As with all foreign countries Brunei have strict regulations about importing animals into the country. It is wise to ensure that you meet all the requirements before attempting to take an animal into the country.

Although it is not a formal requirement it is always advisable to have your pet micro chipped which can make it easier to trace if your pet gets lost and will make the process easier if you decide to return home again. To take a pet over the age of three months into the country it is essential that you have a rabies certificate, this must be an original certificate and the animal must have been vaccinated at least 60 days before you depart but not more than 365 days before your departure.

Within 10 days of your flight into the country you will need to get a standard healthcare certificate – in the US this is a Vet Health Certificate form 7001 and in the UK it is the pet passport (PETS). This certificate has to be signed by a qualified vet.

If you are travelling in from the United States all of this information has to be sent to the local government vet to be stamped and the certificate must contain the owners name and address, a full description of the animal including breed, date of birth, sex, size, colour and any features that are unusual and will help to identify the animal. It must also state clearly the country of origin and any transit points. There must also be a statement saying that the animal was examined within 10 days of departure and was showing no signs of any clinical problem at the time.

All animals will be quarantined for 180 days unless they are brought into the country from Australia, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore or the United Kingdom.

In order to import a pet (dog, cat or bird) into Brunei it is also necessary to apply for an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. These requirements are to stop the importation of diseases into Brunei as well as controlling the movements of animals into the country. Importation must be declared at the point of entry and accompanied by the relevant documentation otherwise the pet will not be allowed into the country and will be returned to the country of origin. Should your pet need to be placed in quarantine this is free at present although the owner is responsible for feeding and cleaning their pet.