Singapore, Malaysia to start quarantine-free land travel for vaccinated travellers on 1 April
SINGAPORE — Land travel between Singapore and Malaysia will be quarantine- and testing-free for fully-vaccinated travellers from 1 April.
This was jointly-announced by both countries following a phone call between Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Thursday (24 March).
Both Singapore and Malaysia will allow fully-vaccinated travellers to enter without the need to undergo quarantine or testing, including pre-departure and on-arrival tests. This will apply to all categories of travellers and modes of transport via the land border.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a media release that, in addition to the designated vaccinated travel bus services, fully-vaccinated travellers may cross the borders (Causeway and Second Link) via private vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles. Singapore and Malaysia are progressively restoring other modes of transport, including cross-border public bus services.
Fully-vaccinated travellers and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below will no longer be required to take a pre-departure test and unsupervised self-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) after arriving in Singapore, nor serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). This applies to fully vaccinated Malaysian cargo delivery personnel as well.
"The Prime Ministers recognise the good progress that both countries have made in vaccinating their respective populations and managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and note the progress made in resuming cross-border travel through the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (Air) and (Land)," said the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore in a media release on Thursday.
"As Singapore and Malaysia transition to living with COVID-19, both Prime Ministers have agreed that it is timely to further reopen the land border."
PM Lee added, "Singapore and Malaysia enjoy deep, warm and multi-faceted relations, as well as strong people-to-people ties.
"Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in our transition towards living with COVID-19. It reflects the strong collaboration both sides have enjoyed throughout the pandemic and will help both countries emerge stronger from this crisis."
MTI said that fully-vaccinated travellers will not be required to apply for entry approvals such as the Vaccinated Travel Pass. They must have valid travel documents, such as their passports and Vehicle Entry Permits before arrival at the checkpoints. Motorists should ensure that their vehicles comply with the emissions requirements in Singapore.
PM Ismail also said that the opening will contribute to the recovery effort of both countries, with "positive impacts on the economies and livelihood of the peoples of both countries".
“As Malaysia reopens our borders to international travellers starting 1 April 2022, we will achieve another significant milestone in facilitating cross border travel with our immediate neighbour, Singapore. Today’s announcement reflects the long-standing relations and multifaceted cooperation as well as strong people-to-people ties between the two countries."
Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Watch more videos on Yahoo Southeast Asia's YouTube channel:
