With the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to build up from Friday, 25 January to Wednesday, 6 February 2019. Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy from Thursday, 31 January to Wednesday, 6 February 2019, especially when large numbers of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time. Travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans where necessary.

Travellers Have a Part to Play 

2.        Security at our checkpoints remains the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s top priority against any potential threats to Singapore, and ICA will continue to conduct security checks during the festive season to prevent any security risks. With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when large number of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time. 

3.       Travellers are reminded not to bring in prohibited items such as firecrackers, ‘Pop-Pop” and controlled items such as ‘bak kwa’, eggs and potted plants. If travellers bring in dutiable or controlled items such as meat products and potted plants, they should proactively make declarations to our officers prior to checks. Travellers can visit the ICA website at www.ica.gov.sg for more details on the list of prohibited, controlled or dutiable items. Travellers can also visit the AVA website at www.ava.gov.sg or download the free mobile app, SG TravelKaki, for more information on what can and cannot be brought back to Singapore from overseas travels. 

4.        Motorists of foreign-registered vehicles are required to have valid Autopass cards and motor insurance for their vehicles. Owners of foreign-registered motorcycles and cars are encouraged to apply online for a VEP/Autopass card via the One.Motoring website at www.onemotoring.com.sg/ivep/vepapp one week before entering Singapore. Motorists may check the status of their applications online. Once their applications have been approved, they can pay for and collect their Autopass cards at LTA’s offices at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

5.        Motorists of foreign-registered vehicles are required to insert their Autopass cards into the card readers at the immigration booths when entering and departing Singapore, even when tolls are not payable. This is to facilitate the payment of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees, where applicable. Motorists of Singapore-registered vehicles are required to insert their CashCards into the card readers at the checkpoints if tolls are applicable. To avoid fines, motorists should ensure there is sufficient stored value in their CashCards/Autopass cards before proceeding to the checkpoints. For more information, motorists may visit the LTA website at www.lta.gov.sg.

Traffic Information

6.        There were many instances of queue-cutting at both land checkpoints last December. ICA advises against this as it can cause severe congestion and compromise motorists’ safety. Motorists are reminded to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline at all times and cooperate with checkpoint officers to ensure a safe environment at the checkpoints.

7.        Before embarking on their journeys, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints through the following ways:

a. Call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117;
b. Check the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) along the BKE or AYE;
c. Tune in to the radio;
d. Visit One Montoring website (www.onemontoring.com.sg) or MyTransport.SG portal (www.mytransport.sg); or
e. Visit ICA's Facebook page.

Clearance Efficiency Without Compromising Security 

8.        The ICA will continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor arrival and departure traffic conditions and ensure optimal deployment of resources to handle peak-hour traffic. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation when using the land checkpoints during the peak periods.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY 
24 JANUARY 2019