The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued an advisory on Monday (13 Oct 2025), warning travellers of extended waiting times at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Deepavali long weekend from 17 Oct to 20 Oct 2025.​
Expected Delays
Travellers heading to Malaysia via the land checkpoints should brace themselves for longer immigration clearance times due to the holiday period.​
The delays will be compounded by ICA’s intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers, which remain prohibited in Singapore.​
September School Holiday Traffic
More than 5.8 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the September school holidays from 5 Sep to 15 Sep 2025.​
Traveller volume peaked on 5 Sep 2025, with over 575,000 people clearing immigration at the land checkpoints in a single day.​
Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.​
E-Vaporiser Enforcement
Since 1 Sep 2025, individuals caught possessing, using or importing e-vaporisers face higher penalties in Singapore.​
Vaping and possession of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore, prompting the ICA to step up enforcement checks at the checkpoints.​
Alternative Travel Options
ICA recommended that travellers consider taking cross-border bus services to avoid congestion during the peak period.​
Travellers are encouraged to use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app for more convenient passport-less immigration clearance.​
However, travellers must still bring their physical passports when travelling overseas.​
Traffic Monitoring
Motorists can check the traffic situation at land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority’s OneMotoring website before embarking on their journey.​
Real-time updates are also available via ICA’s Facebook and X accounts, as well as through SPH and Mediacorp radio stations.
The Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System on the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) provides additional traffic information for motorists.​
Cooperation Required
ICA sought travellers’ understanding to cooperate with officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline at the checkpoints.​
The authority warned that it will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.
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