Motorists are advised to prepare for heavy traffic conditions at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints between March 28 and April 14, as public holidays and festivals are expected to increase the number of travelers during this period.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has cited the following holidays and festivals as contributing to the anticipated surge in traffic:
- Good Friday (March 29)
- Qing Ming Festival (April 4)
- Hari Raya Puasa (April 10)
Travelers are requested to extend their patience and cooperation to navigate the intense traffic conditions during this time.
Rising Traveller Volume Since Border Reopening
Since the reopening of the Singapore-Malaysia border, ICA has reported a steady increase in traveler volume at the land checkpoints.
During the recent March school holidays, which took place from March 8 to 18, over 5.1 million travelers passed through the land checkpoints.
In particular, the checkpoints saw a record high of nearly half a million travelers on March 15.
Motorists leaving by car during peak hours may experience wait times of up to three hours, due to heavy traffic tailback from Malaysia.
Checking Traffic Conditions Before Heading Out
ICA advises motorists to allow for extra waiting time and to check the traffic conditions at the land checkpoints prior to commencing their journey.
The authority seeks travelers’ cooperation to remain patient, adhere to traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and comply with ICA officers’ instructions.
Updates on traffic conditions at the checkpoints may be found on platforms such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website, Expressway Motoring & Advisory System, and the ICA’s Facebook and X accounts.
Travelers should also avoid cutting queues, as it can lead to congestion and safety concerns. Those who are caught engaging in this behavior will be required to re-queue, as stated by the ICA.
All travelers should ensure that their passports have a minimum validity of six months.
Car Travellers Encouraged to Use QR Codes for Clearance
ICA has encouraged car travelers to use QR codes to clear immigration, as this method can expedite the immigration clearance process.
Since March 19, travelers entering and leaving Singapore by car have been able to use QR codes to clear immigration at the checkpoints.
To do this, travelers can generate a QR code using the MyICA mobile application before they arrive at the checkpoints, where the code can be scanned for quicker clearance.
ICA has stated that waiting time may be reduced by more than 30% if most car travelers use QR codes for clearance.
At 1.58pm today, ICA reported on Facebook that there was heavy departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint due to traffic tailback from Malaysia