Car lane closures at Tuas Checkpoint from Sept 1 as automated immigration clearance works begin
The new system will let car travellers complete immigration without leaving their vehicles.
From September 1, car drivers traveling to Malaysia via Tuas Checkpoint may encounter temporary lane closures as construction work begins on a new automated border clearance system. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced this change on August 26, stating the project is expected to continue until late 2027. During this period, portions of the departure car zones will be temporarily shut down in stages.
The planned renovations involve the removal of current car counters staffed by ICA officers, which will be replaced with Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS) lanes. These APCS lanes will enable drivers and passengers to complete immigration clearance without exiting their vehicles, using a QR code combined with biometric verification.
The ICA has installed road signage, safety markers, and hoardings to guide travelers safely around the affected lanes and zones. Travelers are urged to check traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey and to adhere to lane discipline and traffic rules. They are also encouraged to utilize QR codes for quicker clearance at the land checkpoints.
ICA aims to extend its automated clearance concept to all vehicles at land checkpoints, a move that was first introduced at Changi Airport in 2024. In 2025, nearly 127 million travelers cleared immigration in Singapore without needing to present their passports. Singapore is considered the first country worldwide to have automated lanes at passenger checkpoints, allowing clearance for groups, as stated by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister.
The ICA has stated that APCS lanes for cars will be gradually implemented at Tuas Checkpoint starting early 2027, followed by a subsequent rollout to Woodlands Checkpoint. These lanes may also be adapted to process up to two motorcycles at a time, contingent upon traffic conditions and operational requirements.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
