SINGAPORE: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore announced that it is currently experiencing delays at selected passenger clearance checkpoints.
"Clearance is still ongoing. Delays are expected and travellers are advised to postpone all non-essential travel, where applicable,” it said in its travel advisory as at 12.03pm posted on its Facebook page on Friday (March 31).
The agency added that travellers should refer to its Facebook page for more official updates.
"ICA regrets the inconvenience caused to travellers and seek their understanding and patience,” said the agency.
A check on a real-time footage at both the Tuas and Woodlands Land Checkpoints via onemotoring.lta.gov.sg website showed heavy traffic headed towards the republic.
At the airport, Changi Airport said that in view of the immigration system disruption, passengers are advised to come to the airport earlier.
"For departing passengers with flights within the next hour, please approach the on-ground staff for assistance,” it said in its travel advisory as of 1.34pm posted on its Facebook page today.
Earlier, Changi Airport said an immigration system disruption has affected the auto-lanes for departing and arriving passengers across the terminals.
"Passengers should expect delays and approach our ground staff if assistance is needed,” it said.
In its update at 2.03pm, ICA said there is no disruption to immigration clearance at Singapore’s coastal checkpoints.
Travellers are being diverted to the manual lanes for immigration processing because Changi Airport's automatic exit lanes at all gates are all impacted.
"Selected automated lanes at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints are also affected,” it said.
ICA said it has recalled off-duty officers to provide additional support to manage the situation and to ensure law and order.
"Travellers who are currently at our checkpoints are advised to cooperate with officers on-site. Travellers are urged to factor in additional time for immigration clearance.
"We regret the inconvenience caused and seek travellers patience and understanding while we continue to resolve the situation,” it said. - Bernama
