With the Deepavali long weekend approaching, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warns of heavy congestion at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, advising travelers to anticipate longer wait times and consider off-peak travel hours.
- Heavy congestion anticipated at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints
- Travellers encouraged to travel during early mornings or late evenings
- Use of MyICA app QR codes boosts clearance speed by over 35%
What happened
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has forecasted heavy traffic at Singapore’s land checkpoints with Malaysia during the Deepavali long weekend, from November 6 to 9. Travelers crossing at Woodlands and Tuas are expected to experience longer wait times, especially during peak hours, due to increased travel volumes and security measures.
Enhanced security checks have been in place since February 28 in response to global security developments, which have further influenced clearance times. The ICA has also reminded travelers to adhere to traffic rules, cooperate with authorities, and use designated lanes to prevent disruptions such as queue cutting, which can cause additional delays.
Why it feels good
Despite the anticipated traffic delays, the ICA’s initiatives to digitize immigration processes, such as the use of QR codes through the MyICA app and facial recognition for motorcyclists, have made processing considerably more efficient. These measures have boosted clearance throughput by over 35 percent during peak departure times, benefiting thousands of travelers.
Moreover, travelers who plan their journeys during non-peak hours may enjoy a smoother experience. The advisory aims to help manage the heavy traveler flow responsibly, ensuring safety and order at key checkpoints while embracing technology to enhance convenience.
What to enjoy or watch next
Travelers heading across the border during Deepavali are encouraged to check real-time traffic updates before their trips and use the latest version of the MyICA app to ensure a seamless crossing. For those entering Singapore, vehicle owners must verify that their foreign-registered cars have valid permits to avoid delays in processing arrival cards.
Looking ahead, travelers can expect that continued adoption of digital tools and ongoing cooperation with ICA officers will further improve immigration procedures. It’s a great time to plan journeys well in advance, embrace flexible travel times, and celebrate the festive period with a little extra patience and preparation.