Deepavali Long Weekend 2026: Causeway Delays, the Woodlands Power Outage and How to Plan

The Short Version

Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has published an advisory for the Deepavali long weekend, Friday 6 to Monday 9 November 2026, expecting heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints. Separately, The Star reported on 4 November that a power outage at Woodlands Checkpoint caused a major jam on roads into Johor Bahru. If you cross this weekend, expect long waits both ways and leave extra time. We read both sources on 5 November 2026; this is not an official notice.

What ICA Says for 6-9 November

• Dates: the advisory covers Friday 6 November to Monday 9 November 2026.
• Tighter security: ICA says security checks at all checkpoints have been stepped up since 28 February 2026, so queues build faster at peak times.
• Timing: the page suggests travelling in the early morning or late at night. It does not name specific peak hours for this weekend, and we are not guessing any.
• Roadworks: ICA mentions road works at Woodlands because of the checkpoint redevelopment, and works at the Tuas car-departure area.
• Be ready before you arrive: use the MyICA app QR code to clear faster, and submit the SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival. ICA also says the enhanced SG Arrival Card applies from 30 September 2026, so update the app.
• Do not jump queues: ICA says offenders can be told to turn back to the end of the queue.
• Passport: at least 6 months' validity.
• Driving a foreign-registered car: you need a valid VEP before submitting the arrival card, and ICA says from 2 November 2026 foreign vehicles with unpaid traffic, parking or emission fines cannot apply for or renew a VEP and will be refused entry.
• Live updates: LTA's One Motoring website, ICA's Facebook and X accounts, and the expressway advisory system on the BKE and AYE.

Source: ICA advisory, checked 5 November 2026. The page shows conflicting dates (1 November in the heading, "last updated" 2 November at the top, 30 October at the bottom), so look at the page itself for the latest version. A Malay Mail report of 1 November 2026 carries the same warning; we could not open it, so we are not quoting it.

The Woodlands Power Outage, 4 November

The Star (4 November 2026) reported a large power outage at the Woodlands Checkpoint on the Singapore side, starting around midday Singapore time, that jammed most major roads leading to the Malaysian checkpoint. Key points from the report:

• The cause of the outage was not known at press time. An official also said a breakdown of a Singapore-bound lorry made things worse.
• Counters at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) were operating at optimum level, and extra lanes were opened to speed up immigration checks.
• Police added personnel around BSI and main access roads for the evening rush of workers returning from Singapore.
• Affected roads included Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Skudai and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.
• At press time, the reported travel time was 32 minutes into JB and 1 hour 10 minutes from JB into Singapore.
• ICA's Facebook post, as relayed by the paper, told travellers entering Singapore via Woodlands to expect delays, and noted two broken-down vehicles near the Causeway border blocking one of three lanes.

Source: The Star, 4 November 2026, checked 5 November 2026. We do not know whether the outage has been fully resolved; check live conditions on the day.

Practical Tips From the Hostel Desk

• Cross early or late: ICA's own suggestion. Avoid the Friday evening and Monday evening return if you can be flexible.
• Have everything ready: SG Arrival Card done, MDAC if you are entering Malaysia (see our MDAC and arrival card checklist), passport valid 6 months, phone charged.
• On foot or by bus: traffic jams hit buses too. See the Causeway crossing guide and the Singapore-to-JB day trip guide.
• Driving? Read our note on the VEP changes from 1 January 2027 and settle any outstanding fines first.
• Celebrating Deepavali in JB: see our Deepavali visitor guide for Little India and mall events.
• Year-end next: the school holiday crowds are coming; see our year-end crossing tips.

Skip the Late-Night Jam: Stay Overnight in JB

If you are queueing at midnight, an alternative is to sleep in JB and cross in the morning. Pelangi Capsule Hostel is at 26A Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru. A capsule is RM35 per night, and RM30 for the first night if you are a first-time guest booking direct on our website. Check-in is from 2:00 PM. We accept payment in MYR and SGD. Book direct, see rooms, or contact us.

FAQ

Which days does the ICA advisory cover?

Friday 6 to Monday 9 November 2026, the Deepavali long weekend in Singapore.

What time is the worst?

The ICA page we read does not give peak hours for this weekend. It suggests early morning or late night travel.

Was the Woodlands outage fixed?

The report we read (4 November) did not say. Check ICA's social accounts and One Motoring for live updates.

Do I need an arrival card for Singapore?

Yes. ICA says the SG Arrival Card must be submitted within 3 days before arrival, through MyICA.