Traffic flow through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints has been gradually increasing since the reopening of borders. Traveller volume over the recent weekend (1 to 3 July) peaked to more than 282,000 per day, surpassing the highest weekend travel volume recorded during the June school holidays (278,000 per day), Vesak Day (224,000 per day) and Good Friday (149,000 per day) weekends.

2.          ICA expects continued heavy traffic this coming long weekend with the Hari Raya Haji public holiday on 11 July (Monday). Travellers should expect delays from 8 July (Friday) to 11 July (Monday) and are advised to adjust their travel plans, where possible, to avoid being caught in traffic congestion.

Advice to travellers using the land checkpoints

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

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

5.          Travellers departing via Woodlands Checkpoint may wish to note that the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has commenced upgrading works on their arrival immigration car booths at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar since 6 June. During this period, booths that are undergoing upgrading will not be operational.

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.

7.          To avoid getting caught in traffic jams at the land checkpoints, travellers can take the cross-border bus services^[1] provided by public bus operators or the shuttle train services^[2] via the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, instead of driving into Malaysia via private vehicles.

Things to note for a smoother journey

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

iv) All short-term visitors including in-principle approval holders are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)^[3] with health declaration within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.^[4]

Comply with other requirements

9.          Arriving travellers who are not fully vaccinated^[5] will receive a 7-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) via the email address provided in their SGAC declaration. Failure to comply with any SHN-related requirement is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act. Travellers can visit safetravel.ica.gov.sg for the latest entry requirements into Singapore.

10.         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.

11.         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

12.         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. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
6 JULY 2022