SINGAPORE – Travellers are expected to head north in record numbers ahead of the coming National Day weekend, with heavy traffic likely at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), in a statement on Aug 5, said travellers can expect a longer waiting time to clear immigration between Aug 8 and Aug 10 .

It said: “ICA advises travellers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey. Those who need to travel during this peak period can consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.”

Travellers can also help by cooperating with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline, it added.

In a review of recent traveller numbers crossing the land checkpoints, ICA said a record number of commuters crossed both checkpoints during the June school holidays from May 29 to July 1 .

On June 20, more than 578,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints, surpassing the previous peak of over 562,000 crossings on Dec 20, 2024.

ICA said the daily average of travellers during this period went up nearly 10 per cent compared with traffic in 2024 during the same period.

Those who travelled by car during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance.

ICA said it will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with instructions from ICA officers, and those who commit offences at the checkpoints.

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