Malaysia-Singapore Border Reopened - Things to Know Before Travelling
Earlier in 2020, the Government of Malaysia announced Movement Control Orders (MCO) in the light of Covid-19 outbreak across all states that started from 18th March 2020. The Movement Control Order (MCO) or Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Malaysia (PKP) 2020, was effective for 2 years. Finally the government announced relaxations for fully vaccinated people by the end of 2021. However, international travel was not allowed still. In December, the government allowed people to travel internationally via the VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) Land and Air.
Travel between Malaysia and Singapore finally re-opened on 1st April 2022 after 2 years of lockdown due to Covid-19. Now, people can travel by land between the two countries. Your purpose for travel could be work, tourism, etc. All you need to do is follow the guidelines issued by both countries to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey.
Things to Know Before Crossing Malaysia-Singapore Border from Apr 1, 2022
Both Malaysia and Singapore have relaxed travel restrictions and announced that the land borders would open from Apr 1, 2022. You can now cross the border via cars and motorcycles as well. Before taking the Malaysia-Singapore bus, travellers should know the following.
Rules for Entering Malaysia
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- To enter the country, you have to complete a full regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine recognised by WHO.
- Children under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination.
- If you took the Sinovac or Sinopharm covid-19 vaccine, you would be considered fully vaccinated only if you have taken 3 doses.
- Those who took Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna vaccines and are 18 years or older will be considered fully vaccinated if they have taken 2 doses. However, 60 years and above will be considered fully vaccinated only after 3 doses.
- If you are going to Malaysia, download the MySejahtera App on your phone. After downloading, register and activate your account.
- You do not need an entry card to enter Malaysia.
- If your covid-19 vaccination certificate has been issued overseas, you have to verify your digital vaccination certificate on Malaysia's MySafeTravel portal before departing for Malaysia. Once you receive a confirmation, check if your vaccination details reflect in the MySejahtara App. Also, it would help to take a printout of the confirmation.
- Another way to update your vaccination status on the MySejahtara App is to click on the 'Traveller' icon and follow the steps.
- According to Malaysia's MySafeTravel website, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated short-term visitors from Singapore will need a covid-19 travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000.
Rules for Entering Singapore
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- To enter the country, you have to complete a full regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine recognised by WHO. Apart from this, they have to meet the minimum dose interval period set by Singapore at least 2 weeks before arriving.
- If you want your vaccination status in the NIR (National Immunisation Registry) beyond 30 days of temporary status, you can do so depending on the vaccine you have taken. You can find more details about the same on the official government website.
- If you got covid before being vaccinated, you must have received one WHO-approved vaccine dose at least 28 days from the 1st covid infection. You also have to provide proof of your positive diagnosis.
- People who do not have TraceTogether have to download the app. Ensure that your details on the app match the ones on the passport you use to enter the country.
- To enter Singapore, everyone (including Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long term pass holders) has to complete their SG Arrival Card within 3 days of arriving at the checkpoint. This card contains health, trip and personal details. You have to update your digital vaccination certificate for verification while filling out this card.
- You will get the temporary vaccinated certificate for around 30 days after you have completed the SG Arrival Card. The same will reflect in your TraceTogether app.
- It is not required for fully vaccinated short term visitors to Singapore to have travel insurance for covid-19 related treatment and hospitalisation.
For more information, please refer to the official government websites of Singapore and Malaysia.
