Heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints for National Day long weekend
Johor-Singapore Causeway taken from Marsiling Lane. (File photo: CNA/Ahmad Zamzahuri Abas)
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SINGAPORE: Travellers can expect very heavy traffic at Singapore's land checkpoints for the upcoming National Day long weekend, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday (Aug 2).
Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints are set to see continuous heavy traffic in the lead-up to and during the period from Aug 8 to Aug 13.
Travellers should factor in additional waiting time, ICA said in its travel advisory.
"We also seek their understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline," it added.
The land border crossings between Singapore and Malaysia are among the busiest in the world.
A daily average of nearly 480,000 travellers crossed both checkpoints during the June school holidays from May 23 to Jun 25, said the authority, with Jun 14 registering a record of more 530,000 travellers.
"During such peak periods, travellers departing by car had to wait up to three hours before they were cleared through immigration, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia," said ICA.
Motorists should check the traffic situation at the checkpoints before starting their journey. They can do so on LTA's One Motoring website.
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THINGS TO TAKE NOTE
ICA reminded travellers to ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months. Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should ensure that their re-entry permits have been transferred to their new passports.
Long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
People travelling by car are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster immigration clearance, said ICA.
Drivers of foreign vehicles should ensure that their Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) are valid as those without a valid Autopass card, a VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back.
ICA added that drivers of foreign vehicles with outstanding fines with government agencies should settle these payments as those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.
Motorists should avoid cutting the queue as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other drivers.
"Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue," ICA said.
