Heavy Traffic Expected At Singapore Land Checkpoints During Deepavali Long Weekend

SINGAPORE, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Travellers can expect heavy traffic at Singapore’s Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints during the upcoming Deepavali long weekend from Oct 17 to 20.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said travellers should anticipate longer waiting times to clear immigration due to the holiday period and intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers.

“Vaping and possession of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore. Since Sept 1, individuals caught possessing, using, or importing e-vaporisers will face higher penalties,” it said in a statement on Monday.

ICA noted that more than 5.8 million travellers crossed the two checkpoints during the September school holidays from Sept 5 to 15, with the highest number recorded on Sept 5, when over 575,000 travellers cleared immigration at the land checkpoints in a single day.

“Car travellers departing during peak periods had to wait up to three hours for immigration clearance,” it said.

ICA advised travellers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before starting their journey, and to consider using cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.

-- BERNAMA