Touring from Singapore to Malaysia by land stays a best choice for a lot of, and it’s straightforward to see why. The 2 international locations are virtually next-door neighbors, and with the seamless entry by way of the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Tuas Second Hyperlink, crossing into Malaysia is each fast and handy.
Whether or not you’re heading to Johor Bahru for a weekend escape, touring deeper into Malaysia, or commuting for enterprise, this Pacific Prime CXA information covers every little thing it’s good to know—from journey tricks to immigration necessities—to make your border crossing hassle-free.
Land Border Crossing Factors Between Singapore and Malaysia
There are two fundamental land border crossing factors between Singapore and Malaysia.
1. Woodlands Checkpoint (Johor-Singapore Causeway)
As the principle gateway between Singapore and Johor Bahru, the Woodlands Checkpoint sees an infinite wave of automobiles, buses, bikes, and even pedestrians crossing the 1.05 km Causeway day by day.
The Woodlands Checkpoint is the busiest and hottest land route, ideally suited for fast hops into JB or for day by day commuters.
2. Tuas Checkpoint (Tuas Second Hyperlink)
Also known as the Second Hyperlink, this route connects Tuas in Singapore to Gelang Patah in Malaysia. It’s a quieter, much less congested different to Woodlands, particularly throughout rush hours or lengthy weekends, making it a sensible selection for these heading to Kuala Lumpur or different locations up north.
If you happen to’re getting into Malaysia by way of both of those two routes, there are a couple of key belongings you’ll must know to breeze by the checkpoint easily.
Transportation Choices from Singapore to Malaysia by Land
By Bus
Many bus operators in Singapore, similar to Causeway Hyperlink, First Coach, and Transtar Journey, provide handy routes from key departure factors like Queen Road Bus Terminal, Golden Mile Complicated, and Woodlands Checkpoint to in style locations in Malaysia, together with Johor Bahru.
By Prepare
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) runs prepare companies from Woodlands Prepare Checkpoint to Johor Bahru and numerous locations throughout Malaysia.
By Automotive
Driving from Singapore to Malaysia is simpler than ever with the QR code from the MyICA mobile app that you should use as an alternative of handing over your passport. This service is on the market to Singapore residents, PRs, long-term move holders, and even international guests.
Additionally, don’t overlook to equip your automobile with:
- Autopass Card (for autos registered in Singapore)
- Contact ‘n Go Card for tolls
- Car Insurance coverage on your journey in Malaysia
If you happen to plan to drive to Malaysia from the Lion Metropolis, right here is our complete guide on that.
By Foot
Sure, you’ll be able to stroll throughout the Causeway from Woodlands to Johor Bahru. The journey on foot sometimes takes 45 minutes to an hour, although it may possibly fluctuate relying on visitors movement and checkpoint queues. It’s a novel strategy to cross the border—simply be ready for the crowds throughout peak hours!
How Your QR Code Works on the Singapore-Malaysia Border
After downloading the MyICA mobile app and establishing your account, you’ll be able to select to generate both an particular person or group QR code. On the homepage, faucet “QR Code at Land Checkpoints” after which “Create a private profile to generate MY QR code.”
If you happen to’re heading into Malaysia with household or buddies, you’ll be able to create one shared QR code on your journey group. Group measurement will be as much as 10 individuals.
Setting it up is straightforward: add every member’s profile one after the other, both by Singpass, by scanning their passport, or by manually getting into their information.
When you’ve created your group QR code, it is going to be saved within the “QR Code Homepage” throughout the app. These QR codes will be reused for future journeys, so long as the vacationers’ particulars stay unchanged.
Then, you’re all set to scan the QR code on the border checkpoints! At all times current your QR code immediately by the MyICA cellular app, as printed copies or screenshots aren’t accepted.
Vital notes: You can’t use the QR code if:
- You’re getting into Singapore for the primary time.
- You’re utilizing a distinct passport than the one used in your final journey to Malaysia.
In these circumstances, you’ll must undergo handbook immigration checks together with your bodily passport. When you’ve entered the system, you should use the QR code on your subsequent go to.
Steps for Crossing the Border from Singapore to Malaysia
Right here’s a step-by-step information on the best way to cross the Singapore-Malaysia Land Border.
1. Get to the Border
If you happen to’re taking public transport, head to both Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint utilizing the general public buses operated by SBS Transit or Causeway Hyperlink.
2. Clear Singapore Immigration
On the checkpoint, whether or not you’re on foot, by bus, or in a automobile, you’ll must undergo Singapore immigration.
- Queue for clearance
- Current your passport and visa (if relevant). Be certain your passport is legitimate for at the very least 6 months.
3. Cross the Border
As soon as cleared, you’re free to journey throughout both the Johor–Singapore Causeway or the Tuas Second Hyperlink, relying on which checkpoint you’re utilizing. This half is often by bus or automobile.
4. Clear Malaysian Immigration
On the Malaysian facet, at Johor Bahru Checkpoint or Tuas Second Hyperlink CIQ, you’ll queue once more to clear Malaysian immigration.
5. Welcome to Malaysia!
After passing by immigration and customs, you’re all set to discover Johor Bahru or journey to different elements of Malaysia.
What Do You Have to Convey to Malaysia
Whereas it’s now doable to make use of a QR code from the MyICA app for Singapore immigration clearance, DO NOT depart your passport at residence. The ICA may request it for verification, and extra importantly, Malaysian immigration requires your passport for id checks on the border.
Bear in mind, your passport continues to be an important journey doc whereas overseas. In case of emergencies, and even simply checking right into a lodge, you will want it as a sound proof of id.
Visa and Immigration Necessities for Expats
Visa-Free Entry
- Singaporeans and ASEAN nationals (besides Myanmar) don’t want a visa to enter Malaysia for tourism or enterprise stays of as much as 30 days.
- Nationals from all European Union Member States are granted visa-free entry to Malaysia for 90 days.
- Vacationers from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US, and many other countries don’t require a visa to enter Malaysia.
Observe: Residents of China and India are exempt from visas for vacationer functions (Single Entry Visa) till thirty first December 2026.
Visa Required
- Residents of Afghanistan, Colombia, and several other different international locations are required to have a visa to enter Malaysia. Please examine Malaysia’s Visa requirements by country.
- You’ll be able to simply apply on-line by the Malaysian eVisa portal for a smoother course of.
Visa Extensions
Are you planning to remain longer than your permitted time? You’ll be able to apply for a visa extension on the Immigration Division of Malaysia.
Arrival Card
Malaysia has changed the handbook Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (IMM.26) with the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). That is a web based pre-arrival kind that should be submitted inside three days previous to arrival in Malaysia. Bear in mind, at all times examine the newest entry necessities earlier than you journey!
Sensible Journey Ideas for a Stress-Free Border Crossing
1. Time Your Journey Correctly
To keep away from lengthy delays, keep away from peak journey occasions: Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, and public or faculty holidays. Early mornings and late evenings additionally are usually busy.
2. Test Site visitors Earlier than You Go
Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or native companies similar to Trafik Information Malaysia to observe visitors and border wait occasions in actual time. Some platforms even provide stay digicam feeds of the checkpoints.
3. Make Positive Your Paperwork Are in Order
Your passport should be legitimate for at the very least 6 months from the date of entry.
If you happen to’re driving, you’ll want an Autopass Card for Singapore’s Car Entry Allow (VEP) and toll funds. Make sure it’s topped up.
4. Be Prepared for Tolls and Funds
After crossing into Malaysia, you’ll want a Contact ‘n Go card to pay for freeway tolls. Additionally, carry some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for snacks, parking, or small purchases.
5. Plan Your Transport and Parking
Checkpoint parking is on the market, however it fills up quick throughout busy intervals. Be certain to load your EZ-Hyperlink or NETS FlashPay card earlier than boarding a public bus. For personal bus companies like First Coach or Transtar Journey, guide upfront to keep away from last-minute hassles.
6. Pack Sensible
If you happen to’re strolling throughout the border or utilizing public transport, count on lengthy queues. Pack gentle, carry a refillable water bottle to remain hydrated, and maintain necessities simply accessible.
What You Have to Know Earlier than Returning to Singapore
Re-entering Singapore is pretty simple, however there are a couple of key issues to recollect:
1. Full the SG Arrival Card
Earlier than arriving, submit your SG Arrival Card on-line. It’s fast, straightforward, and required for all vacationers, and it’s greatest to get it achieved earlier than reaching the checkpoint.
2. Comply with Customs Guidelines Carefully
Singapore has strict laws on bringing in dutiable gadgets like alcohol and tobacco. Be sure you’re conscious of duty-free limits and declare something that requires it to keep away from penalties.
3. Anticipate the Normal Checks
The immigration course of is much like your outbound journey. Simply have your passport and supporting paperwork prepared, and observe any up to date procedures on the checkpoint.
Keep Protected Throughout Your Journey to Malaysia
Planning your fast journey to Malaysia? One of many smartest issues you are able to do is ensure you have the fitting medical health insurance in place earlier than you go. At Pacific Prime CXA, we assist expats get peace of thoughts by dependable, customized well being protection.
With over 25 years of expertise, we perceive the distinctive wants of expats and provide skilled options, from native expat health plans to international health insurance. Whether or not you’re staying short-term or settling in long-term, we’ll match you with protection that matches your way of life and price range.
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Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation plan comparison, and allow us to provide help to keep lined when you discover every little thing Malaysia has to supply!
Incessantly Requested Questions
Which border crossing is healthier, Woodlands Causeway or Tuas Second Hyperlink?
The reply is determined by your vacation spot in Johor Bahru.
If you happen to’re heading to central spots like JB Sentral, JB Metropolis Sq., Komtar JBCC, or Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, the Woodlands Causeway is your best choice, because it connects on to the guts of the town.
For points of interest like Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Shops, or areas round Bukit Indah, you’re higher off utilizing the Tuas Second Hyperlink, which gives extra direct entry to the western and southern elements of Johor.
Ought to I take the bus or the prepare to Johor Bahru from Singapore?
We advocate taking the prepare for a smoother expertise. In contrast to buses, trains aren’t affected by visitors, are totally air-conditioned, and the trip takes simply 5 minutes. Plus, you clear each Singapore and Malaysia immigration in a single go at Woodlands CIQ earlier than boarding.
Methods to get round in Johor Bahru with out a automobile?
If you happen to’re sticking to JB Metropolis Sq. Mall and the close by streets, strolling is a cheap and environment friendly choice. However for locations farther out like KSL Metropolis Mall, Mount Austin, or Spring Labs, Seize is your greatest wager — and sure, your Singapore account works simply effective!
Along with his eager curiosity in journalism, particularly within the healthcare and wellness subject, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the objective of making content material that simplifies medical health insurance options, serving to individuals make knowledgeable selections and select the very best choices for his or her wants. Tawan firmly believes that phrases have energy that may form the world for the higher.
In his free time, Tawan loves to choose up his Nintendo Change and wield the Grasp Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He’s additionally an avid sci-fi books/reveals enjoyer. You’ll be able to spot him hanging round bookstores and sport retailers all day lengthy!
