Plan ahead: Heavy traffic expected at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during Deepavali long weekend

Travellers using cars or motorcycles are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Bus passengers are also advised to generate QR codes via the MyICA mobile app to enjoy a smoother immigration clearance.

With the upcoming Deepavali long weekend approaching, Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced that motorists can expect heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 17 October to 20 October 2025 (Friday to Monday).

ICA has advised commuters to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, as well as consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion, especially during peak periods. In addition, travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance. However, travellers are still required to bring along their passports when travelling overseas.

More than 5.8mn travellers crossed during September holidays

During the September school holidays, from 5 to 15 September 2025, the land checkpoints saw more than 5.8mn travellers cross, with traveller volume peaking on 5 September, with over 575,000 travellers clearing immigration at the land checkpoints in a single day.

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

Things to note for a smoother journey

To help travellers enjoy a hassle-free journey this Deepavali weekend, ICA has issued key travel tips to ease congestion and reduce stress at 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.

For all motorists

• Those travelling by car and motorcycle are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. More information can be found on ICA’s website.
• Refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. 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 QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Travellers can use it at the automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL) of the bus halls.
• Travellers on wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, can enjoy faster clearance using QR code at the SALs.

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.
• Settle any outstanding fines you may have with the respective government agencies. Those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.

Travellers should also note that vaping and the possession of e-vaporisers are strictly prohibited in Singapore. Since 1 September 2025, penalties have been increased: short-term visitors who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore, while long-term pass holders may face pass revocation, deportation, and re-entry bans upon repeated offences.

With the upcoming Deepavali long weekend, travellers should brace for longer waiting times at land checkpoints, especially with ICA’s intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers. To avoid delays, travellers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting off and consider using cross-border bus services to bypass congestion.