The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned of very heavy traffic
at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Aug 7 to 10. Travelers are advised to plan journeys in advance and utilize non-peak hours to avoid significant delays during the National Day long weekend.
The ICA issued a travel advisory on Aug 3, urging motorists to check traffic conditions before departing and to consider traveling during early mornings or late evenings to mitigate congestion.
Record-Breaking Volumes and Three-Hour Delays
Between May 26 and June 28, during the June school holidays and the Vesak Day and Hari Raya Haji weekends, more than 18 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints.
The peak of this surge occurred on June 19, when more than 598,000 crossings were recorded in a single day. This figure channelnewsasia.com of 589,000 recorded on Dec 19, 2025. For those in cars, the reality of these numbers was felt in the idling lanes, where waiting times reached up to three hours during peak periods due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.
In April 2025, the Good Friday long weekend saw many crossings, with a single-day peak of 555,000 travellers on April 17. More recently, from Sept 5 to 15, over 5.8 million people crossed the border, peaking on Sept 5 with over 575,000 daily clearances.
Heightened Security and the New Clearance Concept
Since Feb 28, the ICA has stepped up security checks across all checkpoints. This move is a direct response to a heightened global security environment, in particular the recent developments in the Middle East
.
To counter these delays, the agency is pushing digital adoption. Travellers are encouraged to use QR codes via the MyICA mobile app rather than physical passports for faster processing. This is particularly effective for motorcycle and pillion riders using facial recognition under the New Clearance Concept.
The impact of this technology is measurable. The New Clearance Concept has improved clearance rates by more than 35 per cent during departure peak periods compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, allowing an additional 7,600 travellers per hour to clear the checkpoints.
Enforcement Actions Against Queue-Cutting
The ICA has taken a hard line against “queue-cutting,” which the agency states disrupts traffic flow and delays other travellers
.
“Those caught queue-cutting will be directed to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue from the back of the line.”
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
During the period from May 26 to June 28, 52 motorists were caught for dangerous road behaviour and traffic-related offences. The consequences for these drivers were severe, ranging from referrals to the Traffic Police for prosecution to being banned from entering Singapore entirely.
Traveler Checklist for Smoother Clearance
To avoid being turned away or further delaying the flow, the ICA and other agencies have outlined specific requirements for different types of travellers.
- General Requirements: Passports must have at least six months’ validity. Short-term visitors must submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) via the MyICA app within three days of arrival.
- For Motorists: Ensure the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers lacking a valid Autopass card, LTA VEP approval email, or insurance will be turned away.
- For Bus Passengers: Use QR codes via the MyICA app for automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL). Family groups of up to four people, including children under six, can use the SAL.
- Administrative Checks: Singapore PRs must ensure Re-Entry Permits are transferred to new passports, and Long-Term Pass holders should notify ICA or MOM of passport changes.
For those looking to bypass the worst of the car congestion, the ICA suggests utilizing cross-border bus services. Real-time traffic updates are available via the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website and the ICA’s official X and Facebook accounts.
