After nearly two years of travel-restrictions between Singapore and Malaysia due to COVID-19 pandemic, travelling without any requirements for PCR tests and quarantines were finally allowed for land border crossings from 1st April 2022. After the border reopening, a series of measures have also been implemented to enhance the flow of vehicular and human traffics between the land checkpoints.
Let’s see what are the things to do and changes to take note of for both Singapore and Malaysia passport holders, and foreigners too.
1. Check Validity of Passport
For Singapore passport holders, ensure your passport has not expired and has at least 6 months of validity before leaving Singapore. Under the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0) guidelines, when using the auto-gates for clearance at Johor checkpoints, Singapore passports will only need at least 3 months of validity. But, clearance at manual counters is still at least 6 months of validity.
Therefore, it is still advisable to ensure at least 6 months of passport validity before travelling to Malaysia — in case of circumstances when auto-gates cannot be used, such as passport clearance issues, system glitches, power failure, etc.
2. Use Auto-Clearance at Johor Checkpoints
To avoid long queues at Johor checkpoints, especially during peak hours and weekends, it will be faster and easier to use the auto-clearance gates (or auto-gates) under the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0).
Effective since June 2024, Singapore passport holders no longer need to submit MDAC form to use the auto-gates at Johor immigration. Simply proceed to the auto-gates, scan the passport, let the camera scan your face and you will be through in less than a minute.
For non-Singapore and non-Malaysia passport holders, submit the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) form online within 3 days prior to crossing the border and use the auto-gates at Malaysia checkpoints — similar to using the auto-gantries at Singapore checkpoints.
More: SG-Johor Crossing: Use Auto-Clearance Gates at Malaysia Immigrations
3. Download MyICA Mobile App
Effective since 15 April 2022, submission of the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) for vaccinated Singapore passport holders and long-term pass holders will not be required at land crossings — i.e at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints ONLY. All other travellers must submit the SGAC (an online form).
All travellers, including Singapore passport holders, entering Singapore via air and sea will need to submit their SGAC within 3 days of arrival in Singapore. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
- For Singapore passport holders, it will be more convenient to download the “MyICA Mobile” app from app stores and submit the arrival cards on returning from any overseas trips.
- For foreign travellers, try using the “MyICA Mobile” app or use the e-service web-link.
Another use of the MyICA app is to use QR Code, in place of passport, for clearance at Singapore’s land checkpoints. This is applicable to all Singapore residents ( including Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders) and also foreign passport holders who have registered with ICA after entering Singapore.
More: SG-Johor Crossing: Use Passport-less QR Code Clearance at Singapore Land Checkpoints
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