Deepavali long weekend: Heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints, says ICA

Heavy traffic is expected at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints during the upcoming Deepavali long weekend, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in an advisory on Sunday (Nov 1).

Deepavali falls on Nov 8 (Sunday), with Monday being a public holiday in lieu.

In its advisory, ICA highlighted that security checks have been stepped up at all checkpoints since Feb 28 — when US and Israel struck Iran — due to the heightened global security environment.

"Travellers should therefore expect longer waiting time during peak travel periods," ICA said.

They are also reminded to abide by traffic laws and comply with ICA officers' instructions at Singapore's land checkpoints.

During the September school holidays, a total of 27 motorists were caught for various traffic offences at Woodlands Checkpoint.

Of these, 16 individuals were referred to the Traffic Police for further action.

According to ICA, offences committed at the departure lanes included crossing double white lines, making illegal right turns, stopping in positions likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience, and queue-cutting.

Tips for faster immigration clearance

Those intending to travel through the checkpoints should plan their journey in advance and consider travelling during non-peak hours such as early mornings and late evenings.

They can also check the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website and ICA’s social media pages for the latest traffic conditions.

Travellers are also encouraged to use QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app to enjoy "faster and more seamless" immigration clearance.

Those entering Singapore by a foreign-registered car must also ensure that the vehicle has a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before submitting their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).

They will not be able to complete their SGAC submission for entry into Singapore if the vehicle does not have a valid VEP.

Meanwhile, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines will not be able to apply for or renew their VEPs from Nov 2.

More than 6.1 million travellers during September school holidays

During the last school holidays between Sept 4 and 14, more than 6.1 million travelled across Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

Traffic peaked on Sept 4, with more than 599,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day.

This sets a new record, exceeding the previous peak of more than 598,000 crossings on 19 June 2026.

According to ICA, car travellers experienced waiting times of up to three hours for immigration clearance due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia during peak periods.

移民与关卡局（ICA）在周日（11月1日）发布的公告中表示，即将到来的屠妖节长周末期间，兀兰关卡和图阿斯关卡预计将出现严重的交通拥堵。

排灯节是11月8日（星期日），星期一为补休日。

ICA 在其公告中强调，由于全球安全环境加剧，自 2 月 28 日美国和以色列袭击伊朗以来，所有检查站的安全检查都已加强。

“因此，旅客在出行高峰期应做好等待时间延长的准备，”ICA表示。

他们还被提醒要遵守交通法规，并服从新加坡移民与关卡局官员在新加坡陆路关卡的指示。

9 月份学校假期期间，共有 27 名驾车者在兀兰关卡因各种交通违法行为被抓获。

其中16人被移交交通警察部门作进一步处理。

根据移民与关卡局 (ICA) 的说法，在离港车道上发生的违规行为包括越过双白线、非法右转、在可能造成危险、阻碍或不必要不便的位置停车以及插队。

加快移民通关的技巧

打算通过检查站的人员应提前规划行程，并考虑在非高峰时段（例如清晨和傍晚）出行。

他们还可以查看陆路交通管理局的 One Motoring 网站和移民与关卡局的社交媒体页面，了解最新的交通状况。

也鼓励旅客使用通过 MyICA 手机应用程序生成的二维码，以享受“更快、更便捷”的入境通关服务。

驾驶外国注册车辆进入新加坡的人士，在提交新加坡入境卡 (SGAC) 之前，还必须确保车辆持有有效的车辆入境许可证 (VEP)。

如果车辆没有有效的车辆入境许可 (VEP)，他们将无法完成新加坡政府的入境申请。

与此同时，从 11 月 2 日起，有未缴罚款的外国注册车辆将无法申请或续签车辆排放许可证 (VEP)。

9月学校假期期间，超过610万旅客出行。

在9月4日至14日的上一个学校假期期间，超过610万人次通过兀兰关卡和图阿斯关卡出行。

9月4日客流量达到高峰，一天之内有超过59.9万名旅客通过陆路口岸办理入境手续。

这创下了新的纪录，超过了 2026 年 6 月 19 日超过 598,000 人次的峰值。

据ICA称，高峰时段，由于马来西亚方向的交通拥堵，驾车旅客在办理入境手续时可能需要等待长达三个小时。