Malaysia-Singapore land borders open to fully-vaccinated travellers from 1 April, with no need for quarantine or testing

This will also apply to non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below. Meanwhile, travellers arriving by air will still be required to take a pre-departure test.

In a call between Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 24 March 2022, both ministers acknowledged that Malaysia and Singapore have shown encouraging progress, particularly in the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic management. 

Noting the progress that has been achieved in establishing the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) — both land and air,  the two leaders have agreed to open the land borders between both countries, to fully-vaccinated travellers.

Thus, effective 1 April 2022, Singapore and Malaysia will allow all fully-vaccinated travellers to cross the land border without having to do the following:

1. undergo quarantine on arrival; or
2. undergo COVID-19 testing, including both pre-departure and on-arrival testing.

In addition to the designated vaccinated travel bus services, fully-vaccinated travellers may cross the borders (i.e., Causeway and Second Link) via private vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles. Singapore and Malaysia are also progressively restoring other modes of transport, including cross-border public bus services, Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry shared in a separate release.

These travellers will also no longer be required to apply for entry approval. However, they must have in hand valid travel documents such as their passports and vehicle entry permits before arriving at the checkpoints. Travellers without valid documents will be turned back.

Travellers can also use the Vaccination Check Portal on the SafeTravel website to submit their digital vaccination certificates in advance. All travellers, including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass Holders, must complete their SG Arrival Card within three days before arriving at the checkpoints. Motorists should also ensure that
their vehicles comply with the emissions requirements in Singapore.

The above applies to all categories of travellers coming through all types of land transport, and also applies to non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below entering Singapore. 

As for those travelling by air, travellers will still have to adhere to the following protocol:

1. They are required to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test within two days of departure.
2. They are not required to undergo quarantine or take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

According to PM Ismail, this is in line with Malaysia opening its borders to international travelers starting 1 April 2022, and also marks another important milestone in facilitating cross-border travel with Malaysia's nearest neighbour. He commented: "Today's announcement reflects good relations, multi-faceted cooperation, and strong ties between the two countries. This will definitely contribute to recovery efforts with a positive impact on the economy and well-being of the people of both countries." 

Sharing the same sentiment, PM Lee added: "Today's announcement is a milestone in our transition to life with COVID-19. It reflects the strong cooperation enjoyed by both sides throughout this pandemic and will help both countries emerge stronger from this crisis."

ALSO READ: Malaysia to discontinue MyTravelPass, Langkawi Tourism Bubble, list of high-risk countries & more from 1 April 2022

Image / Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Facebook

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