Woodlands Johor Bahru Singapore Malaysia Border Crossing

Border Crossing From Singapore to Malaysia by Bridge

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Open 24 hours daily, 7 days a week Seasonal Adjustments: No seasonal closures, operates year-round Holiday Closures: No holiday closures - operates continuously throughout the year including major holidays

Wait Time & Traffic

Average Wait:

Private Cars: 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Buses: 45 minutes to 2.5+ hours
Motorcycles: 15-45 minutes
Pedestrians: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Peak Times:

Weekday mornings: 5:30-9:30 AM
Weekday evenings: 5:00-9:00 PM
Friday evenings and Sunday nights
Public holidays and school holiday periods
Chinese New Year and major festivals

Express Options:

QR Code immigration clearance via MyICA app
Automated clearance lanes for eligible passport holders
Frequent Traveller Programme for regular commuters
Motorcycle priority lanes during certain hours

Border Facilities

Immigration Processing: Available 24/7 with modern automated systems Customs Processing: Available 24/7 with X-ray screening and inspection areas Health Screening: Available as required during health emergencies Services: Restrooms (condition varies, some require maintenance) Food outlets and convenience stores Currency exchange counters ATM machines Free WiFi in waiting areas Information counters Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps (some elevators frequently under maintenance)

Official Resources

Singapore Border Authority:

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): https://www.ica.gov.sg/
Singapore Customs: https://www.customs.gov.sg/
MyICA mobile app for QR code generation

Malaysia Border Authority:

Immigration Department of Malaysia: https://www.imi.gov.my/
Royal Malaysian Customs: https://www.customs.gov.my/
Touch 'n Go for electronic payments

Travel Advisories:

Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/
Malaysia Tourism: https://www.malaysia.travel/

booking links

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Overview

The Woodlands Johor Bahru Checkpoint serves as one of Southeast Asia's busiest and most critical border crossing points, connecting Singapore's Woodlands district to Johor Bahru, Malaysia via the iconic Johor-Singapore Causeway. This 1.05-kilometer bridge handles an extraordinary volume of daily crossings, with over 24 million travelers recorded during recent holiday periods. The checkpoint operates as a comprehensive immigration and customs facility on both sides, featuring the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) operations on the Singapore side and the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex on the Malaysian side. The facility serves multiple transportation modes including private vehicles, motorcycles, buses, pedestrians, and commercial freight. As a 24/7 operation, it accommodates the significant cross-border workforce that commutes daily between the two countries, as well as tourists and business travelers. The checkpoint has undergone continuous modernization with automated clearance systems, biometric processing, and QR code technologies to manage the massive traffic volume. Despite technological improvements, the crossing remains notorious for congestion during peak hours and holiday periods, with wait times frequently extending beyond two hours during busy periods.

Document Requirements

For International Travellers

Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Valid visa for Malaysia and/or Singapore (depending on nationality)
Completed SG Arrival Card (for Singapore entry)
Proof of onward travel (may be requested)
Sufficient funds demonstration for stay duration
Health declaration forms (if applicable)

For Local Citizens

Valid Malaysian Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
MyKad (Malaysian IC) for identification
Touch 'n Go card for toll payments in Malaysia
Valid visa for Singapore if required

Valid Singapore Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Singapore IC (NRIC) for identification
Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) if driving into Malaysia
Autopass Card for electronic toll payment

Crossing Procedure

From Singapore Side

Approach immigration counters with passport and required documents Present documents to immigration officer or use automated gates Complete biometric verification (fingerprint/photo) Proceed through customs inspection if required Pay any applicable tolls for vehicle crossing Continue onto the Causeway bridge

From Malaysia Side

Present passport and Malaysian visa (if required) at immigration Complete immigration interview if requested Undergo customs declaration and inspection Pay toll charges using Touch 'n Go or cash Collect any temporary import permits for vehicles Proceed into Malaysian territory

Special Considerations

Vehicle Imports/Exports Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) mandatory for foreign vehicles Temporary import permits required for Malaysian vehicles Commercial vehicle restrictions and special permits Insurance requirements for cross-border vehicle travel Goods Allowances Duty-free limits on alcohol, tobacco, and personal items Currency declaration required above SGD 20,000 or MYR 30,000 Restrictions on fresh food, plants, and agricultural products Prohibited Items Chewing gum (Singapore restriction) Firearms and weapons Illegal drugs and controlled substances Certain medications without prescriptions Counterfeit goods Currency Restrictions Declaration required for cash above SGD 20,000 or equivalent Both countries accept major credit cards Currency exchange available at checkpoints Known Issues Severe congestion during peak periods and holidays Occasional system outages affecting electronic processing Construction work may cause additional delays Weather-related delays during heavy rain

Accommodations

Hotels and Restaurants near Border Singapore

Hotels:

Orchid Country Club (6 km from checkpoint)
Budget hotels in Marsiling area (8-10 km)
Various accommodations in Woodlands town center

Restaurants:

Woodlands town center hawker centers
Fast food outlets near MRT station
24-hour convenience stores

Hotels and Restaurants near Border Malaysia

Hotels:

Amari Johor Bahru (2 km from CIQ)
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru (3 km)
Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru (2.5 km)

Restaurants:

Local eateries in JB Sentral area
International fast food chains
Traditional Malaysian restaurants in JB city center

Better Options Nearby

Johor Bahru City Center: 2-3 km from checkpoint - extensive hotel options, shopping malls, dining establishments

Singapore Central Area: 25 km from Woodlands - premium accommodations, tourist attractions, business districts

Public Review Sentiments

Based on comprehensive reviews found online, the Woodlands Checkpoint receives mixed feedback with notable operational challenges. Positive aspects include the efficient automated clearance systems for frequent travelers, friendly and professional staff attitude, and modern biometric processing that has improved significantly over recent years. Many reviewers appreciate the 24-hour operation and the straightforward immigration procedures when traffic is light. However, critical feedback dominates regarding severe congestion and long wait times, particularly during peak hours and holidays. Common complaints include poor queue management for buses and commercial vehicles, inadequate infrastructure for the volume of traffic, outdated facilities with frequent elevator and escalator breakdowns, and poorly maintained restrooms. Many travelers express frustration with the chaotic bus queuing system and lack of clear signage. The Malaysian side generally receives lower ratings than the Singapore side, with reviewers noting more significant delays and organizational issues. Despite infrastructure improvements, the checkpoint struggles to manage the enormous daily traffic flow effectively.

Traveler Experiences

March 2025: "This is me trying to get into JB on Thursday, 27 March 2025. While the passport clearance was quick and comfortable, the way to the bus queue and the wait for the causeway leg of my SBS bus ride was excruciating, taking more than an hour."

March 2025: "Today 18 March 2025, 11:45am I got a critical mistake (my bad) which does not allow me to go for my vacation." - Highlighting the importance of proper documentation preparation.

April 2025: "ICA needs to get their act together this past few days their queue management for lorry and buses are off. I remembered back then when I used to take the bus and the queue was so smooth. ICA was efficient back then."

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.