Heavy traffic expected at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during Deepavali long weekend

Singaporeans and Malaysians alike should brace themselves for heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints during the Deepavali long weekend, which spans from November 6 to November 9. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory urging travellers to plan their journey ahead and consider non-peak hours such as early morning or late evening to avoid the anticipated congestion.

The ICA advised travelers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey. Furthermore, the heightened security measures implemented since February 28 in anticipation of the increased global security concerns, particularly the recent incidents in the Middle East, may result in longer waiting times at all checkpoints.

To expedite the immigration clearance process, ICA has encouraged the use of QR codes generated through the MyICA mobile app. The implementation of QR code clearance and facial recognition for motorcyclists and pillion riders has already increased clearance throughput by more than 35 percent during peak periods, handling an additional 7,600 travellers per hour compared to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019.

For short-term visitors, the MyICA app must be updated to the latest version before submitting their SG Arrival Card. Visitors entering Singapore by foreign-registered cars must ensure their vehicle has a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before submitting their SG Arrival Card. Those without a valid VEP will be unable to complete the submission process.

While driving to and within the land checkpoints, motorists must cooperate with ICA officers, adhere to lane discipline, and follow traffic rules. Queue cutting is strictly prohibited as it disrupts traffic flow and causes delays for other travelers. Those caught queue cutting will be directed to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue from the back, with firm action taken against those who do not comply with ICA officers' instructions or commit traffic offences at the checkpoints.

During the recent September school holidays, more than 6.1 million travelers crossed both land checkpoints, breaking the previous peak of over 598,000 crossings on June 19, 2026. During that travel period, 27 motorists were caught for traffic-related offenses and dangerous road behavior.