Traffic flow through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints has returned to approximately 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels with about 325,000 travellers clearing through both checkpoints per day over the recent weekend (14 to 16 October 2022). At peak periods, the volume has reached pre-COVID levels.

2.          ICA expects heavy traffic this coming weekend with the Deepavali public holiday on 24 October 2022 (Monday). Travellers should expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans, where possible, to avoid being caught in traffic congestion. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints. 

Traffic advice to travellers

3.          At the peak of the Deepavali long weekend in 2019, travellers departing and arriving by car via the land checkpoints had to wait up to two hours before they were cleared through immigration.

4.          Travellers are advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance and avoid the following peak hours: 

5.            Travellers departing via Woodlands Checkpoint may also wish to note the ongoing upgrading works at the bus halls of Bangunan Sultan Iskandar. Some of the automated clearance lanes at the bus halls are undergoing replacement and installation works, and will not be operational from 16 October until 10 November 2022.

6.          Before embarking on their journey, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the BKE and AYE respectively. Motorists can also get updates on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints through ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as local radio broadcast on Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3, UFM 100.3.

Things to note for a smoother journey 

7.          To ensure a smooth immigration clearance and avoid undue delays, travellers are reminded to note the following: 

i)They should ensure their passport has a remaining validity of six months or more.

ii) Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passport will have to transfer their Re-Entry Permit (REP) to the new passport. Long-term pass (LTP) holders will need to notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any change in their passport particulars. 

iii) All short-term visitors including in-principle approval holders are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)^[1] with health declaration within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore^[2]

iv) Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), LTA approval email and Autopass card.

Comply with other requirements

8.          Travellers are also reminded not to bring in prohibited items. Those bringing in dutiable or controlled items must proactively make declarations to our officers prior to being checked.

9.          Departing travellers driving Singapore-registered cars are reminded to observe the “three-quarter tank” rule. Offenders may be issued with a composition sum of up to $500 or prosecuted in court. They will be turned back at the land checkpoints, and not allowed to proceed with their journey into Malaysia. 

Clearance efficiency without compromising security  

10.         ICA will take the necessary measures to facilitate immigration clearance without compromising security. Our checkpoint officers monitor traffic conditions in real-time, to ensure optimal deployment of resources. We also work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.  

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
19 OCTOBER 2022