Everything you need to know before crossing the borders into Malaysia:
From 1 April 2022, fully vaccinated travelers from Singapore can cross the borders into Malaysia without the need to do Covid-19 tests or quarantine.
Important Things Before Leaving For Malaysia
Before you leave for Malaysia, here is a list of things you need to take note of.
- Passport
A passport validity of at least 6 months from entry date is needed to enter Malaysia.
If your passport has expired, you may renew it online for $70. From 1 October 2021, the validity period of Singapore passports ha been increased to 10 years instead of the usual 5 years.
However, expect a longer processing time as many Singaporeans are also rushing to renew their passports.
- Ringgit Bills
The current exchange rate at Singapore money changers is about $1 for RM3.10.
While the rates are similar everywhere, there are no guarantee that your favorite money changer in Malaysia is still operating. It is best to exchange your money before you leave Singapore.
- MySejahtera App
The MySejahtera app is Malaysia’s version of our TraceTogether app. The app is used to aid in contact tracing as well as proof of vaccination.
You need to register and activate your account before crossing the border. You may download the app from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
- Transport
Travelers may use the Vaccinated Bus Services, private cars and motorcycles to cross the border. For those who would like to walk across the Causeway, it is permitted too.
As of now, there are still no news on the availability of public bus services. Therefore, private transport may be your best option. Furthermore, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau service will be unavailable at least until May 2022.
- VEP and Touch’n Go
All Singapore vehicles looking to drive into Malaysia is required to obtain a Foreign Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before they are allowed to enter Malaysia. They will also have to pay a Road Charge of RM20 using their Touch’n Go card.
You may want to make sure your Touch’n Go card is still valid and have sufficient balance before crossing the border so you do not end up holding up the traffic.
Note: All Singapore-registered private vehicles will be exempted from paying toll charges and the Road Charge when entering Malaysia from 1 April to 7 April 2022. This is to facilitate a quicker border crossover for vehicles.
- Pump your petrol
As exciting as it is to be able to finally pump Malaysian petrol, do keep in mind that all Singapore vehicles are required to have at a fuel tank of minimum three quarters before leaving Singapore.
Although fuel prices are going up, that should not be an excuse to break the law. A motorist not following the rules can be fined up to $500 or prosecuted in court.
- Covid Testing is Not required
Fully vaccinated travelers crossing thee borders are no longer required to do both pre-departure and on-arrival Covid testing. Children under 12 may travel without needing to show proof of vaccination.
Do note that if you are 60 years and above, you are required to have the third booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. This applies to the following commonly administered vaccinations: Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.
- Travel Insurance is no longer needed
Short term visitors entering Malaysia were required to buy Covid-19 travel insurance. However, in a recent change, from 1 April 2022, all fully vaccinated short-term visitors from Singapore do not need to have COVID-19 travel insurance.
With that being said, you should not neglect your car insurance though. If your current coverage is limited to third-party only, you may want to extend it to third-party fire and theft before crossing the Causeway.
- Masks are still compulsory in Malaysia
Although wearing masks in outdoor settings is now optional in Singapore, that is not the case in Malaysia. It is still compulsory to have your mask on at all times.
- Ramadan
The reopening of the borders clashes with Ramadan, which starts on 3 April and ends on 2 May 2022. During this period, Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk.
As Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, expect certain FnB businesses to be closed during the first half of the day.
- SG Arrival Card
Lastly, you MUST complete the SG Arrival Card within 3 days of arriving back in Singapore. This applies to ALL travelers including local Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and Long-term Pass holders.
You may complete the SG Arrival Card online, or download the official mobile application from the app store.
That completes everything you need to know before crossing the borders into Malaysia.