Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a warning about exceptionally heavy traffic at land checkpoints between February 13 and 23, coinciding with the Chinese New Year period. Travelers should anticipate significant delays during immigration clearance. These delays are expected due to increased scrutiny aimed at preventing the smuggling of prohibited items.
Increased Scrutiny at the Border
The ICA will be intensifying checks for contraband, specifically mentioning e-vaporisers, firecrackers, and bak kwa (dried barbecued pork). The authority has stated it will take “firm action” against individuals who do not follow instructions from officers or commit offenses at the checkpoints. Travelers are urged to cooperate with ICA officers, adhere to traffic regulations, and maintain lane discipline.
Chinese New Year will be observed on February 17 and 18 this year. The ICA’s warning comes after a period of already high travel volume. During the year-end school holidays, spanning from November 21 to January 1, over 22 million travellers passed through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
During peak hours over the recent holidays, car travellers experienced waits of up to three hours to clear immigration due to traffic congestion originating in Malaysia. The previous single-day record for crossings was set on June 20, 2025, with over 578,000 travellers.
The situation could lead to further congestion and extended wait times at the border. It is possible that the ICA may implement additional measures to manage traffic flow, such as adjusting staffing levels or temporarily suspending certain services. Travelers may also consider alternative travel times to avoid peak periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will traffic be heaviest at the checkpoints?
Traffic is expected to be very heavy from February 13 to 23, coinciding with the Chinese New Year period.
What items are ICA officers specifically looking for?
ICA officers will be intensifying checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers, firecrackers, and bak kwa.
What was the previous record for daily traveller crossings?
The previous record was set on June 20, 2025, with more than 578,000 crossings.
As travellers prepare for the Chinese New Year holiday, how might these anticipated delays influence your travel plans?
