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Since 6 October, a Malaysian-registered car needs a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before its passengers can submit the SG Arrival Card, and from 15 October motorcyclists leaving through Woodlands can use selected car lanes for automated clearance. The RTS Link is now targeted for February 2027, so for car passengers October is about getting the paperwork right and timing trips around the peaks.
Rules and traffic at the land checkpoints change often, sometimes daily. This update is correct as of 14 October 2026; check the official links below before you travel.
What happened
Valid VEP needed before the SG Arrival Card (from 6 October)
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on 22 September that from 6 October, travellers entering Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas in a foreign-registered car can only submit their SG Arrival Card (SGAC) if the car has a valid VEP, The Star and Malay Mail reported. The system checks the permit when the card is submitted, so passengers as well as drivers are alerted if the car has none, and ICA said cars without a valid VEP would be turned back to Malaysia. A separate rule follows on 2 November: the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs said in May that foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding Singapore fines will not be able to apply for or renew a VEP from that date (LTA, May 2026).
Motorcycles in selected Woodlands car lanes (from 15 October)
ICA said on 9 October that from 15 October, motorcyclists and pillion riders departing Singapore through Woodlands Checkpoint can use selected car lanes for automated immigration clearance by facial recognition, The Straits Times and AsiaOne reported. It is open to Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and foreign visitors who have entered Singapore before. ICA said these lanes do not each need an officer, so more of them can be opened to motorcycles at peak times.
Heavy-traffic advisories and tighter checks
ICA's most recent heavy-traffic advisory, issued on 31 August for the September school holidays, said car travellers leaving Singapore at peak hours over the National Day weekend had waited up to three hours for immigration clearance because of tailbacks from Malaysia. It also noted that security checks at all checkpoints have been tightened since 28 February 2026, and that road works are under way at Woodlands, which is being redeveloped, and in the Tuas departure car zone (ICA, 31 August). At the time of writing, ICA had not issued a separate advisory for October.
RTS Link now expected in February 2027
LTA and Malaysia's Ministry of Transport said in a joint release on 2 October that the operator now expects to start passenger service on the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link in February 2027. The date depends on the operator getting independent safety certification and final approvals from both countries, with final system tests and trial runs due to finish by 31 December 2026 (LTA, 2 October). Fares had not been announced as of 14 October.
What it means for your trip
Coming back to Singapore in a Malaysian car
If you return in a Malaysian-registered car, whether a friend's, a relative's or a hired cross-border car, ask for the plate number before you fill in the SGAC, because the form asks for it. If the card will not go through because of the VEP, tell the driver straight away: the permit belongs to the car, and sorting it out on the day at the checkpoint is not an option. ICA's advice is to submit the SGAC within the three days before you arrive.
Leaving Singapore through Woodlands
From 15 October you may see motorcycles using some of the departure car lanes at Woodlands. Car passengers need do nothing different; drivers should follow the lane signs and officers' directions closely, especially at busy times.
Plan around the peaks
ICA's standing advice still applies: travel early in the morning or late in the evening where you can, and use MyICA QR codes for faster, passport-free clearance on the Singapore side. The next likely busy stretches are the Deepavali weekend in early November and the year-end school holidays; our guide to Causeway jams on public holidays lists the dates to avoid. If you are deciding between the two crossings, see Woodlands vs Tuas: which is faster.
Should you wait for the RTS Link?
For a solo trip to JB city centre with light bags, the RTS Link should be worth waiting for. For families, luggage, early or late trips, or anywhere beyond the city centre, a car will still make more sense. We compare the two in RTS Link JB–Woodlands: will it replace the car?
What to check before you go
- ICA: SG Arrival Card, for who needs to submit it and when.
- LTA OneMotoring: VEP, for drivers of Malaysian-registered cars.
- LTA OneMotoring traffic cameras and our Woodlands and Tuas checkpoint traffic page, on the day.
- Our MDAC guide, for travellers who still need Malaysia's Digital Arrival Card.
Crossing with Luxway SGMY
On a Luxway SGMY transfer you are picked up at your door anywhere in Singapore and stay in the car through immigration at both checkpoints, so there is no walking between halls or queuing for a bus. Our professional cross-border drivers know both crossings, and fares include tolls and checkpoint fees. There is no deposit; you pay the driver on arrival.
Heading to Johor Bahru this month? See our Singapore to Johor private car page, Whatsapp us with your date and time, or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VEP if I am only a passenger?
No, the VEP is for the vehicle, not the passenger. But since 6 October your SG Arrival Card will not go through if the foreign-registered car you are entering Singapore in has no valid VEP, so check with the driver before you travel.
Does the new Woodlands motorcycle arrangement change anything for car passengers?
Not what you need to do. Some departure car lanes will also be used by motorcycles from 15 October, so drivers should follow lane signs and officers' directions.
When will the RTS Link open?
LTA and Malaysia's Ministry of Transport said on 2 October that passenger service is now expected to start in February 2027, subject to safety certification and final approvals. Fares had not been announced at the time of writing.
Is there a heavy-traffic advisory for October 2026?
At the time of writing, ICA had not issued one for October. Check ICA's social media and LTA's traffic cameras before you leave.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
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