Labour Day travel rush: Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints

After more than 1.4mn travellers crossed Singapore’s land checkpoints during the last long weekend, ICA is warning of heavy congestion and long waits from 30 April to 3 May.

Travellers planning to cross the Singapore-Malaysia border over the upcoming Labour Day long weekend should prepare for delays, as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has flagged heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

The surge is expected from 30 April (Thursday) to 3 May 2026 (Sunday), following similar patterns seen during recent holiday periods.

Past long weekends saw significant congestion

During the Good Friday long weekend from 3 to 5 April 2026, more than 1.4mn travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

Traffic peaked on 4 April, when over 498,000 travellers passed through in a single day. At peak hours, car travellers experienced waiting times of up to three hours for immigration clearance, mainly due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

In addition, ICA has stepped up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo and vehicles at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026, citing the current global security situation and developments in the Middle East.

Travellers urged to plan ahead and avoid peak hours

To manage the expected congestion, travellers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and consider travelling during non-peak periods such as early mornings or late evenings.

Checking traffic conditions before setting off can also help reduce waiting times.

ICA has also progressively enhanced its processes under the New Clearance Concept to improve efficiency. These include QR code clearance and the use of facial recognition for motorcyclists and pillion riders at land checkpoints.

These measures have increased clearance rates by more than 35% during departure peak periods, allowing an additional 7,600 travellers to be processed per hour compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile application for faster, passport-less clearance.

Compliance remains key to smoother journeys

ICA has emphasised the importance of cooperation from travellers to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Motorists should follow officers’ instructions, observe traffic rules, and maintain proper lane discipline. Queue cutting disrupts traffic flow and will not be tolerated.

Those caught may be directed to rejoin the queue from the back, with ICA warning that more serious offences can lead to enforcement action. During the recent Good Friday long weekend, 18 motorists were penalised for various traffic-related offences, including dangerous driving. Actions taken included referrals for investigation, being turned back, and bans from entering Singapore.

What travellers should prepare before heading out

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 area.
• 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.

With travel demand expected to remain high, congestion at land checkpoints is likely during the long weekend. Travellers who plan ahead, stay informed and follow the rules are more likely to have a smoother journey.