The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warns of significant traffic congestion at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from September 4 to 14, urging travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak hours amid tightened security checks.
- Travel advisory period: Sep 4–14 with expected heavy traffic
- Enhanced security checks causing longer wait times
- Use MyICA app QR codes for smoother clearance
What happened
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory warning of heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints during the September school holidays from September 4 to 14. This period typically sees a large volume of travellers crossing between Singapore and Malaysia, leading to congestion during peak hours.
Since February 28, security checks at all checkpoints have been intensified due to a heightened global security environment, which has contributed to longer waiting times. During the recent National Day weekend, waiting times of up to three hours were recorded, and more than 2.1 million travellers crossed the checkpoints over a four-day period.
Why it feels good
Despite longer wait times, travellers benefit from improved clearance efficiency thanks to technological initiatives such as QR code scanning on the MyICA mobile app and facial recognition for motorcyclists. These efforts have boosted throughput by over 35% during peak departure hours, allowing more than 7,600 additional travellers per hour compared to pre-pandemic levels.
ICA’s firm stance on traffic discipline and compliance helps keep traffic flow smoother and safer. Encouraging motorists to abide by rules and discouraging queue-cutting reduces disruptions, creating a fair and orderly crossing experience for all travellers.
What to enjoy or watch next
Travellers heading to Malaysia or returning to Singapore during the September break are advised to plan trips outside peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, and to check real-time traffic updates before departing. Using the MyICA app for QR code clearance can speed up the process and reduce wait times.
In the coming weeks, it’s helpful to stay updated on any changes or additional advisories from ICA, as ongoing global security concerns may lead to adjustments in checkpoint procedures. Meanwhile, anticipating and preparing for these travel dynamics ensures a smoother journey during the busy holiday season.