Several amendments were made on the conditions for essential travelers who are allowed entry into Brunei, effective Friday, 15 October 2021, announced the ministry of health yesterday.
Any individuals who wish to enter the sultanate are required to perform the RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 (pre-departure swab) not more than 48 hours before leaving for Brunei.
This condition is applicable to everyone; for Brunei citizens and foreign nationals.
Moreover, those who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination of which their second dose has been obtained more than 14 days from the date of entry into the country, will be allowed to shorten the mandatory isolation period in the isolation hotel for a period of between one to seven days, subject to a risk assessment of the country they departed from.
They are required to upload the status and proof of their vaccination inside the Arrival Declaration application system for citizens or permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam or Entry Travel Pass for foreign nationals.
However, this shortening of the isolation period is subject to several factors such as the type of vaccine, a negative RT-PCR swab test for SARS-CoV-2 performed not more than 48 hours prior departure to Brunei and a second RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival in the country.
“It should be noted that the consideration for applications for admissions of foreign nationals into the country at this time is only for essential travel that is of important matter,” it added.
COVID-19 vaccination status and changes in operation hours
Under the National Vaccination Programme, a total of 337,671 individuals have received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which is 74.4 per cent from the total population.
Meanwhile, 219,505 individuals have completed the second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which is 48.4 per cent from the total population.
With the decreasing number of people attending vaccinations at the Indoor Stadium Vaccine Centre, the health ministry has changed the operating hours every Friday, from 2pm to 6pm, effective 15 October 2021. – Nurhana Diah
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
