Singapore-Malaysia border travel: What are the safety measures

All travelers must have documentation to show that the authorities of the visiting country had approved the trip. The Straits Times/Asia News Network/GAVIN FOO

SINGAPORE — Applications for cross-border travel between Singapore and Malaysia for long-term pass holders and travelers on essential business and official visits will start on Aug 10.

But those traveling under the two schemes meant for short-and long-term visits would have to abide by strict precautionary measures before, during and after their visits. Here is a look at the measures at a glance:

All travelers

• Obtain approval for the trip from the authorities of the destination country through applications made by employers, companies or government agencies.
• Be tested for Covid-19 upon arrival.

Periodic commuting arrangement

• This scheme is meant for longer-term visitors who are willing to remain in the destination country for at least 90 days for work.
• Individuals are not allowed to apply for entry to Singapore under this scheme. Employers must submit the application on behalf of their employees.
• Those arriving in Singapore under this scheme must serve a stay-home notice (SHN) of at least seven days, and will be tested for Covid-19 towards the end of their SHN.
• The employee or his employer will bear the cost of the Covid-19 swab test and the SHN stay.

Reciprocal green lane

• This scheme is meant for shorter visits of up to 14 days for essential business and official travel.
• Travelers must be hosted by a company or a government agency in the destination country, which will file for an approval letter on the visitor’s behalf. Those entering Singapore must have a valid SafeTravel Pass, while those visiting Malaysia must have a MyTravelPass.
• Travelers must undergo a Covid-19 test at accredited laboratories within 72 hours before departure and obtain a certificate showing a negative test result.
• Travelers must undergo another Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival at the destination country.
• Travelers will not be allowed to take public transport in the host country for the duration of the visit, except for private-hire cars, taxis or company transport.