SINGAPORE: Travellers can expect "very heavy" traffic at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during the upcoming June school holidays and Hari Raya Haji long weekend, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Friday (May 23).
The June school holidays runs from May 31 to Jun 29, while the Hari Raya Haji weekend is from Jun 6 to Jun 9.
Travellers should expect longer waiting times to clear immigration.
"ICA advises travellers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey," said the authority.
Those who need to travel during this peak period can consider taking cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.
"We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline," the authority said, adding that it will not hesitate to take action against those who do not comply with instructions.
During the Vesak Day long weekend from May 8 to May 13, more than 3 million travellers crossed both land checkpoints. At its peak, over 546,000 travellers cleared immigration on May 9.
"Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia," said ICA.
Travellers should ensure their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months.
Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should ensure their re-entry permits have been transferred to their new passports.
Long-term pass holders should also notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
Those travelling by car and motorcycles are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster immigration clearance, ICA said.
People commuting by bus can also use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app at automated lanes and special assistance lanes at the checkpoints' bus halls.
Drivers of foreign vehicles should also ensure their Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) are valid, ICA said.
Those who do not have a valid autopass card, the VEP approval from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back.
"Refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists," said ICA.
"Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue."
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The June school holidays runs from May 31 to Jun 29, while the Hari Raya Haji weekend is from Jun 6 to Jun 9.
Travellers should expect longer waiting times to clear immigration.
"ICA advises travellers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey," said the authority.
Those who need to travel during this peak period can consider taking cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.
"We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline," the authority said, adding that it will not hesitate to take action against those who do not comply with instructions.
During the Vesak Day long weekend from May 8 to May 13, more than 3 million travellers crossed both land checkpoints. At its peak, over 546,000 travellers cleared immigration on May 9.
"Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia," said ICA.
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THINGS TO NOTE
Travellers should ensure their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months.
Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should ensure their re-entry permits have been transferred to their new passports.
Long-term pass holders should also notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
Those travelling by car and motorcycles are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster immigration clearance, ICA said.
People commuting by bus can also use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app at automated lanes and special assistance lanes at the checkpoints' bus halls.
Drivers of foreign vehicles should also ensure their Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) are valid, ICA said.
Those who do not have a valid autopass card, the VEP approval from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back.
"Refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists," said ICA.
"Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue."
Continue reading...