Land Checkpoint Traffic: September 2026 School Holidays

Expected peak-period traffic

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expected very heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints during the September 2026 school holidays, from Friday 4 September to Monday 14 September 2026. ICA reported that more than 2.1 million travellers crossed the two checkpoints during the National Day weekend from 7 to 10 August 2026, with more than 593,000 travellers clearing immigration on 7 August alone. Car travellers departing during peak hours experienced waits of up to three hours because of traffic tailbacks from Malaysia. ICA also said it had stepped up security checks at all checkpoints since 28 February 2026, so peak-period delays can reflect both traffic demand and additional checks (ICA, 31 August 2026).

Clearance and journey-planning advice

ICA advised travellers to plan ahead, consider early-morning or late-evening travel, and check checkpoint traffic conditions before departure. Travellers were strongly encouraged to use QR codes generated through the MyICA mobile app for faster, passport-less immigration clearance. ICA said QR clearance and facial recognition for motorcyclists and pillion riders had increased clearance throughput by more than 35% during departure peak periods, equivalent to about 7,600 additional travellers per hour compared with pre-COVID 2019 levels; facial recognition for motorcycle lanes was being progressively rolled out at Tuas. These are ICA’s reported throughput comparisons, not a guarantee of an individual waiting time; traffic updates are available through LTA’s OneMotoring channels and ICA’s social channels (ICA, 31 August 2026).

Reminders for travellers and motorists

All travellers should carry passports with at least six months’ remaining validity. Short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for a long-term pass, must submit the Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration through MyICA within three days before arrival. Singapore Permanent Residents who renew passports should update their Re-Entry Permit details; long-term pass holders must notify ICA or MOM of passport-particular changes before re-entry. Motorists should observe lane discipline, follow traffic marshals and officers, and not queue-cut; ICA said queue-cutters may be directed to make a U-turn and re-join the queue. ICA reported that 13 motorists had been caught for traffic-related offences and dangerous road behaviour during the recent National Day weekend, but that example is enforcement context rather than a prediction of September offences. Bus passengers in wheelchairs and family groups of up to four, including children below six, can use QR codes at Special Assistance Lanes (ICA, 31 August 2026).

Foreign-registered vehicles and checkpoint works

Drivers of foreign vehicles must ensure that the Vehicle Entry Permit is valid and that required Autopass, approval-email and insurance conditions are met. ICA also noted ongoing works near Woodlands Checkpoint redevelopment and at Tuas Checkpoint’s departure car zone for the progressive Automated Passenger Clearance System. From 2 November 2026, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding Singapore traffic, parking or vehicular-emissions fines will not be able to apply for or renew a Vehicle Entry Permit and will be denied entry. This is a dated future enforcement condition, separate from the September holiday traffic advisory; it applies through LTA’s VEP process, not as a claim that every foreign vehicle is currently barred (ICA, 31 August 2026).