Traffic flow through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints is expected to be heavy in the lead-up to the upcoming long weekend due to the Vesak Day holiday. Departing traffic is expected to be heavy between Friday, 13 May and Saturday, 14 May. Arrival traffic is expected to be heavy between Sunday, 15 May and Monday, 16 May. Travellers using the land checkpoints during these periods can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid being caught in the traffic jams where possible.

Advice to travellers using the land checkpoints

2.          At the peak of the Vesak Day holiday in 2019, travellers departing Singapore via the land checkpoints had to wait close to 3 hours. Those arriving by car had to wait up to 1 hour during the same period before they were cleared through immigration.

3.          For this upcoming long weekend, travellers are thus advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance, and to check the traffic situation before embarking on their journey. Travellers should plan ahead and avoid the following peak hours:

4.          Before embarking on the journey, motorists are also 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 check ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints.

5.          To avoid getting caught in the traffic jams at the land checkpoints, travellers can take the cross-border bus services^[1] provided by Causeway and Second Link, instead of driving into Malaysia via private vehicles.

Things to note before embarking on your journey

6.          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 to hold a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), LTA approval email and Autopass card.

iv)         All short-term visitors including In-Principal Approval holders are required to submit Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)^[2] with health declaration within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore^[3].

Comply with other requirements

7.          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.

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

9.         Travellers can visit safetravel.ica.gov.sg for the latest entry requirements into Singapore.

Clearance efficiency without compromising security

10.         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 will 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
12 MAY 2022