Traffic flow through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels during peak hours. During the Hari Raya Puasa long weekend in 2018, more than 1.5 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints, averaging about 380,000 crossings per day. The waiting time for travellers departing by car to clear Singapore’s land checkpoints was up to three hours. There were also continuous tailbacks from Malaysia’s checkpoints for departing motorists, resulting in vehicular queues extending beyond SLE for Woodlands Checkpoint and along AYE for Tuas Checkpoint.

2.          With the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa holiday which falls on Saturday, 22 April 2023, ICA anticipates similar heavy traffic situation at both land checkpoints in the lead-up to and during the Hari Raya Puasa weekend.

3.          Traffic is expected to be heavy between 20 April 2023 (Thursday) and 24 April 2023 (Monday). Those who wish to depart to Malaysia or enter Singapore via the land checkpoints by car or bus, are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance. 

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 Twitter accounts, as well as local radio broadcasts on Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3, UFM 100.3.

5.          Singapore residents and eligible first-time foreign visitors^[1]including Malaysians, who are travelling by bus can clear immigration via the automated lanes at the passenger halls. There is no need for a separate enrolment process to use the automated lanes.

6.          Motorists are reminded to refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. They are advised to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site. ICA works closely with Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions and roads leading to the land checkpoints.

7.          Travellers are reminded to note the following: 

          i)          Ensure their passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.

          ii)          Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passport will have to transfer their Re-Entry Permit to the new passport. 

          iii)          Long-term pass holders, who include Employment Pass holders, S pass holders, Work Permit holders, Student’s Pass holders, Long-Term Visit Pass holders and Dependant’s Pass holders, will need to notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars. 

          iv)          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 within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore. Due to the high volume of traffic and daily commuting for employment and studies, Singapore residents (Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders) are exempted from submitting a health declaration if they are returning to Singapore via the land checkpoints. They will have to do so if they enter Singapore via the sea and air checkpoints. Travellers are strongly advised to submit the SGAC via the MyICA mobile app^[2] to avoid being misled by commercial entities and websites providing such services for a fee. Those who use the MyICA mobile app can create and store their profile for subsequent trips. Singapore residents will also have the information of their profile auto populated from ICA database. With the profile created, travellers will just need to update their trip details and health declaration for subsequent trips.

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

Comply with other requirements

8.          Travellers are also reminded not to bring in prohibited items. Those bringing in dutiable or controlled items such as tobacco products must proactively declare them 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 checkpoints, and not allowed to proceed with their journey into Malaysia.

Clearance efficiency without compromising security 

10.          ICA will continue to facilitate immigration clearance and improve travellers’ experience without compromising security. Several initiatives have been introduced to alleviate the traffic situation. In 2022, we have implemented 64 additional automated gates at the immigration bus halls at the land checkpoints. This allows more bus travellers to clear immigration through the automated lanes and more officers can thus be deployed dynamically to areas at the car and motorcycle zones which require more support to manage traffic congestions. Clearance lanes too, are converted flexibly for different modes of conveyances, in response to the traffic conditions.

11.          ICA seeks travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints. 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
18 APRIL 2023