The ongoing year-end school holidays will be from 19 November 2016 to 2 January 2017. Therefore, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy.
Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on weekends throughout the holiday period. Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints can expect delays and should take note of this advisory.
The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) has said that the BioScreen system is now implemented at the passenger halls of Singapore’s land checkpoints to capture the thumbprints of travellers. And with security checks, traffic build-up is to be expected, especially when a large number of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time.
To avoid a surge of travellers and vehicles seeking clearance at the land checkpoints, travellers are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible.
Useful Tips When Using the Land Checkpoints:
- You are encouraged to car-pool or make use of public transport.
- You should maintain lane discipline at all times when driving or riding into and out of Singapore.
- If you are a Singaporean, Singapore Permanent Resident or Long Term Pass holder and is eligible to use the automated clearance system, use eIACS at the bus halls or BIKES at the motorcycle lanes for immigration clearance.
- Ensure that you are carrying your own and valid passport before presenting it for immigration clearance at the checkpoints.
- Make sure you do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore. You must also declare to the checkpoint officers if you are bringing any dutiable or controlled items into Singapore. The list of controlled and prohibited items can be found on ICA’s website (www.ica.gov.sg).
ICA reminded travellers to check and ensure that they are using their own valid passports before setting off on their journey. The passports must have a remaining validity of six months or more. There have been instances of Singaporeans presenting wrong passports or passports which have been reported lost for immigration clearance. Such cases will lead to delays and cause inconvenience to the passport holders as well as other checkpoints users.
It also said that passports which had been reported lost or stolen can no longer be used for travelling even if they are found subsequently. Lost or stolen passports will be cancelled by ICA, and any attempt to use the cancelled passports is an offence under the Passports Act and may be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Passports that have been recovered must be surrendered to the ICA within 14 days to prevent abuse by persons with ill-intent. Failure to surrender the recovered passport is an offence under the Passports Regulations and may be punished by a fine of up to $3,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.
For those who are riding on a motorcycle on these days, you are strongly advised to check on the traffic situation before embarking on your journey. Travellers leaving Singapore by Woodlands or Tuas checkpoint will be able to know in advance the traffic situation from LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the AYE and BKE respectively.
For more Traffic Information:
a. Call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117;
b. Tune in to the radio for the latest traffic conditions; or
c. Visit LTA’s One Motoring website (www.onemotoring.com.sg) or MyTransport.SG portal (www.mytransport.sg) to check the latest traffic conditions before embarking on your journey.
