SINGAPORE - If you are going through the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints to Malaysia for the year-end holidays, plan your journey and ensure you are using your own valid passport, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in an advisory on Thursday (Nov 24).

Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on weekends during the period, ICA warned. This is due to security checks which lead to traffic build-up.

To avoid this, travellers are advised to check the traffic situation at both checkpoints before embarking on their journey. They can do this by calling the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, tuning in to the radio for the latest traffic conditions, or visiting LTA's One Motoring website (www.onemotoring.com.sg) or MyTransport.SG portal (www.mytransport.sg).

ICA has the following tips for travellers:

• Car-pool or make use of public transport.

• Maintain lane discipline at all times when driving or riding into and out of Singapore.

• If you are a Singaporean, Singapore permanent resident or Long Term Pass holder and are eligible to use the automated clearance system, use eIACS at the bus halls or BIKES at the motorcycle lanes for immigration clearance.

• Make sure you do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore. You must also declare to the checkpoint officers any dutiable or controlled items into Singapore. The list of controlled and prohibited items can be found on ICA's website (www.ica.gov.sg).

Also, ensure that you are carrying your own valid passport before presenting it for immigration clearance at the checkpoints. The passports must have a remaining validity of six months or more.

There have been instances of Singaporeans presenting wrong passports or passports which have been reported lost for immigration clearance, according to ICA. Such cases lead to delays and cause inconvenience to the passport holders as well as other checkpoint users.

Passports which have been reported lost or stolen can no longer be used for travelling even if they are found subsequently. Lost or stolen passports will be cancelled by ICA. Individuals who try to use the cancelled passports may be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to 10 years, or both.

Passports that have been recovered must be surrendered to the ICA within 14 days to prevent abuse. Failure to surrender the recovered passport is punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.