Travellers heading to Malaysia via Woodlands Checkpoint are experiencing significant delays as the March school holidays commence.
As of 9:10 am on 15 March 2025, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reported that cars heading northbound can expect to wait more than two hours to reach the checkpoint, with queues extending beyond Woodlands Avenue 3, Exit 10A.
The heavy traffic is attributed to tailback from Malaysia, creating substantial congestion at the border crossing. This situation was anticipated by ICA, which had previously issued warnings about expected congestion at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during this period.
Expected Congestion Periods
ICA had earlier advised travellers to expect heavy traffic at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during two specific timeframes:
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14 to 24 March 2025 (March school holidays)
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28 March to April 1 2025 (Hari Raya Puasa long weekend)
This follows a pattern of increased border crossings during holiday periods.
During the recent Chinese New Year period from 24 to 30 January, more than 3 million travellers crossed both checkpoints, with a peak of over 521,000 travellers on 24 January alone.
Car travellers during that period faced waiting times of up to three hours for immigration clearance due to similar traffic tailback issues from Malaysia.
Recommendations for Travellers
To mitigate the inconvenience of long waiting times, ICA has provided several recommendations:
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Consider taking cross-border bus services instead of driving
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Use QR codes instead of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance
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Check traffic conditions before starting journeys
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Factor in additional waiting time when planning trips
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Maintain lane discipline and observe traffic rules
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Ensure passports have at least six months of remaining validity
QR Code System for Faster Clearance
ICA is encouraging travellers to utilise the QR code system implemented at Singapore’s land checkpoints. Travellers can generate individual or group QR codes using the MyICA mobile app, which can be scanned at immigration instead of presenting physical passports.
This system is available for:
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Singapore citizens
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Permanent Residents
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Long-Term Pass holders
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Foreign visitors who have previously entered Singapore using their current passport
The system is designed to expedite the immigration clearance process, particularly during high-traffic periods such as the current March holidays.
ICA has emphasised that it will take stern action against travellers who fail to comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints, including those caught queue-cutting, who will be turned away and made to re-queue.
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