ICA's heightened security checks: Heavy traffic into S'pore via Woodlands Checkpoint

Travellers entering Singapore experienced heavy traffic congestion at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Mar. 2.

This came two days after immigration checks were heightened following strikes on Iran and the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

People online shared about hours-long traffic jams at the Causeway, with videos showing vehicle lanes heavily congested.

Those taking cross-border buses also reported long queues at immigration.

Estimated time to cross longer than usual

According to Checkpoint.sg, an app that tracks traffic conditions at Singapore’s land checkpoints, the estimated time to cross the Causeway into Singapore at about 9:30am on Mar. 2 was between 105 and 160 minutes.

In comparison, the same journey at around the same time seven days earlier would have taken fewer than 20 minutes.

By about 11:47am, the estimated time to cross into Singapore via the Causeway had decreased, but travellers were still facing a substantial wait of around 40 to 60 minutes.

Meanwhile, the estimated time to enter Singapore via the Tuas Second Link at about 11:47am was between 30 and 45 minutes.

Heavier traffic expected due to heightened measures

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Feb. 28 that in view of the heightened global security situation, including recent developments in the Middle East, it had stepped up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo and vehicles at land, air and sea checkpoints.

“Travellers should expect delays at the checkpoints due to the enhanced checks and are advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance,” ICA said.

Many crossing on foot

Posts on online forums showed many people reporting heavy traffic from Johor Bahru into Singapore since Mar. 1, with some opting to cross the Causeway on foot.

A Facebook user reported seeing the estimated time to cross into Singapore via the Causeway on Mar. 1 to be around 115 to 175 minutes at about 2:21pm.

Top photos from 柔新关卡Both Checkpoint 分享站/Facebook