ICA Issues Alert for 3-Hour Delays at SG-JB Checkpoints Around Christmas & New Year’s Eve
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way~
One thing we certainly can’t jingle away this festive season is the inevitable traffic jam at the Singapore (SG)-Johor Bahru (JB) checkpoints.
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a surge in traffic flow is expected.
Recalling the 9-hour jam caused by a short staycation during the polling day, one can only wonder what the upcoming holidays might bring.
Today, 19 Dec, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a warning to travelers about the anticipated heavy traffic at land checkpoints during the festive season.
The upcoming two long weekends are expected to see intense traffic congestion at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints, continuing till the end of 2023.
Recently, from 15 to 17 Dec, the traffic at these land checkpoints saw more than 1.3 million travelers passing through, averaging nearly 435,000 crossings daily, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.
Compared to the same period in 2019, there’s been an increase of about 10,000 crossings per day.
This year’s traffic is expected to be further complicated due to ongoing upgrading work at some counters, leading to longer waiting times not only for vehicles but also for bus passengers.
In addition, ICA has announced that security measures at the checkpoints will be heightened this year, partly in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Gaza.
Here are some tips from ICA for a smoother journey:
1. Plan for Extra Immigration Clearance Time
Especially over the two long weekends, those traveling by car may face delays of up to three hours. Patience, adherence to traffic rules, lane discipline, and cooperation with ICA officers are crucial for a smoother journey.
2. Stay Informed About Traffic Conditions
Motorists should check the traffic situation at land checkpoints via the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website, the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System along the BKE and AYE, and updates from ICA’s Facebook and X accounts, as well as local radio broadcasts on One 91.3, Kiss92, Hao 96.3, UFM 100.3.
3. Avoid Queue Cutting
Motorists are urged not to cut queues at the land checkpoints, as it can cause severe congestion and safety hazards.
Offenders may be redirected to re-queue.
4. Ensure Passport Validity
Make sure your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
5. Adhere to the “Three-Quarter Tank” Rule
Under the Customs Act 1960, Singapore-registered vehicles must have a minimum of three-quarters tank of fuel when exiting Singapore.
Violators may face a fine of up to $500 or court prosecution and will be denied passage into Malaysia.
