SINGAPORE: Almost 390,000 travellers crossed Singapore’s land checkpoints daily over the Chinese New Year long weekend from Feb 8 to Feb 13, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Monday (Mar 4).
This amounted to a 35 per cent increase over the daily average of about 289,000 travellers during the same period last year.
During the Chinese New Year long weekend, “there was continuous heavy traffic at the land checkpoints, with more than 2.33 million crossings”, said ICA.
“Some of those who departed by car had to wait up to three hours before they were cleared through immigration, as there was a long tailback from Malaysian immigration.”
ICA said it expects “very heavy traffic” at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints ahead of and during the school holiday period from Mar 8 to Mar 18.
Due to the March school holiday, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time and they should ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months.
Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their re-entry permit has been transferred to the new passport, while long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.
Drivers of foreign vehicles should ensure that their vehicle entry permit (VEP) is valid, as applications are no longer accepted at checkpoints to facilitate traffic flow.
“Drivers of foreign vehicles who do not have a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back,” said ICA.
Those with outstanding fines in Singapore should also settle them as they may be denied entry into the country.
