Back to top

Heavy Traffic Expected at Land Checkpoints during National Day Long Weekend

            The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 7 to 10 August 2026, during the National Day long weekend.

2.          During the recent Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day weekend and June school holidays (26 May to 28 June 2026), more than 18 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on 19 June, with more than 598,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day, setting a new record and surpassing the previous peak of close to 589,000 crossings on 19 December 2025. During the peak hours, car travellers experienced waiting times of up to three hours for immigration clearance due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

3.          ICA has also stepped up security checks at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026 in view of the heightened global security environment, in particular the recent developments in the Middle East. Travellers should therefore expect longer waiting time during peak travel periods.

 

Travel Behaviour to Enjoy Faster Immigration Clearance

4.          Travellers are encouraged to plan their journey ahead of time and consider travelling during non-peak hours (such as early mornings and late evenings). They should also check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.[1]

5.         To enjoy faster and more seamless immigration clearance, travellers are strongly encouraged to use the QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app. Since the progressive implementation of ICA's New Clearance Concept, initiatives such as QR code clearance and facial recognition for motorcyclists and pillion riders[2]have increased clearance throughput by more than 35 per cent during departure peak periods— an additional 7,600 travellers per hour compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019.

6.          Motorists should cooperate with ICA officers, observe lane discipline and comply with traffic rules. Queue cutting disrupts traffic flow and delays other travellers. Those caught queue cutting will be directed to make a U-turn and re-join the queue from the back of the line.

7.          ICA will take firm action against travellers who do not comply with our officers’ instructions or commit traffic offences at the checkpoints.

8.          During the recent Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day weekend and June school holidays, 52 motorists were caught for traffic-related offences and dangerous road behaviour. Enforcement actions included referral to Traffic Police for investigation and prosecution, requiring motorists to make a U-turn and re-queue from the back of the line and banned from entering Singapore.

 

Important Reminders For A Smoother Journey

For All Travellers

  • 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 passport should update their new passport details in 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]
  • Use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile application for faster passport-less immigration clearance.[5]

For Motorists

  • Due to ongoing construction and road works near Woodlands Checkpoint as part of its redevelopment, motorists should exercise caution when in the checkpoint’s vicinity. Please follow the instructions from traffic marshals and ICA officers, heed road signage, and comply with traffic diversion instructions.

For Bus Passengers

  •  Travellers in wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, can enjoy faster clearance using QR codes 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 Singapore Government agencies. From 2 November 2026, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines for traffic, parking or vehicular emissions offences committed in Singapore will not be able to apply for or renew their VEP with LTA, and will be denied entry into Singapore.[6]

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

3 AUGUST 2026


[1] Updates of the traffic situation 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.

[2] Facial recognition for immigration clearance at the motorcycle lanes is being progressively rolled out at Tuas Checkpoint.

[3] MyICA mobile application can be downloaded for free from either the Apple 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.

PayNowAXS kiosks, AXS website, AXS mobile appRespective agencies’ customer service counters
SingPost Post OfficesE-services on respective agencies’ websitesRespective agencies’ customer service counters

 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.