With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up on 25 December 2009 and 1 January 2010, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy. Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints during the peak periods should take note of the following travel advisory.

Traffic is Expected to be Heavy at Both Checkpoints

2          Traffic volume at the two land checkpoints is expected to be high for the Christmas period, from 24 December and will continue till 27 December. As for the New Year period, heavy build up is also expected from 31 December and the high volume is expected to last till 3 January 2010. Travellers using the land checkpoints during these periods can expect delays.

 

At Tuas Checkpoint

 

3          The Tuas Checkpoint has seen a surge of 38% in passenger volume during the December school holiday periods.  The number of travellers using this checkpoint during the coming long Christmas and New Year weekends is also expected to be high.

 

At Woodlands Checkpoint

 

4          As for Woodlands Checkpoint, traffic volume is consistently high throughout the year with the eve of holidays experiencing backflow of traffic from the Causeway. The December school holiday period recorded an 8% increase. This increase is most likely to be higher during the festive and eve of New Year periods. Travellers should also take note of the consistent heavy traffic flow at Woodlands Checkpoint and the expected traffic backflow from the Causeway during the upcoming festive periods.  

 

Travellers Have a Part to Play

 

5          The best way to avoid the congestion is to adjust your travel plans and avoid the peak periods altogether. With enhanced security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, particularly when large number of travellers want to use the checkpoints at the same time.

 

6          If you really need to travel during the peak periods, you can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by maintaining lane discipline. To avoid the congestion at the checkpoints, you are also encouraged to car-pool or make use of public transport. Singaporean travellers with valid passports and are registered with the National Registration Office can use the Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) lanes at the bus halls for immigration clearance. The eIACS allows you to clear immigration through automated lanes within 12 seconds at no additional cost.

 

7          Travellers are reminded to ensure that they are carrying their own passports before presenting themselves for immigration clearance at the checkpoints. ICA has detected a number of cases where travellers presented the wrong passports for immigration clearance. This has affected clearance efficiency and caused inconvenience to other checkpoint users.

 

8          In addition, travellers should also make sure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into Singapore. The list of controlled and prohibited items is set out on ICA’s website http://www.ica.gov.sg.

 

Traffic Information

 

9          Travellers departing Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoint from LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE respectively. You can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA’s One Motoring website (http://www.onemotoring.com.sg) to check the latest traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on your journey.

 

Security is our Utmost Concern

 

10        Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. ICA will put in every effort and continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek your understanding and cooperation, as your security is our utmost concern.

 

 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

22 December 2009