AGP Executive Report

Visa-Free Travel: Taiwan has extended trial visa-free entry for Brunei citizens through July 31, 2027, keeping the destination accessible for another year. Saudi Entry: Brunei passport holders are among the nationalities eligible to apply for Saudi Arabia’s e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Passport Access: Brunei ranks ninth among 56 Commonwealth passports, behind Singapore and Malaysia, in a ranking based on destinations accessible visa-free, with an electronic authorisation or on arrival.

Brunei Stays: A Brunei-based footballer praised the Empire Hotel’s beach and opulent setting, describing it as a popular place to unwind between matches. Travel Planning: Brunei nationals are eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel to Japan, according to the country’s foreign ministry. Local Rhythm: Brunei is among the countries with a non-standard working week, a useful detail for visitors planning around local schedules.

Travel Planning: A new guide to unusual working weeks includes Brunei, a reminder for visitors to check local schedules when planning errands and bookings. Visa Access: Japan grants Brunei nationals visa-free stays of up to 30 days, according to its foreign ministry. Borneo Tourism: Indonesia is positioning Kalimantan and Nusantara as a growth hub, with ecotourism and wellness among six development priorities and improved road, rail and air links planned. Brunei Stay: A professional footballer’s account of life in the Sultanate singles out the Empire Hotel and its beach as a place to unwind between matches.

Regional Tourism Promotion: Brunei is among 27 countries invited to India’s International Tourism Mart in Tawang on October 29–31, where the Northeast’s nature, culture and adventure offerings will be promoted to overseas travel trade. New Air Link: Shenzhen Airlines began direct round-trip service between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen on September 30, adding travel options and strengthening links with China’s Greater Bay Area.

Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines began direct round-trip service between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen on September 30, adding a link to China’s Greater Bay Area and new options for leisure and business travellers. Regional Tourism: Brunei has been invited to India’s International Tourism Mart in Tawang on October 29–31, where the Northeast’s nature, culture and adventure offerings will be promoted to tour operators and tourism influencers; participation is subject to confirmation.

Tourism Promotion: Brunei is among 27 countries invited to India’s International Tourism Mart in Tawang on October 29–31, offering local travel businesses a chance to explore partnerships and promote the Sultanate. Borneo Tourism: At the Borneo Economic Forum, Indonesia pitched Kalimantan and Nusantara as growth hubs, including plans for ecotourism and wellness tourism and better regional transport links. Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct Brunei–Shenzhen service, launched September 30, adds a link to southern China and the Greater Bay Area for leisure and business travellers. Regional Events: Borneo Jazz returns December 4–5 in Miri, with stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia—an opportunity for cross-border visitors. Onboard Experience: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed Wi-Fi installation across its A320 fleet, giving passengers connectivity on routes including China and India.

New China Link: Shenzhen Airlines began direct round-trip flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen on September 30, giving travellers another connection to China’s Greater Bay Area and supporting leisure and business travel. Better Inflight Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed Wi-Fi installation across its A320 fleet, bringing satellite internet to passengers throughout its Asia-Pacific network. Borneo Jazz: The festival returns to Miri on December 4–5, with stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah and Indonesia—another cross-border cultural draw for visitors to Borneo.

Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines has launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen link, initially running four charter flights a week for three months before shifting to three scheduled services weekly. The route opens connections to other Chinese cities and supports Brunei’s Visit Brunei 2027 target of 900,000 international arrivals. In-flight Experience: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed Wi-Fi installation across its Airbus A320 fleet, giving passengers access to satellite connectivity across the airline’s network, including China and India. Borneo Events: Miri’s Borneo Jazz Festival returns on 4–5 December for its 20th edition, with stronger participation from Brunei and other Borneo communities.

Regional Festivals: Borneo Jazz returns to Miri on December 4–5, with organisers promising stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah and Indonesia. New Air Link: Shenzhen Airlines began Brunei–Shenzhen flights on September 29, initially offering four charter services a week for three months before switching to three scheduled flights weekly. The route supports Brunei’s goal of attracting 900,000 international visitors for Visit Brunei 2027. In-Flight Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES have completed Wi-Fi installations across the airline’s A320 fleet, improving connectivity for passengers across its network. Tourism Outreach: Brunei tour operators and influencers are among those invited to India’s International Tourism Mart in Tawang, October 29–31, showcasing Northeast India’s nature, culture and adventure travel.

China Connections: Shenzhen Airlines has opened a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, initially operating four flights a week on a three-month charter basis before shifting to three scheduled weekly services. Chinese air arrivals to Brunei rose 17.6% in 2025 to 45,858, with 28,657 recorded through August 2026. Airline Experience: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed inflight Wi-Fi installation across its A320 fleet, while its cabin crew won Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew at the 2026 World Travel Awards—the airline’s fifth win since 2020. Borneo Events: The Borneo Jazz Festival returns on 4–5 December in Miri, with stronger participation planned from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia.

New Air Link for Brunei Travelers: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, starting with flights from Sept 29/30 and moving toward scheduled services, aiming to boost China–Brunei tourism and business ties. Tourism Numbers from China: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—with direct connectivity and short-stay access highlighted as key to attracting more visitors. Airline Tech Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity for guests. Regional Events for the Travel Calendar: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec in Miri city centre, while Brunei’s wider travel scene also looks to Visit Brunei 2027. International Tourism Promotion: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang on Oct 29–31, with Brunei among invited countries. Aviation/Status Travel Perk: SAS EuroBonus expands status matches for elite members across major airline groups. Sports Tourism Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Qatar in 2030, with Brunei among the medal-winning nations.

Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct service, with inaugural flights marking a round-trip link to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area; the route is expected to support tourism, business travel and people-to-people ties as Brunei targets stronger Chinese arrivals ahead of Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Growth Signals: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—with officials pointing to direct flights and short-stay visa access as key drivers for more short breaks and holiday packages. Onboard Experience Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity to A320neo operations across the Asia-Pacific. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Travel Deals for Frequent Flyers: SAS EuroBonus expanded its status match offer, letting elite members of many partner airlines match tiers for fees ranging from €39 to €349. Regional Events for Borneo Travelers: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with tickets set to go on sale 3 October.

New Air Link for China–Brunei Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with the inaugural flight on Sept 30 and initial charter operations before moving to scheduled services; officials say it should boost travel, business links, and short-break holidays as China arrivals from the market keep rising. More Connectivity on Royal Brunei Airlines: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless onboard connectivity to more routes. Brunei’s Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Regional Tourism Push: The 14th International Tourism Mart will run Oct 29–31 in Tawang, with tour operators and influencers from 27 countries invited, including Brunei, as the event spotlights North East India’s culture and adventure tourism. Borneo Jazz Festival Returns: Borneo Jazz Festival marks its 20th edition on Dec 4–5 in Miri city centre, with tickets set to go on sale Oct 3.

New Air Link for Visitors: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen service, with an inaugural flight and plans to move from charter operations to scheduled flights—aimed at boosting Brunei–China tourism and short-break travel. Tourism Numbers & Access: Brunei reported rising China air arrivals (about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025), citing improved connectivity and visa-free short stays as key drivers. Regional Travel Tech: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s A320 fleet, expanding reliable connectivity for guests across Asia-Pacific. Borneo Events Calendar: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre (Pullman Miri Waterfront), with stronger participation from Brunei and across Borneo. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Tourism Promotion Abroad: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang from 29–31 October, inviting trade and influencers including Brunei. Sports Tourism Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Doha in 2030, with Brunei among the medal winners. Remembering a Bruneian Connection: Remembrance Day coverage highlighted Julian “Jools” Stott’s service and later community work.

New Air Link for Visitors: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an initial charter phase (four flights weekly) before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost Brunei–China tourism and people-to-people travel ahead of Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Growth Numbers: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—45,858 in 2025 (+17.6% from 2024) and 28,657 as of Aug 2026—citing direct connectivity and short-break access (including visa-free stays for eligible Chinese passport holders). Brunei Airline Service Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity across its Asia-Pacific network. Travel Industry Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Regional Events for Travelers: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec 2026 in Miri city centre (Pullman Miri Waterfront), with tickets on sale 3 Oct. Visa/Travel Policy Watch: Germany published Schengen visa fee-waiver categories for certain family members, while Qatar and Oman outlined a joint tourist visa on arrival for eligible travellers including Brunei citizens.

Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with inaugural flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Shenzhen and plans to grow from charter operations to scheduled services—aimed at boosting tourism, business travel, and people-to-people links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Airline Service Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity to more routes in Asia-Pacific. Tourism Awards: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala, marking its fifth win since 2020. Events in the Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri, with tickets on sale 3 October. Travel Policy Watch: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list covering 37 countries (including Brunei), issued on arrival for 30 days with a possible 30-day extension. Brunei in Sports Spotlight: Brunei athletes featured at the 2026 Asian Games, which officially closed in Japan and head to Doha for 2030.