Very Heavy Traffic Expected at Singapore Land Checkpoints During National Day Long Weekend

Singapore's land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas are anticipating extremely heavy traffic from August 7 to 10, coinciding with the National Day long weekend. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory, urging travelers to plan their journeys meticulously and consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.

“

Travellers are encouraged to plan their journey ahead of time and consider travelling during non-peak hours such as early mornings and late evenings.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to monitor traffic conditions before setting off. The ICA has heightened security measures at all checkpoints since February 28, citing a "heightened global security environment," particularly in light of recent developments in the Middle East. This increased vigilance means travelers should expect longer waiting times, especially during peak travel periods.

“

They should also check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.

During previous holiday periods, such as the Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day weekend, and June school holidays, the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints processed over 18 million travelers. A record was set on June 19, with more than 598,000 crossings in a single day. During peak times, car travelers experienced waiting periods of up to three hours for immigration clearance, partly due to traffic backups from Malaysia.

“

Travellers should expect longer waiting times during peak travel periods as ICA has stepped up security checks at all checkpoints since Feb 28 in view of the “heightened global security environment, in particular the recent developments in the Middle East”.

In addition to traffic management, enforcement actions have been taken against motorists exhibiting dangerous road behavior. Fifty-two drivers were caught for traffic-related offenses during the recent holiday periods. The ICA reiterated its commitment to taking firm action against non-compliance with officers' instructions or traffic rule violations at the checkpoints, including directing offenders to re-queue from the back.

“

ICA will take firm action against travellers who do not comply with our officers’ instructions or commit traffic offences at the checkpoints.