Heavy traffic ahead: Congestion expected at Singapore–Malaysia land checkpoints this holiday season

Travellers can expect longer waiting times to clear immigration as ICA intensifies its checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers. Those who need to travel during this peak period can consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.

School’s out, and many families are gearing up for a well-deserved getaway after a packed year. With the end-of-year school holidays and Christmas break fast approaching, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced that travellers can expect heavy traffic congestion at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 21 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 (Friday to Thursday).

ICA has urged travellers to monitor traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before setting off on their journey, and to consider cross-border bus services to help avoid heavy traffic during peak hours.

In addition, travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app for a smoother, passport-less immigration clearance. Do note, however, that passports must still be carried when travelling overseas.

Close to 2mn travellers crossed during Deepavali long weekend

Over the Deepavali long weekend from 17 to 20 October 2025, ICA recorded close to 2mn travellers cross Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on 17 October, with over 550,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day.

Car travellers who departed during the peak hours had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

Things to note for a smoother journey

Per protocol, ICA has shared key travel tips to help ease congestion and keep journeys smooth at the land checkpoints during the busy year-end holiday period:

All travellers

• Check that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
• All short-term visitors, including those holding in-principle approval for a long-term pass, must submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) and health declaration via the MyICA mobile app within three days before arriving 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 update ICA or MOM on any changes to their passport details before returning to Singapore.
• Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items.

For all motorists

• Those travelling by car and motorcycle are encouraged to use QR codes for quicker, smoother immigration clearance. More information can be found on ICA’s website.
• Refrain from queue cutting as it poses safety risks. Errant motorists caught doing so will be turned back to re-queue.

For all bus passengers

• Those travelling by bus are also encouraged to use MyICA-generated QR codes for faster, passport-less clearance process at automated and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).
• Wheelchair users and family groups of up to four, including families with children under six, can enjoy faster clearance through the SALs using QR codes.

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.
• Clear any outstanding fines with the relevant authorities, as drivers with unpaid fines may be denied entry.

Additional advisory

Vaping and the possession of e-vaporisers are strictly prohibited in Singapore. ICA continues to use a multi-pronged approach to detect and prevent smuggling at the land checkpoints. With the school holidays approaching, travellers should expect more intensive checks, which may lead to longer waiting times. To minimise delays, travellers are encouraged to check traffic conditions before starting their journey and consider cross-border bus services during peak periods.

Travellers can also use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app for a smoother, passport-less immigration clearance process. Do note that passports must still be carried when travelling overseas.

"We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. ICA will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints," ICA said.