Starting 05 Aug 2024, Changi Airport will launch a trial for passport-less immigration clearance, allowing Singapore residents to use facial and iris biometrics at selected automated lanes in Terminal 3.
Image: Facebook/Changi Airport
This initiative, announced by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on 31 July 2024, aims to enhance efficiency and security in border clearance.
The system will be gradually introduced across all Changi Airport terminals by the end of September and at Marina Bay Cruise Centre in December. The new biometric clearance process is expected to reduce immigration clearance time by 40%.
Singapore residents will benefit from this passport-less system at both arrival and departure points, while foreign travellers can use it for departures. Automated lanes will be available for all travellers, except children under six due to their developing physical features and biometrics.
Despite the new system, travellers are reminded to carry their passports for international travel and may be required to present them for verification by ICA occasionally.
Assistant Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua highlighted that Singapore is the first country to implement large-scale token-less clearance, reflecting ICA’s commitment to improving the immigration experience and efficiency.
