Malaysia’s Border Reopening Allows International Visitors, But Private Vehicles Remain Off-Limits for Now
[SINGAPORE] Contrary to some expectations, Singaporeans will not be able to drive into Malaysia when the country reopens its borders on April 1, 2022. While Malaysia has announced the resumption of international travel, it has not specified plans to reopen the Causeway for private vehicles.
In response to media queries, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) confirmed that the two countries are working together to gradually expand the land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) and resume economic and social activities. However, details on allowing private drivers to use the Causeway have not been finalised.
Land VTL Still in Place
Currently, the land VTL scheme remains the only way for Singaporeans to travel to Malaysia, with bus services provided by Transtar and Causeway Link. There has been no official announcement from either country regarding the resumption of private vehicle crossings.
Even if Malaysia were to allow private vehicles across the Causeway, Singapore might still require a stay-home notice for those entering via private transport. Therefore, it is unclear when or if the Causeway will be fully open to private cars.
Malaysia’s Border Reopening and Travel Rules
From April 1, 2022, Malaysia will reopen its borders to international travellers. Fully vaccinated visitors can enter without quarantine but must undergo pre-departure RT-PCR tests and post-arrival RTK-Antigen tests 24 hours after arrival. Additionally, Singaporeans heading into Malaysia must download the MySejahtera app and fill out a pre-departure travel form.
Although Malaysia has removed caps on the number of travellers entering the country, the limit on those entering Singapore via the VTL scheme remains in place. The daily quota for bus VTL travellers between the two countries is capped at 4,320. Those who do not use the VTL are subject to a seven-day stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore.
While Malaysia has made strides in reopening, it appears that private vehicle travel via the Causeway is not yet an option.
