With the upcoming two long weekends, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints till the end of 2023. Traffic flow over the recent weekend (15 to 17 December) at both land checkpoints has exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels, with more than 1.3 million travellers passing through (close to 435,000 crossings daily). Compared with the same period in 2019, this was an increase of close to 30,000 travellers (close to 10,000 crossings daily).   

2.          In addition, ICA has also stepped-up security measures at the checkpoints in view of the situation in the Middle East.

3.          As such, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance, especially over the two long weekends. Those who are clearing immigration by car may have to wait up to three hours. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with ICA officers.

Things to note for a smoother journey

4.          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 installed along the BKE and AYE. Motorists can also get updates through ICA’s Facebook and X (former Twitter) accounts, as well as local radio broadcasts on One 91.3, Kiss92, Hao 96.3, UFM 100.3.

5.          Motorists using the land checkpoints should refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. ICA works closely with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions and roads leading to the land checkpoints. Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue.

6.          Travellers should ensure their passport has a remaining validity of at least six months. Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport will have to transfer their Re-Entry Permit to the new passport. Long-Term Pass holders will need to notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any change in their passport particulars before their entry into Singapore.

Comply with other requirements

7.          Travellers should not bring in prohibited items such as weapons or imitation tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes, vaporisers). Those bringing in dutiable or controlled items such as tobacco items must proactively make declarations to our officers prior to being checked. Travellers can visit the ICA website for more details on the list of prohibited, controlled and dutiable items.

8.           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 checkpoints, and not allowed to proceed with their journey into Malaysia.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
19 DECEMBER 2023