29 July 2019
Singaporeans who intend to travel to the eastern coast of Sabah should exercise vigilance and caution.
They should keep themselves updated on the latest developments through official websites such as that of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (http://esscom.gov.my) as well as through Malaysian news outlets. Singaporeans are also advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety, including purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage of the insurance policies. Do eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that we could contact you should the need arise. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Malaysia
209 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60 321 616 277
Duty phone: +60 166 610 400
Email: singhc_kul@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office
Tanglin
Singapore 248163
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Singaporeans can generally visit Malaysia without a visa. As visa requirements can change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore for up-to-date information.
Singaporeans who have applied for Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) are reminded that the facility is only available at land checkpoints at Johor (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar). MACS is meant to facilitate faster immigration clearance for exit/entry into Johor and cannot be used as a transit facility for onward flights out of Malaysia.
Passport Matters:
Loss of Passport:
Customs Requirement:
For a comprehensive list of dutiable and duty-free goods, as well as customs requirements, please refer to www.customs.gov.my/en/tp/Pages/tp_tg.aspx for more information.
All visitors to Malaysia are required to declare dutiable goods at the customs. There is a restriction on bringing large amounts of Malaysian ringgit into or out of the country. Under the Bank Negara Regulations, individuals are only allowed to carry the equivalent of up to USD 10,000. For amounts exceeding USD 10,000, there is a need to declare at the customs.
COVID-19
Singaporeans are currently not allowed to enter Malaysia on social visit passes. Singaporeans who are Malaysian Permanent Residents, spouses or children of Malaysians who hold a Long-Term Social Visit Pass, approved Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) holders, or employed under “essential services” can apply for entry into Malaysia. Singaporeans who are allowed to enter Malaysia and who test negative for COVID-19 must serve their 14-day quarantine at designated facilities. Please approach the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore for additional details and the application procedures. You may also refer to the Malaysian High Commission’s website http://www.kln.gov.my/web/sgp_singapore and Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MalaysianHighCommissionSingapore/ for more information.
Singaporeans in Malaysia are currently allowed to leave the country. The Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex at Johor Bahru will cease operations daily from 7 pm to 7 am, and all pedestrians and vehicles (including commercial/cargo vehicles) will not be able to undertake cross-border travel via the Causeway during that period. The Second Link will operate as per normal (24 hours).
Reciprocal Green Lane
Singapore and Malaysia have launched a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) to facilitate essential business and official travel between both countries for up to 14 days, with the necessary safeguards in place to ensure public health considerations are addressed. Applications have been opened since 10 August 2020. Persons of all nationalities who are legally resident in Singapore (i.e. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders) who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel for business and official purposes between Singapore and Malaysia are eligible to apply to travel to Malaysia under the RGL. Travellers entering Malaysia under the RGL will be subject to a different set of health protocols and do not need to serve the 14-day quarantine at designated facilities in Malaysia. For more information, please refer to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s website https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/ms/sumber-dan-arkib/pengumuman/1833-malaysia-singapore-border-crossing-arrangement.html and the Singapore-Malaysia RGL section of the SafeTravel Portal https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/malaysia/rgl/faq#faq-residents-singapore.
Periodic Commuting Arrangement
Singapore and Malaysia have launched a Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) to allow work and business-related travel between the two countries via the land border crossings at the Johor-Singapore Causeway and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link. Applications have been opened since 10 August 2020. The PCA will allow citizens and Permanent Residents of Singapore and Malaysia, who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter that country for work. After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return to their home country for a short-term home leave, and thereafter re-enter their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months. Travellers entering Malaysia to work under the PCA will be subject to a different set of health protocols and do not need to serve the 14-day quarantine at designated facilities in Malaysia. For more information, please refer to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s website https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/ms/sumber-dan-arkib/pengumuman/1833-malaysia-singapore-border-crossing-arrangement.html and the Singapore-Malaysia PCA section of the SafeTravel Portal https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/malaysia/pca/information-sc-pr.
Information on the COVID-19 Situation in Malaysia
On 28 August 2020, PM Muhyiddin Yassin announced the extension of the Recovery Movement Control Order from 31 August 2020 to 31 December 2020. Singaporeans should closely monitor the news and official announcements by both the Singaporean and Malaysian governments regarding the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia. Singaporeans can find Frequently Asked Questions/Answers on the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur’s telegram channel https://t.me/SHCKL and the Singapore High Commission’s website https://www.mfa.gov.sg/kl. For further information, including travel restrictions/advisories imposed by Malaysia, please visit the website of Malaysia’s Ministry of Health http://covid-19.moh.gov.my/.
Singaporeans who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the Consulate-General in Johor Bahru using the contact details provided below. Singaporeans in Malaysia are strongly encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that they can be contacted, should the need arise.
Take general precautions to ensure your personal security in Malaysia such as:
Travel Funds & Valuables:
Malaysia imposes severe penalties including death for possession or trafficking of even small amount of illegal drugs. Do not convey or transport any parcel, especially across the border when asked by a stranger. Should such parcels contain illegal drugs, you risk being found guilty of the possession, smuggling or trafficking of drugs. You should also never leave your belongings unattended or under the “care” of any stranger.
Driving of Foreign-registered Vehicle in Malaysia:
Hospitalisation and Death:
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [13 November 2019]
In view of the upcoming school holidays, Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws and customs restrictions, including immigration procedures and entry requirements.
Singaporeans travelling to and from Malaysia, in particular via the land checkpoints, are reminded to ensure that your passport is presented to a Malaysian immigration officer and stamped correctly before leaving the Malaysian immigration booth. Failure to do so is an immigration offence in Malaysia and the penalties can be severe, including detention, a fine, and a ban from future entry into the country.
In 2019, demonstrations have occurred in several major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
· Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
· Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
· Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
· eRegister with us on our website (https://www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.
While travelling
· Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
· Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
· Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrests or terror attacks.
· Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
Advisory: Email Scams [Updated: 12 May 2016]
There has been an increasing number of reports in recent years of individuals receiving scam emails purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails typically originate from an email address known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport nos., address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.