Brunei

Introduction

Hoodlum provides professional local film fixer services in Brunei, ensuring smooth and efficient support for international production teams. With extensive local knowledge and hands-on expertise, our dedicated fixers manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visas to location scouting, crew coordination, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.

Brunei’s diverse locations, from dense rainforests and pristine beaches to grand mosques and traditional stilt villages, offer a unique and visually striking setting for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.

Planning a shoot in Brunei? Let Hoodlum and our expert local fixers handle all the logistics—securing permits, managing visas, arranging equipment rentals, booking flights and accommodation, coordinating local transport, and overseeing post-production—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life.

Country Overview

Located on the island of Borneo, is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its deep-rooted traditions and commitment to environmental conservation, Brunei offers an exceptional filming destination with diverse locations, from dense tropical rainforests and pristine beaches to grand mosques and traditional water villages.

Renowned for its political stability, safety, and well-preserved heritage, Brunei provides an ideal setting for international productions. The country’s unique architecture—featuring golden-domed mosques, intricate palaces, and stilt houses along the waterways—blends seamlessly with its lush, untouched landscapes.

Brunei’s Diverse Filming Locations:

• Rainforests & Wildlife – Untouched tropical jungles teeming with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for nature documentaries and adventure films.
• Water Villages – Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest stilt village, offering a unique cultural and architectural backdrop.
• Grand Mosques & Palaces – Iconic landmarks like the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s largest residential palace.
• Coastal & River Scenes – Serene beaches, mangrove forests, and winding rivers perfect for scenic and atmospheric shots.

With years of experience, Hoodlum Film Fixers provides expert local support for all aspects of your production—including securing permits and visas, location scouting, crew coordination, equipment rental, transportation, and post-production services.

Whether you’re filming in the heart of this regions rainforests, capturing the rich cultural heritage of its water villages, or showcasing the grandeur of its mosques and palaces, Hoodlum Film Fixers ensures a smooth production experience, allowing you to focus on bringing your creative vision to life.

Bordering Countries:

This region located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia and shares a land border only with Malaysia. Specifically, it is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, which surrounds Brunei on three sides. To the north, Brunei has a coastline along the South China Sea.

Main Cities:

• Thimphu – The capital and largest city, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of Bhutan.
• Paro – Home to Bhutan’s only international airport and famous for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
• Punakha – The former capital, known for Punakha Dzong and its scenic valley.
• Phuentsholing – A major commercial hub on the border with India, serving as Bhutan’s main entry point by land.
• Wangdue Phodrang – Known for its dzong and natural landscapes, including forests and rivers.
• Trongsa – A historic town with a significant dzong that played a key role in Bhutan’s unification.
• Bumthang – Considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan, with ancient monasteries and beautiful valleys.

Local Languages:

The local language is Malay, also known as Brunei Malay, which is the official language.

Local Currency:

The local currency is the Brunei dollar (BND), which is pegged to the Singapore dollar.

Best time to film:

The best time to film in Brunei is during the dry season, from January to June and September to November, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. It is not suitable to film in Brunei during the wet season, from July to August and December, when heavy rainfall and high humidity can disrupt outdoor filming.

Visa Requirements

General Requirements
Film crews visiting Brunei must have a valid passport, a visa (obtainable on arrival or in advance), and a permit from the Prime Minister’s Office, Information Department.

Required Documentation
To apply for a visa, film crews typically need to submit:

• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of onward travel
• A letter from the production company stating the purpose and duration of the visit

Processing Time
Visa processing generally takes 3-5 working days. However, it is advisable to apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid delays.

Cost
The cost of a single-entry visa for film crews is approximately BND 20-30 (USD 15-22), though fees may vary depending on visa type and stay duration.

International crew accreditation 

General Accreditation Requirements
International film crews working in Brunei must obtain accreditation from the Brunei Government’s Prime Minister’s Office, Information Department. This process involves submitting various documents, including passports, visas, proof of insurance, and payment of a registration fee.

Required Documentation
To apply for accreditation, international film crews are generally required to submit:

• Passports
• Visas
• Proof of insurance
• Crew and equipment lists
• A detailed shooting schedule
• A letter from the production company introducing the crew and outlining the project

Processing Time
The processing time for international crew accreditation is typically 5-7 working days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks in advance to allow for timely approval.

Cost
The cost for international crew accreditation in Brunei is typically BND 50-100 (USD 37-74) per person, though fees may vary based on the type of accreditation and duration of stay.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organisation
Film permits in Brunei are issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Information Department, which oversees and regulates film productions in the country.

Processing Time
The processing time for a film permit typically takes 2-4 weeks. However, it is advisable to apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance to ensure timely approval.

Required Documentation
Film producers applying for a film permit in Brunei are usually required to submit:

• A detailed shooting script
• A storyboard
• Location plans
• Crew and equipment lists
• Proof of insurance
• A letter of introduction from the production company

Cost
There is no cost for a general film permit in Brunei, as permits are not required for filming in public areas, provided there is no obstruction of traffic.

Private Locations

General Process
In Brunei, a Fixer plays a key role in securing permissions to film at private locations, such as homes, businesses, and estates. This involves negotiating with property owners, obtaining the necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Cost
The cost of filming at a private location in Brunei cannot be determined until the production schedule is provided.

Drone Permitting

Drone Regulations
In Brunei, drone operators must obtain prior approval from both the Brunei Department of Civil Aviation and the Prime Minister’s Office, Information Department. Operators must also comply with restrictions, including avoiding sensitive areas such as mosques, palaces, and military installations.

Drone Importation Regulations
To import drones into Brunei, operators must obtain a permit from the Brunei Department of Civil Aviation and the Royal Customs and Excise Department. There are restrictions on drone types, weights, and intended purposes, as well as compliance with local drone laws.

Issuing Organisation
Drone permits in Brunei are issued by the Brunei Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), which regulates and approves all drone operations in the country.

Required Documentation for Local Drone Permit
To apply for a drone permit, operators must typically submit:

• A completed application form
• Drone specifications
• Proof of liability insurance
• A valid pilot’s license
• A detailed flight plan, including maps and coordinates of the intended flight area

Required Documentation for Drone Importation
To import a drone, applicants must submit:

• A commercial invoice
• A bill of lading
• A customs declaration form
• A permit from the Brunei Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei (AITI)

Processing Time
Drone permit processing in Brunei typically takes 7-14 working days, although this may vary depending on the complexity of the application and approval process.

Cost
The cost of a drone permit in Brunei ranges from BND 100-500 (approximately USD 75-375), depending on the type of permit and the duration of the drone operation.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is it a Carnet Country?
Yes, Brunei is a Carnet country, meaning the use of an ATA Carnet is required for the temporary importation of goods, including filming equipment and drones.

General Process for Carnet Countries
For Carnet countries, the process involves obtaining an ATA Carnet from a national issuing association, listing the goods to be temporarily imported, paying a guarantee or bond, and presenting the Carnet to customs officials upon entry and exit to avoid duties and taxes.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Film crews must typically present the following documents to customs officials upon arrival in Brunei:

• A valid passport
• A visa (if required)
• ATA Carnet
• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A letter of introduction or filming permit issued by the Brunei government

Issuing Organisation for Clearance
Customs clearance in Brunei is issued by the Royal Customs and Excise Department, responsible for regulating the import and export of goods into the country.

Processing Time
Customs clearance in Brunei typically takes 1-3 working days. However, the time may vary based on the complexity of the shipment, accuracy of documentation, and efficiency of the clearance process.

Cost
The cost of customs clearance in Brunei generally ranges from BND 50 to BND 500 (approximately USD 37 to USD 375), depending on the type and value of the goods, as well as the services of a customs broker or agent.

Film Rebates and TAX Incentives

Brunei offers a film rebate program through the Brunei Tourism Board, which provides a rebate of up to 30% of qualifying production expenditures for film and television productions shot in Brunei. 

Safety and Security

General Overview
Brunei is a conservative, Muslim-majority country known for its high standard of living, low crime rate, and efficient process for foreign film productions. English is widely spoken, and the country has a welcoming attitude towards international filmmakers.

Type of Security Required
For film productions in Brunei, it is recommended to hire local security personnel or collaborate with a reputable security company to maintain a discreet security presence, especially when filming in public areas or handling high-value equipment.