From 28 March to 14 April, “very heavy traffic” will be expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) attributes this to upcoming public holidays and festivals. They include:
ICA seeks understanding and cooperation from travellers in navigating the increased traffic conditions.
In a media release published today (25 March), ICA noted that traveller volume at land checkpoints has been increasing since the Singapore-Malaysia border reopened.
During the March school holidays from 8 to 18 March, more than 5.1 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints.
Particularly, on 15 March, the checkpoints hit a record high of almost half a million travellers.
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: Google Maps
ICA said motorists should factor in additional waiting time and check the traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before setting off on their journey.
“We seek their understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with ICA officers,” it said.
Motorists may look for updates on platforms such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website, Expressway Motoring & Advisory System, and ICA’s Facebook and X accounts.
Additionally, they should avoid cutting queues to prevent congestion and ensure safety. Those who are caught will be forced to re-queue, said ICA.
All travellers should also ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of minimally six months.
To expedite the immigration clearance process, ICA has also urged car travellers to use QR codes instead of handing over their passports.
Since 19 March, travellers entering and leaving Singapore by car have been able to clear immigration via QR codes.
To do so, they just need to generate a QR code on the MyICA mobile application before they arrive at the checkpoints, where the code will be scanned.
According to ICA’s statement on 12 March, waiting time may be reduced by more than 30% if most car travellers use QR code for clearance.
At 1.58pm today, ICA reported in a Facebook post that due to traffic tailback from Malaysia, there was heavy departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint.
Also read: Car travellers can use QR codes to clear immigration at S’pore land checkpoints from 19 March
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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