Chinese New Year travel advisory: Heavy traffic expected at Singapore's land checkpoints from 24 Jan - 2 Feb

Travellers are urged to check traffic conditions ahead of time and follow all regulations to ensure a smoother journey during the Lunar New Year festive period.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore anticipates significant traffic congestion at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 24 January (Friday) to 2 February (Sunday) 2025, coinciding with the Lunar New Year celebrations.

"Travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time. We seek their understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with ICA officers," ICA said in a Facebook post.

The authority shared the following things to note for a smoother journey:

Important reminders

• Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
• Short-term visitors, including those with in-principle approvals for long-term passes, must submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile app within three days before arrival.
• Singapore Permanent Residents should ensure their Re-Entry Permit is transferred to their renewed passport.
• Long-Term Pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any passport changes before re-entering Singapore.
• Avoid bringing prohibited or controlled items, such as vapes or Bak Kwa.

Motorists

• Check the traffic situation at land checkpoints before travelling.
• Use QR codes for faster immigration clearance at automated and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).
  • For more information on QR code-enabled lanes or VEP applications, visit the ICA website or LTA One Motoring website.
• Avoid queue cutting, which can worsen congestion and compromise safety. Offenders will be turned away and required to re-queue.

Bus passengers 

• Opt for QR code-enabled lanes in bus halls for a quicker clearance.
• Families and wheelchair users can access the Special Assistance Lanes (SAL) for expedited processing.

Drivers of foreign vehicles

• Ensure your Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Have your Autopass card, VEP approval email, or valid insurance ready.
• Settle any outstanding fines, as entry into Singapore may be denied for non-compliance.

According to ICA, during the recent year-end school holidays (15 November 2024 — 1 January 2025), more than 24mn travellers crossed these checkpoints — marking a 20% increase compared to the preceding year.

Notably, a new daily record of more than 562,000 crossings was set on 20 December 2024, surpassing the previous high of 553,000 crossings just seven days prior.

Car travellers faced up to three-hour waits during peak times, largely due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.