31-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore is set to revolutionise its immigration process with the introduction of passport-free clearance at various checkpoints, commencing this December. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on 31 July that this innovative system will debut at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, marking a significant stride towards automation and efficiency in border control.
The new measures will see travellers progressively clearing immigration using facial and iris scanners at air and sea checkpoints, while land checkpoints will employ QR codes. This groundbreaking initiative aims to expedite the immigration process, potentially reducing clearance times by 30 to 40 percent.
Deputy Director of ICA’s operations division, Assistant Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua, proudly stated, “Singapore is first in the world to implement token-less clearance on a large scale.” He emphasised ICA’s commitment to enhancing the immigration experience for all travellers.
The rollout will occur in phases, with Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints extending QR code clearance to motorcyclists and cargo vehicle occupants in August, followed by bus passengers in December. Changi Airport will begin trials for arriving Singapore residents at selected automated lanes in Terminal 3 from 5 August, with full implementation expected by September.
At the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, where the media was given a demonstration, travellers will simply walk through gantries equipped with facial and biometric scanners, completing the process in mere seconds without presenting any documentation.
It’s worth noting that land checkpoints will exclusively use QR code clearances due to the spontaneous nature of border crossings, unlike air and sea travel which typically involves prior notification to ICA.
While this new system promises increased efficiency, ICA has advised that travellers should still carry their passports. “Even as we implement passport-less immigration clearance at Singapore’s checkpoints, travellers will still need their passport for immigration clearance overseas. ICA may also occasionally require travellers to produce their passport for verification,” an ICA spokesperson clarified.
The benefits of this new system will extend to both Singapore residents and foreign travellers. At air and sea checkpoints, residents can use the system for both arrival and departure, while foreign travellers can enjoy passport-free clearance when leaving the country. However, children under six will not be eligible for this service due to biometric scanning limitations.
This initiative is part of a broader plan announced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in May, positioning Singapore among the first countries globally to introduce passport-free immigration clearance. The ICA’s roadmap includes extending these features to Seletar Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal from 2025, with plans to implement them at HarbourFront Centre as well.