Additional waiting time should be factored in at Singapore land checkpoints year-end school holidays
Those planning a trip to Johor Bahru (JB) for the upcoming year-end school holidays should prepare for a longer wait at the land checkpoints.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a media release on Monday (11 Nov) that “continuous heavy traffic” is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
Source: Lionel Lim on Flickr
This will cover the entire 1.5 months from 15 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025.
Motorists should check traffic situation before starting journeys
In view of the expected congestion, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time, ICA said.
This will be necessary, especially over the weekends, it added.
Motorists are also advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journeys.
Updates can be found on platforms such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website, Expressway Motoring & Advisory System over the Bukit Timah Expressway and Ayer Rajah Expressway, and ICA’s Facebook and X accounts.
Record of over 543,000 travellers crossed on 6 Sept
ICA had previously issued a similar advisory before the September school holidays.
It proved to be true, considering more than five million travellers passed through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 30 Aug to 8 Sept.
In particular, a record number of more than 543,000 travellers crossed both checkpoints on 6 Sept.
Those departing by car during peak periods also had to wait up to three hours to clear immigration due to traffic tailback from Malaysia.
Source: SaffronSpice on Flickr. Photo for illustration purposes only.
Travellers advised to observe traffic rules & cooperate with ICA officers
ICA sought motorists’ understanding to cooperate with its officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline.
They should refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise other motorists’ safety. Motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to requeue, ICA said, adding:
ICA will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions and commit offences at the checkpoints.
Car drivers and motorcycle riders are encouraged to use QR codes, which were implemented at Singapore’s land checkpoints in March, instead of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance.
All travellers should also ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months.
Additionally, motorists must settle their outstanding fines with the respective government agencies, or they might be denied entry into Singapore.
Also read: Woman blocks car at JB checkpoint, lets 2 S’pore-registered vehicles cut queue
Woman blocks car at JB checkpoint, lets 2 S’pore-registered vehicles cut queue
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Featured image adapted from SaffronSpice on Flickr.
