Heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints during Lunar New Year period

Very heavy traffic is expected at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints starting from 24 Jan.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is warning of heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Friday, 24 January to Sunday, 2 February 2025, due to the Lunar New Year period.

Travellers are advised to expect significant congestion and plan their journeys accordingly. Over the recent year-end school holidays, spanning from 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, more than 24 million travellers crossed through Woodlands and Tuas, an approximately 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

On 20 December 2024, a record 562,000 crossings were made in a single day, causing wait times of up to three hours for car travellers. ICA suggested travellers to consider taking cross-border bus services as an alternative.

With enhanced checks in place, travellers should expect delays and allow extra time for immigration clearance.

ICA urged cooperation with officers, adherence to traffic rules, and lane discipline. Non-compliance will lead to strict enforcement.

Travellers are reminded to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months and that short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term passes, submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA app within three days prior to arrival.

Singapore Permanent Residents renewing their passports should ensure the Re-Entry Permit is transferred to the new passport, and long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower about any changes in passport details before re-entering Singapore.

Additionally, travellers are reminded not to bring prohibited items such as vapes or Bak Kwa into Singapore.

For motorists, ICA advised checking traffic updates before travelling, which are available on the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) One Motoring website and via ICA’s social media accounts. Car and motorcycle travellers are encouraged to use QR codes for faster immigration clearance. Queue cutting is prohibited and will result in being turned away.

Bus passengers should also use QR codes for quicker clearance, and families with children under six can use Special Assistance Lanes for faster processing.

Moreover, foreign vehicle drivers should ensure their Vehicle Entry Permit is valid, and any outstanding fines must be settled to avoid entry denial.