Continuous Heavy Traffic Expected at Land Checkpoints for Upcoming Festive Holidays – Record Numbers Travelled on 13 December
With the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints till the end of 2024.
2. This was a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2023. On 13 December 2024, a record number of over 553,000 crossings were made in a single day, surpassing the previous peak in September 2024. Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia.
3. Travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time, especially over the weekends. Alternatively, travellers can consider taking the cross-border bus services.[1] We also seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. ICA will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions and commit offences at the checkpoints.
Things to note for a smoother journey
Important Reminders
- Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
- All short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile application within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.[2]
- Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their Re-Entry Permit has been transferred to the new passport.
- Long-Term Pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
- Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items.[3]
For all motorists
- Check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on your journey.[4]
- Those travelling by car and motorcycle are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. More information can be found on ICA’s website.
- Refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue.
For all bus passengers
- Those travelling by bus are also encouraged to use QR codes for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Travellers will be able to use it at QR code enabled automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SALs), which are being implemented progressively at the bus halls. More information can be found on ICA’s website.
- Travellers using wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, will be able to enjoy faster clearance using QR code at the SALs.
For drivers of foreign vehicles
- Ensure that your vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers who do not have a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back. More details on VEP application can be found on the LTA One Motoring website.
- Settle any outstanding fines you may have with the respective government agencies. Those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.[5]
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
19 DECEMBER 2024
[1] Commuters can check LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or operator’s website for bus operating hours and timings.
[2] MyICA mobile app can be downloaded for free from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
[3] Travellers can visit the ICA website for the list of prohibited, controlled and dutiable items. Those who bring in such items would need to proactively declare them to our officers before being checked.
[4] Traffic updates at the land checkpoints can be found on the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website; Expressway Motoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE; ICA’s Facebook and X (former Twitter) accounts; as well as SPH and Mediacorp radio stations.
[5] The available modes of payment for fines are listed below.
| PayNow | AXS kiosks, AXS website, AXS mobile app | Respective agencies’ customer service counters |
| SingPost Post Offices | E-services on respective agencies’ websites |
Motorists who wish to seek clarification on their offences may contact the respective agencies. The agencies include the Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police), Housing and Development Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, and Urban Redevelopment Authority.