Continuous Heavy Traffic Expected at Land Checkpoints due to upcoming Qing Ming Festival and Good Friday Long Weekend
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Good Friday long weekend from 3 to 5 April 2026 (Friday to Sunday), which also coincides with the Qing Ming period.
2. During the recent March school holiday and Hari Raya Puasa weekend (13 to 22 March 2026), more than 5 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traffic peaked on 18 March 2026, with more than 564,000 travellers crossing in a single day. During peak hours, car travellers experienced waiting times of up to three hours for immigration clearance due to traffic tailback from Malaysia. Travellers are strongly encouraged to consider taking cross-border bus services as an alternative to driving, to avoid congestion at the land checkpoints [1].
3. In view of the heightened global security situation, including recent developments in the Middle East, ICA has also stepped-up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo and conveyances at all checkpoints. Travellers are to expect longer waiting times to clear immigration and are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey [2].
4. For the safety of other motorists/road users and to minimise further traffic congestion, travellers are to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be made to re-queue. ICA will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints. During the March school holiday from 13 to 22 March 2026, 56 motorists were caught committing traffic-related offences or engaging in dangerous road behaviour.
5. There are ongoing construction and road works near Woodlands Checkpoint as part of its redevelopment. Motorists should exercise caution when approaching the checkpoint vicinity. Please follow instructions from traffic marshals or officers on duty, observe road signages and comply with traffic diversion signs.
Things to note for a smoother journey
For All Travellers
- Please bring along your passport and ensure that it 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 [3].
- Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passports should update and transfer their new passport details to their Re-Entry Permit via the MyICA Mobile application.
- 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 [4].
[Latest: Since 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 Motorists
- Travellers are encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA Mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance [5].
For All Bus Passengers
- 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 Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).
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 [6].
30 MARCH 2026
[1] Commuters can check LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or operator’s website for bus operating hours and timings.
[2] Traffic updates at the land checkpoints can be found on the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website; Expressway Motoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE; ICA’s Facebook and X (former Twitter) accounts; as well as SPH and Mediacorp radio stations.
[3] MyICA Mobile app can be downloaded for free from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
[4] Travellers can visit ICA’s website for the list of prohibited, controlled and dutiable items. Those who bring in such items would need to proactively declare them to our officers before being checked. Travellers can also check the Singapore Food Agency’s website for more information on the approved sources and limits for food products brought into Singapore for private consumption.
[5] More information can be found on ICA’s website.
[6] The available modes of payment for fines are listed below.
| PayNow | AXS kiosks, AXS website, AXS mobile app | Respective agencies’ customer service counters |
| SingPost Post Offices | E-services on respective agencies’ websites |
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.