{
  "id": 17541611,
  "title": "Heavy traffic expected at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during Deepavali long weekend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/heavy-traffic-expected-at-singapore-malaysia-land-checkpoints-during",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T05:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/heavy-traffic-woodlands-tuas-checkpoints-6510666"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singaporeans and Malaysian travellers alike can anticipate heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints during the Deepavali long weekend, Nov 6 to Nov 9. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a travel advisory on Nov 1, urging travellers to plan their journeys ahead of time and consider arriving during non-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.\n\nThe ICA highlighted that security checks have been intensified since February 28 amidst heightened global security concerns, particularly following recent events in the Middle East. This increased security has led to longer waiting times at all checkpoints. To expedite the immigration clearance process, ICA has promoted the use of QR codes via the MyICA mobile app, which has already increased clearance throughput by over 35 percent compared to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019.\n\nShort-term visitors entering Singapore through land checkpoints who submit their SG Arrival Card via the MyICA app must ensure they have the latest version of the app. Additionally, foreign-registered car owners must possess a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before submitting their SG Arrival Card at the checkpoints. Failure to do so will prevent them from completing the submission process.\n\nMotorists driving on roads leading to and within the land checkpoints are advised to cooperate with ICA officers, maintain lane discipline, and adhere to traffic rules. Queue cutting is strictly prohibited and results in offenders being directed to re-join the queue from the back. Repeat offenders or those committing traffic offences at the checkpoints may face more serious consequences.\n\nIn the recent September school holidays, over 6.1 million travellers crossed both land checkpoints, with the highest volume recorded on Sep 4 at over 599,000 crossings. This surpassed the previous peak of more than 598,000 crossings on June 19, 2026. During that travel period, 27 motorists were caught for traffic-related offences and dangerous road behavior.",
  "summary": "The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued the travel advisory for Nov 6 to Nov 9, encouraging travellers to plan their journey ahead of time and consider travelling during non-peak hours.",
  "key_points": [
    "Heavy traffic anticipated at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints Nov 6-9",
    "ICA increased security checks since Feb 28 due to global concerns",
    "QR code app usage up 35% to expedite immigration clearance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Heightened security measures and seasonal travel surges combine to prolong border wait times, forcing commuters to rely more heavily on digital clearance tools to navigate the increased congestion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Deepavali rush: Singapore authorities warn of long delays at Johor checkpoints amid tighter security checks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/deepavali-rush-singapore-authorities-warn-of-long-delays-at-johor",
        "published": "2026-11-01T06:45:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}