Travellers are advised to adjust plans ahead of anticipated traffic delays this July 2022.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued an advisory ahead of the Hari Raya Haji long weekend, advising travellers using the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints to expect heavy traffic. With the public holiday falling on Monday, July 11, and the long weekend starting from Friday, July 8, significant delays are anticipated over the four-day period.
Since the reopening of borders, traffic at the checkpoints has been steadily increasing. The traveller volume peaked during the July 1 to 3 weekend, reaching over 282,000 per day, surpassing previous busy periods, including the June school holidays and public holidays like Vesak Day and Good Friday.
Travellers are advised to plan for potential delays, with waits of up to four hours expected at the peak of the Hari Raya Haji long weekend, as experienced in 2019.
Recommended Travel Times to Avoid:
Departing Singapore:
Friday, July 8: 3pm to 11:59pm
Saturday, July 9: 6am to 10am, 4pm to 9pm
Arriving in Singapore:
Monday, July 11: 6pm to 11:59pm
ICA also highlighted that the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has begun upgrading works at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar immigration booths, which may contribute to delays, as some booths will be temporarily out of operation.
Motorists are encouraged to check traffic conditions before departure via the One Motoring website or Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS). Updates are also available on ICA’s social media platforms.
For those seeking a faster alternative, public transport options, such as cross-border bus services or the shuttle train from Woodlands, are recommended.
Additionally, travellers driving Singapore-registered cars are reminded to comply with the “three-quarter tank” rule before departing. Failure to do so may result in a fine or prosecution.
