Preedee TeoDo you always have sleepless nights before your trip, not solely out of excitement, but deep fear of forgetting your passport when you leave for the airport? Good news! Singapore is planning to roll out passport-less immigration clearance at all Changi Terminals by Sep 2024. Alas, you will still have to bring your passport with you but you won’t be needing it for immigration clearance!
Also read: Singapore’s Changi Airport Named World’s Best for Immigration
Passport-less clearance at immigration
Image credit: Changi Airport | Facebook
Singapore is introducing a new system that allows Singaporeans and foreigners arriving and departing to use facial scanning technology instead of passports for immigration clearance. This is part of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) effort to automate the process and eliminate passport checks.
On 5 Aug 2024, Changi Airport Terminal 3 began trials for passport-free immigration clearance for arriving Singapore residents.
According to a spokesperson at ICA’s operations division, “When fully implemented, both types of passport-less immigration clearance will reduce clearance time by 30 per cent to 40 per cent. Singapore is first in the world to implement token-less clearance on a large scale.”
How does it work
Travellers arriving and departing will not need to present their passports at immigration counters for clearance. Instead, they will be cleared automatically using facial and biometrics scanners, which usually takes just a few seconds.
Can I leave my passport at home?
Travellers will still need to bring along their passports for verification purposes. “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,” said another spokesperson from ICA.
Also read: Singapore Ranked as Top Destination For Solo Travellers in 2024
With the implementation of facial scanning technology, Singapore is leading the way in passport-less immigration clearance. This innovative system significantly reduces clearance time and offers a more convenient travel experience. While travellers can enjoy the benefits of passport-free clearance at Singapore’s checkpoints, it’s important to remember that passports are still required for international travel and may be requested for verification purposes.
Featured image credit: Changi Airport | Facebook
Facebook featured image credit: Vinh Dao and lechatnoir (L-R) via Canva Pro
