Brace for long queues at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during Hari Raya Haji, Vesak weekend and school holidays

Given the coinciding holidays and tighter security checks, longer waiting times are expected during peak travel periods from 26 May to 28 June 2026.

Travellers heading across the Causeway and Second Link should be prepared for very heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 26 May to 28 June 2026, as the period coincides with Hari Raya Haji, the Vesak Day weekend and the June school holidays.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said traffic is expected to build up during peak travel periods, with longer waiting times likely due to both holiday demand and stepped-up security checks at all checkpoints.

Over 2mn land travellers recorded during Labour Day long weekend

During the recent Labour Day long weekend from 30 April to 3 May 2026, more than 2mn travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traffic peaked on 30 April, when close to 580,000 travellers passed through in a single day.

At the busiest hours, some car travellers waited up to three hours for immigration clearance, largely due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

ICA has also tightened security checks at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026, citing the heightened global security environment, including recent developments in the Middle East. This means travellers should factor in additional waiting time, especially during peak periods.

How to avoid the worst of the checkpoint delays

To avoid the worst of the congestion, travellers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider crossing during non-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings. They should also check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before setting off.

ICA also encouraged travellers to use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Further, the authority stated that its New Clearance Concept initiatives, including QR code clearance and facial clearance for motorcyclists and pillion riders, have helped improve clearance rates at land checkpoints, with increased clearance throughput by more than 35% during peak-hours, as compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019, allowing an additional 7,600 travellers per hour to be cleared.

Additionally, motorists have been reminded to keep to their lanes, follow traffic rules and cooperate with ICA officers. Queue cutting, ICA said, disrupts traffic flow, and motorists caught doing so will be directed to re-queue from the back of the line.

ICA added that it will take firm action against travellers who ignore officers’ instructions or commit traffic offences at the checkpoints.

Tips for a smoother ride

Per standard protocol, ICA has shared several reminders for travellers to take note ahead of time:

For all travellers:

• Passports must have at least six months’ validity.
• Short-term visitors are required to submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile application within three days before arrival.
• Permanent residents and long-term pass holders should update any changes to passport details before re-entry.
• Avoid bringing prohibited or controlled items into Singapore.
• Use QR codes for faster and more convenient clearance.

For motorists:

• Take note of ongoing construction and road works near Woodlands Checkpoint and exercise caution when in the checkpoint’s vicinity.
• Follow instructions from traffic marshals and ICA officers, heed road signage, and comply with traffic diversion measures.

For bus passengers:

• Travellers in wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, can opt for faster clearance via QR codes at the Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).

For drivers of foreign vehicles:

• Ensure that their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid before arrival. Those without a valid Autopass card, VEP approval email from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), or valid insurance may be turned back at the checkpoint.
• Settle any outstanding fines with the relevant government agencies, as those with unpaid fines may be denied entry into Singapore.

READ MORE: Singapore to roll out automated in-vehicle immigration clearance at land checkpoints from 2027 

Lead image / ICA Facebook