September school-holiday rush: Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints

Travellers are advised to plan ahead for trips from 4 to 14 September, and to generate QR codes in advance for passport-less immigration clearance.

The September school holidays are just around the corner, with many families likely to make cross-border travel plans. Travellers heading to Malaysia between 4 and 14 September should expect heavier traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, ICA said.

The advisory follows a particularly busy National Day long weekend, when more than 2.1mn travellers crossed Singapore’s land checkpoints.

National Day weekend saw more than 2.1mn crossings

From 7 to 10 August, more than 2.1mn travellers cleared immigration through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

The busiest day was 7 August, when more than 593,000 travellers crossed the two land checkpoints. Car travellers departing during peak periods faced immigration-clearance waits of up to three hours, largely because of traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

Travellers should also factor in potentially longer processing times as ICA has maintained enhanced security checks at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026. The measures cover travellers, vehicles, and cargo, amid heightened global security concerns and developments in the Middle East.

QR clearance offers a faster route through immigration

ICA is urging travellers to plan their journeys ahead and use tools that can help speed up their clearance.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to generate and use QR codes through the MyICA mobile app for passport-less immigration clearance.

The initiative is part of ICA’s New Clearance Concept, which also includes facial-recognition clearance for motorcyclists and pillion riders. ICA stated that these measures have increased clearance throughput by more than 35% during departure peak periods, which is equivalent to processing an additional 7,600 travellers an hour compared with pre-COVID levels in 2019.

Those hoping to avoid the longest queues can also consider travelling during non-peak periods, such as early mornings or late evenings, and check checkpoint traffic conditions before setting off.

Queue cutting and dangerous driving could lead to action

ICA has also reminded motorists that cooperation is key to maintaining smooth traffic flow at the checkpoints.

Drivers are expected to follow officers’ instructions, observe lane discipline and comply with traffic rules when approaching and travelling within the checkpoints. Motorists caught queue cutting may be directed to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue from the back.

The authority said it will take firm action against travellers who disregard officers’ instructions or commit traffic offences. During the National Day weekend, 13 motorists were caught for traffic-related offences and dangerous road behaviour.

Enforcement action included referrals to the Traffic Police for investigation and possible prosecution, being required to re-queue from the 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, including those with in-principle approval for a long-term pass, must submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration through the MyICA app within three days before arriving in Singapore.
• Singapore permanent residents who renew their passports should update their passport details in their Re-Entry Permit through MyICA.
• Long-term pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of changes to their passport particulars before returning to Singapore.
• Do not bring prohibited or controlled items into Singapore.
• Generate QR codes in the MyICA app before travelling for faster immigration clearance.

For motorists:

• Exercise caution around ongoing construction and road works at the checkpoints.
• Works near Woodlands Checkpoint are linked to its redevelopment, while works at the Tuas Checkpoint departure car zone support the phased implementation of the Automated Passenger Clearance System.
• Follow traffic marshals’ and ICA officers’ instructions, as well as road signs and traffic-diversion arrangements.

For bus passengers:

• Travellers in wheelchairs and family groups of up to four people — including families with children below six — can use QR codes at the Special Assistance Lanes (SAL) for faster clearance.

For drivers of foreign vehicles:

• Check that the vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers without a valid Autopass card, LTA VEP approval email or valid insurance may be turned back.
• Settle any outstanding fines with the relevant Singapore government agencies. From 2 November 2026, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding traffic, parking or vehicular-emissions fines in Singapore will be unable to apply for or renew their VEP, and will be denied entry.

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