The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has announced a ‘Passport-less’ immigration clearance facility will be available at Singapore Changi Airport.
Passport-less immigration
Walking through departure and arrival immigration at Changi Airport without the need for your passport in hand will be a reality soon. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) today announced that passport-less immigration clearance for travellers will be “progressively rolled out at Changi Airport, starting from Terminal 3 for arriving Singapore residents from 5th August 2024 at selected automated lanes”. Furthermore, all terminals are expected to transition to passport-less immigration by September 2024.
Under ICA’s New Clearance Concept, Singapore residents (comprising Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders) will be able to clear immigration at both arrival and departure without their passports, while foreign travellers can clear departure immigration without presenting their passports, when fully implemented. This will be facilitated by facial and iris biometrics. Additionally, this automated clearance will also be the norm at Singapore’s checkpoints, including Seletar Airport, land and sea checkpoints.
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Automated immigration lanes are already available across all Changi Airport terminals for all passengers, regardless of nationality and the passport they hold.
The authorities say that while passport-less immigration will be available in Singapore, travellers will still need to show their passport at check-in and baggage drop at Changi Airport, as well as immigration procedures at the destination. ICA may also occasionally require travellers to produce their passport for verification, so it’s advisable to keep your passport and other essential travel documents readily accessible.
Featured image of Singapore Changi Airport by Changi Airport
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