The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned motorists to expect heavy congestion at Singapore’s land checkpoints during the year-end school holidays. The period runs from 21 Nov 2025 to 1 Jan 2026. Travellers heading to Malaysia should plan for additional waiting times.
Deepavali Weekend Drew Two Million Travellers
Close to two million people crossed Woodlands and Taus checkpoints during the Deepavali long weekend from 17 Oct to 20 Oct. The busiest day was 17 Oct, when over 550,000 travellers cleared immigration. Car travellers departing during peak periods waited up to three hours due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia.
September School Holidays Saw 5.8 Million Crossings
More than 5.8 million travellers used the two land crossings during September school holidays from 5 Sep to 15 Sep. The highest volume occurred on 5 Sep. Over 575,000 people cleared immigration that day alone.
E-Vaporiser Checks Will Slow Things Down
ICA will step up checks against e-vaporiser smuggling during the upcoming holidays. This will add to waiting times. Travellers can check traffic conditions before leaving via the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website or ICA’s Facebook and X accounts.
QR Codes Speed Up Immigration
Car and motorcycle travellers can use QR codes instead of passports for faster clearance. The MyICA mobile app generates individual or group QR codes containing passport details. Up to 10 travellers can share one group QR code. Each code can be stored and named in the app.
Singapore residents—citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders—can auto-populate passport details via Singpass. Individual QR codes last for one year after generation or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. First-time foreign visitors and those re-entering with a different passport must present their physical passport.
Cross-Border Buses Offer Alternative
Travellers can skip the car jams by taking cross-border bus services during peak periods. ICA reminds travellers to bring passports even when using QR codes.
VEP Requirements for Foreign Vehicles
Foreign-registered vehicles need valid vehicle entry permits (VEPs) before crossing. Drivers without a valid Autopass card, VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned away.
Singapore-registered vehicles entering Peninsular Malaysia need a VEP from the Malaysian Road Transport Department. The system uses a tamper-proof RFID tag attached to car headlights. Tags last five years and can’t be transferred. Singapore cars without a VEP face fines of around $90 or Malaysian penalties up to RM2,000 (~$575).
ICA Warns Against Non-Compliance
ICA has asked travellers to cooperate with officers, follow traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. The authority will take stern action against those who ignore officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.
