Travelling from Malaysia to Singapore? Here’s what you need to know

Need to travel to Singapore from Malaysia? With changing Covid-related rules it’s been hard to keep up with the requirements for entering Singapore from Malaysia. In this new normal world of 2024, what’s the current status for Malaysian travel to Singapore?

This guide covers all you need to know, plus we’ll touch on how the Wise card can help you save money on your SGD spending during your trip.

Status of VTL Malaysia - Singapore (2024)

During the height of the Covid pandemic, travel from Malaysia to Singapore was difficult or even impossible. Then as the situation started to improve, travel moved to designated VTLs (Vaccinated Travel Lanes) which meant following strict rules and using only designated flights.

The good news is that, as of 13 February 2023, Singapore has lifted all Covid related entry requirements, which means a VTL Malaysia - Singapore is no longer required. At the time of writing, you can use any flight, or choose an alternative entry route such as crossing the land border¹.

Bear in mind that travel rules do change, often at short notice. Before you complete your travel plans make sure you’ve double checked the latest information - and don’t forget you’ll also need to comply with the basic Singapore entry requirements, which we’ll look at next.

Malaysia to Singapore travel requirements

So Singapore now does not have any Covid-specific entry requirements. However, before you travel to Singapore you’ll need to check you meet the standard Singapore entry requirements, which include:

• You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport
• You must complete the ICA Singapore arrival card (unless you’re a Singapore resident arriving overland)
• You must make sure you don’t carry any ICA prohibited items with you

Malaysian citizens don’t need a visa for entry to Singapore for a short visit, but if you’re entering for a long time, or if you plan on working you’ll need to make sure you have all your paperwork lined up in advance of travel.

It’s also important to make sure you’re not accidentally carrying any prohibited items into Singapore, which include:

• Chewing gum
• Chewing tobacco
• Vape cigarettes
• Gun shaped cigarette lighters
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Firecrackers
• Obscene items
• Pirated or fake items

Double check all the rules before you set out for your trip, to make sure getting across the border is a breeze, and to stay on the right side of the law.

Key options for travel to Singapore from Malaysia

Let’s move onto the practical considerations of how to get from Malaysia to Singapore. You can drive to Singapore from Malaysia, or you might choose to use a train to cross the land border instead. Alternatives include getting a ferry - but one of the most popular ways to travel to Singapore from Malaysia is to fly. Depending on where in Malaysia you are, this might be the only option available to you.

Let’s look at a couple of easy ways to get from Malaysia to Singapore in more detail.

Travel to Singapore from Malaysia by car

Next - how to enter Singapore from Malaysia by car. Crossing the land border might seem like an obvious option, but you’ll still need to make a few decisions. You can drive over from Malaysia to Singapore yourself, take a bus, or get a private hire car with a driver to help you. Which works best for you will likely depend on how big a group you’re travelling with.

For groups of 4 or more, hiring a car and driver can be a convenient and relatively cost effective way to get across the border. However, for smaller groups or individual travellers, a bus may be more economical.

Driving from Malaysia to Singapore can mean a relatively long wait to get through immigration and across the causeway - and you’ll run the same risk on the return leg. It’s worth avoiding peak travel times if you can - and if you’re using a private hire car, you can also ask them for advice about the best time to travel to avoid a long queue.

If you’re considering driving your own car over to Singapore for convenience, it’s important to know you need to apply for a Land Transport Authority Autopass at least 2 weeks before you travel. To get across the border successfully you will need to provide:

• Your valid Autopass
• Your LTA approval letter
• Valid road tax
• Valid vehicle insurance

Showing up at the crossing without all of these items will mean you’re turned back - so make sure you or your driver has everything planned and organised ahead of time.

Travel to Singapore from Malaysia by air

If you don’t fancy driving, or if you’re anywhere outside of Peninsular Malaysia, flying to Singapore is probably your best bet. You can fly from Malaysia to Singapore starting from destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Ipoh and Langkawi.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur and many other destinations in Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore Changi airport will usually take you just over an hour, while it’ll take you about 2.5 hours to reach Kota Kinabalu. There’s a good selection of airlines serving these routes, too, from budget choices to more premium flag carriers, so you can compare your options and pick one to suit your specific requirements.

Travel to Singapore from Malaysia by train

If you didn't already know, there's a direct train to Singapore from Malaysia. Taking the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore takes only five minutes, and costs just 5 MYR, which is why many people prefer taking the train when crossing the border. There are several train departures from Malaysia to Singapore throughout the day, so rest assured you'll find one that fits your schedule. The KTM JB to Singapore train takes you straight from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ in Singapore with no fuss, and definitely no unreasonably long waits. The customs queue is separate from those taking the bus, so you don't have to worry about long lines as long as you purchase your train tickets in advance - even on public holidays.

One thing to note though, if you're taking the KTM train back to Malaysia from Singapore, the tickets will cost around $5 SGD instead. You'll still be paying in MYR but based on the current exchange rate, expect a higher ticket price. Whether you're travelling to Singapore from Malaysia for a day trip, or planning a short getaway, check out train availabilities and buy yours directly on the KTM website.

Travelling to Singapore? Get the Wise card to spend SGD without losing on exchange rates and foreign transaction fees

Whatever your budget, you don’t want to spend more than you need to on your trip to Singapore. Open a free Wise account and order your smart Wise card to cut the costs of spending in SGD and a whole range of other currencies, too.

Just top up your Wise account in MYR and automatically start spending in SGD. Wise will always use the mid-market rate and won’t add any sneaky transaction fees. Here’s a few of the other great Wise features you can expect:

• Manage and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account
• Use your Wise card in Singapore and over 150+ countries
• Currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate with low fees
• Get local account details to get paid in up to 10 currencies (including SGD, MYR, AUD, etc) for free
• No minimum balance and no ongoing fees to worry about

Order your Wise card today! 💳

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

It’s great to know that travel to Singapore from Malaysia is an option again, whether you want to hit the shops on Orchard Road, wander the Gardens By The Bay, or stuff yourself at Newton Food Center. With this guide you can plan your travel easily - and with a handy Wise card you can make your ringgit go further in Singapore, too.