cannot bring it into the country.

Duty-Free Limit in Local Currency

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is BND 250 (approx. USD 185) per person. This applies to new or high-value items; anything above is dutiable.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Any traveller carrying BND 15,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency) must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

No. Alcohol import is completely prohibited for all travellers, regardless of religion or nationality. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.
You may bring up to 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco duty-free. You must be 18 or older.
Personal goods and gifts up to BND 250 (approx. USD 185) are duty-free per person. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and 5% GST.
Yes. If you are carrying BND 15,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. The threshold is about USD 11,000.
Yes, but only for personal use and in quantities consistent with a reasonable course of treatment. Medications containing controlled substances require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's prescription.
Drones require a permit from the Department of Civil Aviation. Bringing one without approval can result in confiscation and fines.

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.