With the ongoing year-end school holidays, as well as upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints for the month of December 2025.

2.        During the first week of the year-end school holidays (21 to 27 November), more than 3.6 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on 21 November, with over 555,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day. Car travellers who departed during the peak hours had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia. 

3.        Intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers, which are prohibited in Singapore, will continue to be conducted at the checkpoints. Travellers can thus expect longer waiting times to clear immigration. They are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.^[1] Those who need to travel during this peak period can consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.^[2] Travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance. They are still required to bring along their passports when travelling overseas.

4.        We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. ICA will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.

Things to note for a smoother journey

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.[3]
  

• 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.^[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 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. More information can be found on ICA’s website.
  
  
• 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. 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.[5]

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
18 DECEMBER 2025