AGP Executive Report

Borneo Cooperation: Malaysia’s investment agency is urging shared value chains and easier cross-border business to strengthen Borneo as an investment hub, with Brunei’s BEDB among the partners invited to advance the initiative. Sarawak Attraction: A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition opens at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027; Brunei is among Sarawak’s major visitor markets. Haze Alert: Indonesian fires have sent smoke across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, raising air-quality concerns for travellers during the regional haze season. Travel Access: Bruneians are eligible for visa-free visits to mainland China for up to 30 days and Hong Kong for up to 90 days; Taiwan’s visa-free arrangement for Brunei citizens runs through July 31, 2027.

Travel Access: Bruneians are among 50 nationalities eligible to enter mainland China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism and other short visits. Taiwan has also extended visa-free entry for Bruneians through July 31, 2027. Regional Haze: Indonesia’s fires have sent smoke across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, renewing concerns about air quality and disruption to travel during the dry season. Sarawak Attractions: A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition is set to open at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027. Sarawak welcomed 3.52 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, with Brunei among its key ASEAN markets.

Regional Travel Conditions: Indonesia’s fires have sent hazardous haze across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, disrupting daily life and raising concerns for visitors. Visa-Free Travel: Bruneians can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and other eligible short stays; Taiwan has also extended visa-free entry for Bruneian citizens through July 31, 2027. Sarawak Attractions: Brunei remains a key visitor market for Sarawak, which plans a six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum from July 2027.

China Travel: Bruneian ordinary passport holders are among 50 nationalities eligible to visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit. Taiwan Access: Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Bruneians through July 31, 2027, offering another year of easier travel. Regional Haze: Indonesian fires have sent hazardous smoke across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, reviving concerns about health and travel disruption as the region’s haze crisis worsens. Sarawak Attractions: A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition is due to open at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027; Brunei is among Sarawak’s major tourism markets.

Regional Travel Conditions: Indonesian fires have sent hazardous haze across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, renewing concerns for visitors’ health and travel plans. Visa-Free Options: Bruneians can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and other eligible short stays; Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Brunei citizens through July 31, 2027. Nearby Getaways: Hong Kong also allows Bruneian visitors to stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Sarawak Tourism: The state recorded 3.52 million arrivals and RM9 billion in tourism receipts from January to September, with Brunei among its major ASEAN visitor markets.

Haze Alert: Indonesian fires have sent hazardous smoke across Southeast Asia, including Brunei. The region’s highest haze alert was activated, raising health concerns for visitors and residents. China Travel: Bruneian ordinary passport holders can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and other short stays. Taiwan Access: Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Bruneians through July 31, 2027. Macao Getaway: Brunei passport holders can enter Macao without a visa for stays of up to 14 days. Malaysia Entry: Qualifying Brunei travelers, including holders of Brunei General Certificate of Identity documents and Frequent Traveller Facility passes, are exempt from Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card requirement.

Visa-Free Travel: Bruneians can visit Taiwan visa-free through July 31, 2027, and Macao for up to 14 days. Hong Kong allows stays of up to 90 days, while Brunei is also among the countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme. Malaysia Entry: Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card exemptions include Brunei General Certificate of Identity holders and Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders. Regional Tourism: Sarawak welcomed 3.52 million visitors from January to September, with Brunei among its leading ASEAN source markets.

Taiwan Travel: Bruneians can continue visiting Taiwan visa-free under an extension running to July 31, 2027. Regional Air Quality: Indonesian fires have driven severe haze across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, raising health concerns for visitors and residents. Macao Entry: Brunei passport holders may visit Macao visa-free for up to 14 days. Hong Kong Access: Bruneians are also eligible for visa-free stays of up to 90 days. Malaysia Border Rules: Some Bruneian travellers are exempt from Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card, including holders of Brunei identity certificates and the Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility. Sarawak Attraction: A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition opens at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027; Brunei is among Sarawak’s major visitor markets.

Regional Travel Conditions: Indonesian wildfires have sent haze across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, with flights grounded in some affected areas of Indonesia and Malaysia. Travelers should check air-quality and airline updates. Visa-free Trips: Bruneians can visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa and Macao for up to 14 days; Brunei is also among the US Visa Waiver Program countries for business or tourism. Nearby Attractions: Sarawak plans a six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum from July 2027. Brunei is among Sarawak’s key visitor markets. Brunei Events: Bandar Seri Begawan is hosting ASEAN meetings on small-business development through Oct. 23, bringing regional officials to the capital.

Visa-free options: Brunei citizens are eligible for visa-free visits of up to 90 days in Hong Kong and up to 14 days in Macao. Brunei is also among the 42 countries in the US Visa Waiver Programme for business and tourism, subject to entry requirements. Sarawak tourism: The state recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals and RM9 billion in tourism receipts from January to September 2026, with Brunei and Indonesia among its main visitor markets. A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition is set to open at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027. Malaysia entry: Some Brunei-linked travellers are exempt from Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card, including holders of Brunei General Certificate of Identity documents and Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility passes.

Border Spending: Malaysian residents spent RM15.8 billion in neighbouring border towns in 2025, with food and drink accounting for 32.7%. The survey includes Brunei among its destinations, offering a useful snapshot of regional travel spending. Malaysia Entry Rules: Bruneians holding a General Certificate of Identity or a Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility are among seven categories exempt from Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card. Sarawak Tourism: The state recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals and RM9 billion in tourism receipts from January to September 2026, with Brunei among its main ASEAN markets. A six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition is planned for Kuching from July 2027. Travel Access: Brunei citizens can visit Macao visa-free for up to 14 days and are included in the US Visa Waiver Programme for business or tourism.

Malaysia Travel Rules: Brunei General Certificate of Identity holders and travellers using the Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility are exempt from Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card; other foreign visitors must submit it within three days before arrival. Regional Attraction: Sarawak plans a six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum from July 2027. Brunei and Indonesia are among Sarawak’s leading visitor markets. Visa-Free Options: Bruneian passport holders can visit Macao for up to 14 days without a visa. Brunei citizens are also among the nationalities eligible to travel to the United States for business or tourism under its Visa Waiver Programme. Brunei–India Links: The countries’ trade committee discussed tourism cooperation, trade fairs and reciprocal business delegations, with the next meeting set to take place in Brunei.

Digital Travel: South-east Asia’s digital economy is forecast to grow 17% to US$368 billion in 2026, with online travel among the sectors showing strong growth. Regional Attractions: Sarawak will host a six-month Egyptian mummies exhibition from July 2027; Brunei and Indonesia are among its major visitor markets. Visa Access: Bruneian citizens can visit Macao visa-free for up to 14 days, and Brunei is among the 42 countries in the US Visa Waiver Programme for business and tourism travel. Brunei–India Ties: The countries discussed tourism cooperation, trade fairs and reciprocal business delegations at their latest Joint Trade Committee meeting. Tourism Investment: Labuan’s new investment subsidiary CEO says tourism and the blue economy are among its initial priorities.

Sarawak Attraction: A six-month “Egyptian Mummies” exhibition opens at Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum in July 2027, adding a major draw for regional visitors. Sarawak recorded 3.52 million arrivals through September, with Brunei among its key visitor markets. Bruneian Travel Access: Brunei citizens can visit Macao visa-free for up to 14 days; Bruneians are also among 42 nationalities eligible to travel to the US for business or tourism without a visa in advance. Brunei–India Tourism Links: At their latest trade committee meeting, India and Brunei discussed tourism cooperation, trade fairs and reciprocal business delegations; the next meeting will be held in Brunei. Jeddah Flights: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its 13 October Brunei–Jeddah services after assessing the security situation, advising passengers and Umrah pilgrims to check flight updates.

Brunei Travel Access: Bruneian citizens can visit Macao visa-free for up to 14 days. They are also among the 42 nationalities eligible to travel to the United States for business or tourism without a visa in advance. Flight Updates: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its Oct. 13 Brunei–Jeddah flights after assessing security risks in Saudi Arabia; other Saudi routes remained under review. Tourism Cooperation: India and Brunei discussed tourism, trade fairs and business delegations at their latest joint trade meeting, with the next meeting set to take place in Brunei. Passport Mobility: Brunei ranked second in a comparison of 21 OPEC+ passports, based on access to destinations visa-free or through electronic authorisation or visa on arrival.

US Travel Access: Brunei citizens are among 42 nationalities eligible to visit the United States for business or tourism without applying for a visa in advance. Regional Visa-Free Travel: Macao allows Bruneian passport holders to stay up to 14 days without a visa, while Taiwan has extended its trial visa-free entry for Bruneians through July 31, 2027. Brunei–India Tourism Links: India and Brunei discussed tourism, trade fairs and reciprocal business visits, with their next Joint Trade Committee meeting set to take place in Brunei. Flight Updates: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its October 13 Jeddah flights after a security review; passengers were advised to check the airline’s updates and flight status.