Heavy traffic ahead: Congestion expected at Singapore–Malaysia land checkpoints during March school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa

Longer waiting times are also expected as ICA steps up security checks on travellers, cargo, and vehicles at all checkpoints, in view of heightened global security concerns.

Travellers heading across the Singapore–Malaysia land checkpoints during the upcoming March school holidays should be prepared for longer waiting times, with heavy traffic expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

According to Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), congestion is anticipated from 13 to 22 March 2026, a period that coincides with the March school break and the Hari Raya Puasa festive season, when cross-border travel typically spikes. It also as ICA steps up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo, and vehicles at all checkpoints, in view of the heightened global security situation including recent developments in the Middle East.

As a result, travellers may experience longer waiting times when clearing immigration and are advised to factor in additional travel time. Travellers have thus been advised to cooperate with its officers, observe traffic rules, and maintain lane discipline to help minimise congestion.

In efforts to reduce immigration clearance time, travellers may consider going the passport-less route by using QR codes generated through the MyICA mobile app. However, passports must still be carried for re-entry into Singapore.

ICA reminded motorists that queue cutting will not be tolerated – errant motorists will be required to re-queue, and ICA may take firm action against travellers who fail to comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.

Motorists are also urged to exercise caution when approaching the checkpoint vicinity due to ongoing construction and road works along roads surrounding Woodlands Checkpoint as part of its redevelopment. 

Over 3mn travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during Lunar New Year period

During the recent Lunar New Year travel period from 13 to 17 February 2026, the land checkpoints saw more than 3mn travellers, with daily traffic peaking at around 565,000 travellers.   

At the height of the rush, motorists departing Singapore experienced waits of up to three hours for immigration clearance, largely due to traffic congestion on the Malaysian side.

Things to note for a smoother journey

To help ease congestion during the March school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa period, ICA has issued several travel tips for travellers crossing the land checkpoints.

All travellers

• Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
• All short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile application within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.
• Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their Re-Entry Permit is transferred to the new passport.
• Long-Term Pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
• Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items.
  • Effective 1 September 2025, individuals caught possessing, using, or importing e-vaporisers will face higher penalties. Short-term visitors who reoffend may be barred from re-entering Singapore, while long-term pass holders who reoffend may have their passes revoked on a third offence, and could face deportation and a ban from re-entering the country.

For all motorists

• Use MyICA-generated QR codes for faster clearance where available. More information can be found on ICA's website.
• Maintain lane discipline and avoid queue cutting, which can cause congestion and safety risks. Errant motorists may be directed to re-queue.

For all bus passengers

• Use QR codes for quicker clearance at automated and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).
• Wheelchair users and family groups of up to four, including children below six, can use SALs for faster processing.

For drivers of foreign vehicles

• Ensure that your vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers without a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from LTA, or valid insurance will be turned back. More details on VEP application can be found on the LTA One Motoring website.
• Settle any outstanding fines you may have with the respective government agencies. Those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.