Avoid Long Waits at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints This Holiday Season: Essential Travel Advisory for Crossing the Singapore-Malaysia Border During Peak Festive Traffic

As Singapore approaches the festive holiday season, travelers should be prepared for very heavy traffic at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints throughout the remainder of December 2025. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has issued a travel advisory urging motorists and commuters to plan their journeys carefully, as congestion is expected to peak due to the high volume of travelers during the year‑end school holidays and the Christmas and New Year season.

Here’s what you need to know and how you can best plan your travel across the Singapore–Malaysia border this festive season.

Expected Peak Travel Periods

From now until the end of December, the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints will experience significant congestion as both domestic and international travelers make their way across the border. The ICA has highlighted that the holiday rush, combined with the year-end school holidays, will result in higher-than-usual traffic at both land checkpoints, particularly between the weekends and the week of Christmas.

Travellers can expect long wait times, especially during the afternoon and evening peak hours. During previous festive periods, waiting times have been recorded at over three hours, especially for vehicle passengers at peak times.

What’s Behind the Traffic Surge?

The increase in traffic can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Year-end school holidays: As families travel between Singapore and Malaysia for vacations and family gatherings, the roads become congested. (ica.gov.sg)
• Festive holiday travel: With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, many people take the opportunity to visit relatives or enjoy a quick getaway, increasing cross-border travel significantly.
• Additional customs and immigration checks: To ensure border security and compliance with regulations, immigration checks are more stringent during this period, which can cause delays. Particularly, checks on prohibited items such as e‑vaporisers (which are banned in Singapore) have been reported as contributing to additional delays at the border. (ica.gov.sg)

What You Can Do to Avoid Long Wait Times

While congestion at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to minimise delays:

1. Travel during off-peak hours: If possible, avoid traveling during the mid-afternoon and evening when traffic is usually heaviest. Early morning or late-night travel can help you avoid the long queues.
2. Check real-time traffic updates: Before heading to the checkpoints, use live traffic tracking apps or websites to get the latest information on waiting times at both checkpoints. This can help you plan your journey better.
3. Consider alternate border crossings: If you are traveling from Singapore to Malaysia or vice versa, consider taking the cross‑border bus services, which often have more efficient processing at the checkpoints and can be a convenient alternative to personal vehicles.
4. Be prepared for extra delays: Expect that the journey might take longer than usual, so plan ahead. Ensure that you have adequate supplies such as food, water, and entertainment for longer waits.

What the ICA Recommends

The ICA strongly advises travellers to plan their travel routes ahead of time and allow for extra time when crossing the border. This is especially important if you are travelling during peak holiday periods. The ICA also recommends:

• Checking travel documents before you arrive at the checkpoint to ensure everything is in order and to avoid additional delays.
• Following ICA’s guidelines on what is permitted through the border to speed up clearance times and avoid unnecessary delays at customs.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel during the busiest periods if possible. If your trip can be postponed until the holiday rush subsides, it is advisable to do so.

Tips for Smooth Travel

Here are some additional tips for a smoother cross-border journey during this busy period:

• Stay informed: Before setting off, check both the ICA website and traffic apps for any updates on the border conditions or special advisories.
• Pack light and efficiently: Make sure that all travel documents, including passports, visas, and other paperwork, are easily accessible and ready for inspection.
• Keep your vehicle in good condition: Ensure that your vehicle is ready for the journey, especially if you plan to travel during peak traffic times. This can save time and reduce stress.

Alternate Transport Options

If crossing through the land checkpoints seems too cumbersome during the peak travel days, there are alternative transport options:

• Bus services: Several bus companies operate routes between Singapore and Malaysia that often bypass the delays experienced by private vehicles. They provide a more straightforward and stress-free journey across the border, with fewer delays and often direct routes.
• Public transportation: Travellers can also opt for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus systems for cross-border journeys to avoid congestion.

Conclusion

With the festive holiday rush already beginning, travelers should be prepared for extended waiting times and plan their trips to and from Singapore through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints accordingly. By taking proactive measures like checking real-time traffic updates, planning travel during off-peak hours, and considering public transport or bus services, you can ensure a smoother journey.

Remember, while this period of heavy traffic may seem inconvenient, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that you travel safely and with less stress. Whether you’re heading to Malaysia for the holidays or just visiting friends and family, keeping these tips in mind will help you make the most of the festive season travel rush.

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