Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints over Lunar New Year period

ICA advises travellers to plan ahead, check live traffic updates, and use bus services or QR clearance as cross-border volumes rise during the festive travel peak.

The recent year-end school holidays from 21 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 saw more than 22mn travellers cross Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, noted the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Traffic peaked on 19 December, when over 588,000 travellers cleared immigration in a single day — the highest daily volume recorded at the land crossings. Car travellers departing during peak hours experienced waits of up to three hours, largely due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

With the upcoming Lunar New Year travel period from 13 to 23 February 2026, ICA expects similarly heavy traffic at both checkpoints and is advising travellers to plan ahead and factor in additional waiting time.

Travellers are encouraged to monitor traffic conditions before setting off and consider alternative modes of transport, such as cross-border bus services, to avoid congestion during peak hours.

Per standard protocol during these peak seasons, ICA will be stepping up its checks against the smuggling of prohibited and controlled items, including e-vaporisers, firecrackers and bak kwa, which may lead to longer clearance times.

To help ease the process, travellers can use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app for quicker, passport-less immigration clearance at selected lanes. Passports must still be carried when travelling overseas.

Things to note for a smoother journey

ICA has also shared several reminders to help travellers prepare ahead of time:

All travellers

• Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
• 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 renew their passports should transfer their Re-Entry Permit to the new passport.
• Long-Term Pass holders should update ICA or the Ministry of Manpower on any passport changes before returning.
• 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 re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore. Long-term pass holders who re-offend may have their passes revoked on a third offence, and face deportation and a ban from re-entering Singapore.

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.

Motorists who wish to seek clarification on their offences may contact the respective agencies. The agencies include the Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police), Housing and Development Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, and Urban Redevelopment Authority.