Heavy Traffic Expected at the Land Checkpoints for the Upcoming Deepavali Long Weekend
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Deepavali long weekend from Friday, 17 October to Monday, 20 October 2025.
2. More than 5.8 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the September school holidays from 5 to 15 September 2025. Traveller volume peaked on 5 September, with over 575,000 travellers clearing immigration at the land checkpoints in a single day. Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.
3. With the upcoming long weekend, coupled with ICA’s intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers, travellers can 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. Vaping and possession of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore. 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.
5. 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.
- 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]
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
13 OCTOBER 2025
[1] 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.
[2] Commuters can check LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or operator’s website for bus operating hours and timings.
[3] MyICA mobile app can be downloaded for free from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
[4] Travellers can visit the ICA 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] 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.