VTL Land Singapore Malaysia: Cross-Border Travel Made Easier

If you’re planning a trip from Singapore to Malaysia or vice versa, you might be interested in the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme that has been launched for land travel between the two countries. The VTL scheme allows fully vaccinated travellers to cross the border without having to serve quarantine periods. The scheme is part of the efforts to reopen borders and facilitate travel while ensuring public health safety.

The VTL scheme for land travel between Singapore and Malaysia was launched in November 2021, and it allows fully vaccinated travellers to cross the border via designated bus services. Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 or below can also travel via the VTL if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated VTL traveller. The scheme is subject to certain conditions, such as pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests, on-arrival testing, and adherence to health protocols.

Key Takeaways

• The VTL scheme allows fully vaccinated travellers to cross the land border between Singapore and Malaysia without serving quarantine periods.
• The scheme is subject to certain conditions, such as pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests and adherence to health protocols.
• Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 or below can also travel via the VTL if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated VTL traveller.

Understanding the VTL Scheme

If you’re planning to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme is a great option for quarantine-free travel. Here’s what you need to know to apply for the VTL and travel safely.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the VTL, you must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Pass Holder who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine recognised by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore. Foreign short-term visitors are currently not eligible for the VTL.

In addition, you must have remained in Singapore for at least 14 days before your trip and have not travelled outside of Singapore during this period. You must also have a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 48 hours before departure.

Upon arrival in Singapore, you will need to take a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and submit an SG Arrival Card and Electronic Health Declaration. You must also have a digital proof of vaccination through the HealthHub app.

Application and Travel Process

To apply for the VTL, you must have an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). You can then book your designated VTL bus service and purchase your COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test kit.

Before your trip, you must take the PCR test and receive a negative result. You must also complete the SG Arrival Card and Electronic Health Declaration within 3 days before your trip.

On the day of your trip, you must take the designated VTL bus service and present your IPA letter, PCR test result, and digital proof of vaccination. Upon arrival, you will take the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and wait for the result before proceeding with your travel plans.

Overall, the VTL scheme is a great option for quarantine-free travel between Singapore and Malaysia. By following the eligibility and requirements and the application and travel process, you can travel safely and enjoy your trip without the need for quarantine.

Travel and Connectivity

Transport Options and Checkpoints

Travelling between Singapore and Malaysia has become easier with the introduction of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) for land and air travel. The VTL allows fully vaccinated travellers to cross the border without the need for quarantine.

For land travel, designated VTL buses operated by Transtar Travel and Handal Indah are available to take you from Singapore’s Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange to Malaysia’s Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal and Queen Street Terminal. You can purchase bus tickets online or at the bus terminals.

To enter Malaysia, you will need to go through the Johor Bahru Checkpoint via the Causeway or the Tuas Second Link. Before departure, you must take a pre-departure COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and present a negative result. Upon arrival, you will be subject to border control measures, including an ART and immigration clearance.

Economic and Social Impact

The VTL has had a positive impact on trade and industry, families, and people-to-people connections between Singapore and Malaysia. With the quarantine-free arrangement, business and investment opportunities have increased, and families can reunite more easily.

The VTL has also helped to boost tourism between the two countries, with limited capacity for VTL buses and air travel. Malaysians can visit Singapore for up to 14 days in a calendar year, subject to a daily quota.

Workers can also benefit from the VTL, with priority given to those with Work Permits and Employment Passes. Long-Term Visit Pass holders can also apply for entry under the VTL.

Children aged two and below are exempt from the VTL requirements, while unvaccinated children aged 12 and below in this calendar year can still travel to Singapore if accompanied by a fully vaccinated VTL traveller.

The VTL has been implemented with strict protocols in place to ensure the public health situation remains under control. The Ministry of Health and the Safe Travel Office have worked together to establish guidelines for VTL travellers, including the use of the MySejahtera app and weekly increments for the number of VTL bus trips.

Overall, the VTL has strengthened the bilateral relationship between Singapore and Malaysia and has provided a safe and convenient way for vaccinated travellers to travel between the two countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for land travel between Singapore and Malaysia?

To travel between Singapore and Malaysia via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Land, you will need a valid passport and a bus ticket that displays your name as it appears on your passport. You will also need to provide proof of your vaccination status, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result.

Is it possible to drive a friend’s car from Malaysia to Singapore?

No, it is not possible to drive a friend’s car from Malaysia to Singapore via the VTL Land. Only private cars and taxis with a maximum capacity of seven passengers are allowed to travel via the VTL Land.

Are there any restricted items that cannot be brought from Singapore to Malaysia by land?

Yes, there are certain restricted items that cannot be brought from Singapore to Malaysia by land. These include firearms, ammunition, drugs, and pornographic materials. It is important to check the customs regulations of both countries before travelling.

What fees apply when bringing a Singapore-registered car into Malaysia?

If you are bringing a Singapore-registered car into Malaysia, you will need to pay a fee for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). The fee is RM20 per day for cars, and RM10 per day for motorcycles. You will also need to purchase Malaysian insurance for your vehicle.

Can I purchase a vehicle in Malaysia and subsequently import it into Singapore?

Yes, it is possible to purchase a vehicle in Malaysia and subsequently import it into Singapore. However, you will need to pay various taxes and fees, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Additional Registration Fee (ARF).

Are rental cars allowed to be driven from Malaysia to Singapore?

Yes, rental cars are allowed to be driven from Malaysia to Singapore via the VTL Land. However, you will need to ensure that the rental car company has the necessary permits and insurance for cross-border travel.