With the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints in the lead-up to and during the period from Thursday 8 February 2024 to Tuesday 13 February 2024.

2.          ICA has observed a trend of more travellers using the land checkpoints over the long weekends in the month of January 2024. In the recent weekend from 26 to 28 January 2024, there was continuous heavy traffic at the land checkpoints, with more than 1.37 million crossings (close to 458,000 crossings daily). This was an increase of close to 14% in daily average crossings when compared to the New Year long weekend period (402,000 crossings daily).

3.          As such, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance, especially over the Lunar New Year long weekend. 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.          Ensure your vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid, as applications are no longer accepted at checkpoints to facilitate traffic flow. Drivers of foreign vehicles who are unable to present valid Autopass cards together with LTA’s VEP approval email and valid insurance will be turned back from Singapore. Travellers can visit the LTA's One Motoring website for more details on the application for VEP.

6.           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.

7.          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

8.          Travellers should not bring in prohibited items such as firecrackers, “Pop-Pop”, weapons, imitation tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes, vaporisers) or controlled items such as ‘bak kwa’ and potted plants. Those bringing in dutiable or controlled items such as tobacco products 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.

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

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY 
02 FEBRUARY 2024