The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority expects very heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Friday 4 September to Monday 14 September 2026 for the September school holidays.
MyICA QR codes, Singapore Arrival Card filings, passport validity, and ongoing works at both land checkpoints still apply.
What ICA measured on the last long weekend
Over the National Day weekend from 7 to 10 August 2026, more than 2.1 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas. Volume peaked on 7 August at more than 593,000 clearances in a single day. Car travellers departing in peak hours waited up to three hours, ICA said, after traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.
Security checks have been stepped up at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026. ICA tells travellers to expect longer waits in peak periods for that reason as well.
Clearance rules that still apply
Travellers are told to use QR codes generated in the MyICA mobile app for faster passport-less clearance at the land checkpoints. ICA says QR clearance and facial recognition for motorcyclists and pillion riders have raised departure-peak throughput by more than 35 per cent, equal to about 7,600 extra travellers an hour against 2019 levels.
Passports need at least six months’ remaining validity. Short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for a long-term pass, must submit a Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration in MyICA within three days before arrival. Permanent residents who renewed a passport must update the Re-Entry Permit in the same app. Long-term pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of passport changes before re-entry.
Works, buses and foreign cars
Construction continues near Woodlands Checkpoint as part of redevelopment. At Tuas, works in the departure car zone support the Automated Passenger Clearance System. ICA tells motorists to follow marshals, signs and diversions.
Wheelchair users and family groups of up to four, including children below six, can use QR codes at the Special Assistance Lanes on buses. Foreign-registered vehicles need a valid Vehicle Entry Permit; drivers without a valid Autopass card, VEP approval email from LTA, or valid insurance will be turned back. From 2 November 2026, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding Singapore traffic, parking or vehicular-emissions fines will not be able to apply for or renew a VEP, and will be denied entry.
ICA points motorists to LTA’s OneMotoring live cameras, the Expressway Motoring and Advisory System on the BKE and AYE, and ICA’s own Facebook and X feeds before setting out. Queue-cutting draws a U-turn to the back of the queue; 13 motorists were caught for traffic offences over the National Day weekend.
