Travellers should not wear items related to Israel-Hamas conflict, says ICA in traffic advisory for land checkpoints

SINGAPORE: Travellers at Singapore’s checkpoints are advised against the public display and wearing of items related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Wednesday (Nov 15).

In its year-end travel advisory, ICA also said heavy traffic is expected at the two land checkpoints – at Woodlands and Tuas – during the school holiday period from Nov 16 to Jan 2.

“Travellers who are clearing immigration by car may have to wait up to three hours before they are cleared through immigration during peak periods,” said ICA.

The agency reiterated that it has stepped up security measures at the checkpoints in view of the developing situation in the Middle East, and this may add to waiting times.

“All travellers using our checkpoints are also advised against the public display and wearing of articles in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict, given the heightened sensitivities,” ICA added.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier said that “unless expressly exempted, the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit is an offence under the Foreign National/Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949”.

The offence is punishable with a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$500 (US$370) or both.