Singapore advises travellers to use checkpoints during Deepavali holiday

With the Deepavali holiday coming up on 17 October 2009, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy over the coming weekend. For departures, the traffic build-up is expected to start from Friday (16 October).

For arrivals, traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday and Monday (18 and 19 October). Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints during the peak periods should take note of the following messages.

Travellers Have a Part to Play

The best way to avoid the congestion is to adjust your travel plans and avoid the peak periods altogether. With enhanced security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, particularly when a large number of travellers want to use the checkpoints at the same time.

If you really need to travel during the peak periods, you can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by maintaining lane discipline. To avoid the congestion at the checkpoints, you are also encouraged to car-pool or make use of public transport. Singaporean travellers with valid passports and who are registered with the National Registration Office can use the eIACS (Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System) lanes at the Bus Halls for immigration clearance. The eIACS allows you to clear immigration through automated lanes within 12 seconds at no additional cost.

Travellers are reminded to ensure that they are carrying their own passports before presenting themselves for immigration clearance at the checkpoints. ICA has detected a number of cases where travellers presented the wrong passports for immigration clearance. This has affected clearance efficiency and caused inconvenience to other travellers.

In addition, travellers should also make sure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into Singapore. The list of controlled and prohibited items is set out on ICA’s website http://www.ica.gov.sg.

Traffic Information

Travellers departing Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoint from the LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE respectively. You can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA’s One Motoring website (http://www.onemotoring.com.sg) to check on the latest traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on your journey.

Security is Our Utmost Concern

Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. ICA will put in every effort and continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek your understanding and cooperation, as your security is our utmost concern.