Very heavy traffic at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints is expected in the lead-up to Vesak Day and during the entire school holiday period, from May 21 to Jun. 23, 2024, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on May 20.

Nearly 2.3 million visitors crossed the checkpoints during the Good Friday weekend

During the Good Friday long weekend from Mar. 28 to Apr. 1, 2024, nearly 2.3 million visitors crossed both checkpoints, at a rate of more than 455,000 crossings daily.

ICA said this was an increase of close to 30 per cent compared to the same Good Friday long weekend period in 2023.

In addition, during peak periods, travellers departing by car had to wait up to three hours before they were cleared through immigration, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia.

Travellers should expect further delays due to the heightened threat situation

ICA added that travellers should also expect delays and factor in additional time for immigration clearance due to stepped-up security measures at the checkpoints in light of the heightened threat situation.

On May 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that that they will step up security measures, including at Singapore checkpoints, in light of the Ulu Tiram police station attack.

The measures at the checkpoints include increased patrols and enhanced checks on travellers and conveyances.

"We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with ICA officers," ICA added.

ICA also called on motorists to refrain from queue cutting as it can cost severe congestion and compromise the safety of other tourists.

Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue.

For those travelling by car, they are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance.

Top photo via Complaint Singapore