13-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore has introduced a new QR code system for travellers arriving and departing the country by car at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints. Effective from March 19th, this initiative will allow travellers to bypass the need for presenting physical passports, marking a significant step towards a more efficient and contactless immigration clearance experience.
The implementation of the QR code system is part of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) ongoing efforts to leverage technology and innovative solutions to enhance the travel experience for both locals and visitors alike. By eliminating the need for physical passport presentation, the process aims to reduce waiting times and alleviate congestion at the two land checkpoints, which have been known to experience heavy traffic during peak periods.
To participate in the QR code initiative, travellers will need to download the MyICA mobile application and generate a personalized QR code by entering their passport details or scanning the machine-readable zone on their passport’s biodata page. Singapore residents, including citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders, can take advantage of the seamless Singpass integration to auto-populate their passport information directly into the app.
One of the key features of the MyICA app is the ability to create group QR codes, which can accommodate up to 10 travellers’ passport details in a single code. This functionality is particularly useful for families or groups travelling together, as it eliminates the need for each individual to generate a separate QR code. Additionally, travellers have the flexibility to create multiple QR codes for different groups, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of their travel companions.
Upon arrival at the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints, travellers can simply scan their QR codes using the dedicated scanners at the arrival and departure car counters. The ICA officers will then conduct face-to-face checks using the data retrieved through the QR code, ensuring a secure and efficient clearance process.
According to the ICA, the QR code initiative is expected to result in significant time savings, with an estimated reduction of 20 seconds for cars carrying four travellers and up to one minute for vehicles with 10 travellers. Furthermore, if the majority of car travellers embrace the QR code system, overall waiting times could be reduced by more than 30 percent, a substantial improvement in efficiency and convenience.
While the QR code initiative currently applies only to the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints on the Singapore side, travellers will still need to present their physical passports at Malaysia’s checkpoints. However, the ICA has expressed its commitment to continue reviewing checkpoint operations, introducing innovative initiatives, and streamlining existing processes to make immigration clearance faster and more seamless for all travellers.
