(EXPIRED) Heavy Traffic Expected at Land Checkpoints from 13 – 23 Feb 2026

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The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects very heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Lunar New Year from Friday, 13 February to Monday, 23 February 2026.

The recent year-end school holidays from 21 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 saw more than 22 million travellers cross Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on 19 December, with a record number of more than 588,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day, surpassing the previous peak of more than 578,000 crossings on 20 June 2025. Car travellers who departed during the peak hours had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.

With the upcoming Lunar New Year, intensified checks against the smuggling of contraband, such as e-vaporisers, firecrackers and bak kwa will be conducted. Travellers can thus expect longer waiting times to clear immigration. They are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.[1] Travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance.[2] They are still required to bring along their passports when travelling overseas. Those who need to travel during this peak period can also consider taking the cross-border bus services[3] to avoid congestion.

ICA seeks travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. Queue cutting can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. Errant motorists caught doing so will be made to re-queue. ICA will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.

Things to note for a smoother journey

For All Travellers

• Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
• All short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile application within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.[4]
• Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their Re-Entry Permit has been transferred to the new passport.
• Long-Term Pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
• Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items.[5]

For all bus passengers

• Travellers on wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, can enjoy faster clearance using QR code at the Special Assistance Lanes (SAL).

For all motorists

• Those travelling by car and motorcycle are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. More information can be found on ICA’s website.

For drivers of foreign vehicles

• Ensure that your vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers without a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from LTA, or valid insurance will be turned back. More details on VEP application can be found on the LTA One Motoring website.

• Settle any outstanding fines you may have with the respective government agencies. Those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.[6]

[1] Traffic updates at the land checkpoints can be found on the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring Website; Expressway Motoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE; ICA’s Facebook and X (former Twitter) accounts; as well as SPH and Mediacorp radio stations.

[2] More information can be found on ICA’s website.

[3] Commuters can check LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or operator’s website for bus operating hours and timings.

[4] MyICA mobile app can be downloaded for free from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

[5] Travellers can visit ICA’s website for the list of prohibited, controlled and dutiable items. Those who bring in such items would need to proactively declare them to ICA officers before being checked. Travellers can also check the Singapore Food Agency’s website for more information on the approved sources and limits for food products brought into Singapore for private consumption.

[6] The available modes of payment for fines are listed below.

• PayNow
• AXS kiosks, AXS website, AXS mobile app
• Respective agencies’ customer service counters
• SingPost Post Offices
• E-services on respective agencies’ websites

Motorists who wish to seek clarification on their offences may contact the respective agencies. The agencies include the Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police), Housing and Development Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, and Urban Redevelopment Authority.

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