Heavy Traffic Expected at Checkpoints

As the festive season approaches, travelers in Singapore should prepare for significantly heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. With a record-breaking number of travelers crossing the borders, it's crucial to plan ahead and anticipate extended waiting times.

Record High Travelers

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) revealed that during the first week of the year-end school holidays (Dec 15 to 21), over 3.4 million travelers surged through the land checkpoints. Notably, December 13 marked a historic day, witnessing over 553,000 travelers crossing in just 24 hours, surpassing the previous peak of more than 543,000 set on September 6.

Delays and Recommendations

Travelers utilizing car routes faced delays of up to three hours due to significant traffic backlogs originating from Malaysia. The ICA strongly advises planning additional waiting time into travel itineraries, especially during peak weekend periods.

Alternative Travel Options

To mitigate long waits, travelers may want to consider using cross-border bus services as an alternative way to cross the borders. The ICA emphasized the importance of cooperation with officers, adherence to traffic regulations, and maintaining lane discipline to ensure a smoother travel experience for everyone.

Preparation and Safety Tips

Motorists are encouraged to monitor the traffic situation at land checkpoints before setting off on their journeys. For those traveling via car, motorcycle, or bus, utilizing QR codes instead of traditional passports can streamline validation processes, enabling quicker and more efficient immigration clearance.

Cautions Against Queue Cutting

In addition to these tips, the ICA cautions against queue cutting, which not only exacerbates congestion but may also jeopardize the safety of fellow motorists. As the holiday season approaches, be prepared, stay informed, and travel safely!