Beat the jam: ICA Singapore’s travel advisory for March school holidays & Hari Raya Puasa

With more than 3mn travellers crossing the Singapore-Malaysia borders during Lunar New Year, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority anticipates heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints in the coming weeks.

With the upcoming March school holidays happening from 14 March - 24 March 2025 (Friday to Monday) and the Hari Raya Puasa holidays commencing from 28 March to 1 April 2025 (Friday to Tuesday), Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is expecting heavy traffic at both checkpoints and has come up with some things to note for a smoother travel.

Important reminders

• Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months.
• All short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with health declaration via the MyICA mobile application within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.
• Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their Re-Entry Permit has been transferred to the new passport.
• Long-Term Pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
• Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items.

Motorists

• Check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on your journey.
• Those travelling by car and motorcycle are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance.
• Refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue.

Bus passengers

• Those travelling by bus are also encouraged to use QR codes for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Travellers can use it at QR code enabled automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL) in the bus halls.
• Travellers using wheelchairs and family groups of up to four members, including those with children below six years old, can enjoy faster clearance using QR code at the SALs.

Drivers of foreign vehicles 

• Ensure that your vehicle’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Drivers who do not have a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back.
• Settle any outstanding fines you may have with the respective government agencies. Those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.

ICA added that motorists who wish to seek further clarification on their offences may contact the respective agencies: 

1. Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police),
2. Housing and Development Board,
3. Land Transport Authority,
4. National Environment Agency, and
5. Urban Redevelopment Authority.

During the recent Lunar New Year period (24 - 30 January 2025), more than 3mn travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, with a peak of more than 521,000 travellers crossing in a single day on 24 January 2025. 

READ MORE: Malaysia to possibly roll out QR code entry for travellers from 63 countries & regions starting 2026