The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming March school holidays from Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 22 March 2026. This period also coincides with the Hari Raya Puasa weekend.

2.        During the recent Lunar New Year period (13 to 19 February 2026), more than 3 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, with a peak of almost 565,000 travellers crossing in a single day on 13 February 2026. 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.        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 can thus expect longer waiting times to clear immigration and are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.^[1] Travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA Mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance.^[2] They are still required to bring along their passports when travelling overseas. Those who need to travel during this peak period can also consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.^[3]

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 Lunar New Year period from 13 to 17 February 2026, 59 motorists were caught committing traffic-related offences or engaging in dangerous road behaviour, following stepped-up enforcement operations by ICA and Traffic Police (TP) to deter and detect motorists who commit traffic violations and engage in queue cutting at the checkpoints.

5.        ICA would also like to inform travellers that there are ongoing construction and road works along the surrounding roads outside Woodlands Checkpoint as part of its redevelopment. Motorists should exercise caution when approaching checkpoint vicinity, follow instructions from traffic marshals or officers on duty, and observe road signages and traffic diversions.

Things to note for a smoother journey 

• 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.[4]
• 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.^[5]
  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.]

• 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]