ICA: Very heavy traffic expected during Deepavali weekend

The upcoming Deepavali long weekend coincides with the year-end school holidays for some students in Singapore. As a result, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is expecting the traffic situation at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints to be very heavy in the lead-up and during the period from 9 November, Thursday to 14 November 2023, Tuesday.

Security measures at the checkpoints has also been stepped up due to the situation in the Middle East, hence travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance

In addition to the holidays, security measures at both checkpoints has also been stepped up due to the developing situation in the Middle East, which will likely lead to longer processing time, adding to the traffic situation.

During the recent Children's Day weekend from 6 to 8 October, ICA reported that more than 1.27 million travellers used the land checkpoint, and those who departed by car had to wait up to three hours. Hence, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance.

Motorists are also advised to check the traffic situation at the checkpoints before embarking on their journey.