News

ICA Warns of Congestion in Both Checkpoints This Long Weekend

2022-10-19 , 5:26 pm

The next long weekend is coming soon—from 21 October 2022.

However, the catch is that you will probably spend hours queueing up to cross the borders if you intend to head to Malaysia.

Congestion at the Crossings is Expected

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on 19 October 2022 that traffic flow through the two checkpoints has reached pre-COVID-19 levels at peak periods.

“Travellers should expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans, where possible, to avoid being caught in traffic congestion,” they added.

Back in 2019, during the Deepavali long weekend, travellers departing and arriving by car had to wait up to two hours before they were cleared through immigration.

Do remember to factor in additional time for immigration clearance.

Peak hours of Immigration

It is advised to avoid departing during peak hours—3 pm to 11.59 pm on Friday, 6 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 11.59 pm on Saturday.

The peak hours of arrival to Singapore are expected to be on 24 Oct between 6 pm and 11.59 pm.

After all, long weekends are hard to come by so we should maximise it right?

Ongoing Upgrading Works, Some Automated Clearance Lanes are Closed

There are also ongoing upgrading works at the bus halls of the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Johor Bahru.

Hence, some of the automated clearance lanes are closed till 10 November 2022. This means that you would not be able to scan your face and have to let the custom officer see your beautiful face instead.

How to Monitor Traffic Conditions

If you are someone who never has to walk on foot to cross borders and can enjoy the shiok aircon from your vehicle, this is for you.

You can check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System installed along the Bukit Timah Expressway and Ayer Rajah Expressway.

You can also tune in to local radio broadcasts on Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3 and UFM 100.3 as well as ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Steps to Ensure a Smooth Immigration Clearance

ICA advised all short-term visitors, including in-principle approval holders, to submit their Singapore Arrival Card three days before their arrival in Singapore.

All travellers should also ensure their passport has a remaining validity of six months or more. You do not want to be sent back after queueing for hours just because you never check your passport.