Singapore's Changi Airport has launched a new passport-free clearance system, utilizing facial and iris biometrics for faster immigration processing. This advancement reduces clearance times and enhances the travel experience for millions of passengers, while foreign travelers must still present passports upon arrival.
Singapore has taken a significant step towards revolutionizing air travel with the introduction of passport-free clearance at Changi Airport. This innovative system is expected to ease travel for millions of passengers, cutting down clearance times significantly.
Singapore – Passport-Free Clearance
Passport-free clearance in Singapore allows eligible travellers to use biometric technology—facial and iris recognition—to clear immigration without presenting a physical passport.
Starting September 30, 2024, passengers at all four terminals of Changi Airport can now clear immigration using only facial and iris biometrics, eliminating the need for physical passports.
How Does It Work?
The system is designed to streamline immigration procedures for Singapore residents, including citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders. Upon arrival, eligible travellers can simply walk through designated biometric lanes, where facial and iris recognition technology will verify their identity.
The passport-free clearance system streamlines the immigration process for Singapore residents, including citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders.
Eligible travellers can simply walk through designated biometric lanes upon arrival, where facial and iris recognition technology verifies their identity. However, it’s important to note that a valid boarding pass and passport are still required when travelling.
For Foreigners Departing Singapore
For foreigners departing from Singapore, passport-free clearance is available, but they must first register their biometric data (facial, iris, and fingerprint) at manual immigration counters. However, all foreign visitors are still required to present their passports when entering Singapore.
Who is Eligible?
Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders can use the biometric passport-free clearance system for faster immigration processing.
Foreign travellers departing Singapore can also use the system but must first enrol their facial, iris, and fingerprint biometrics upon arrival.
Exclusions: Children under six years old are excluded from the biometric system, as their physical features and biometrics are still developing.
Requirements for Foreign Travellers
• Foreign visitors must present their passports upon arrival in Singapore.
• After registering their biometrics, they can enjoy passport-free clearance when departing.
• The ICA advises all travellers to carry their passports for immigration checks in destination countries to comply with international travel regulations.
Benefits of the New System
In an official statement on October 24, 2024, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that in just 15 days, 1.5 million travellers had successfully cleared immigration using the new biometric system.
The new process reduces the time spent at immigration checkpoints from the previous 25 seconds to just 10 seconds, significantly improving efficiency.
1. Reduced Waiting Times: The biometric clearance process is significantly faster than traditional passport checks, reducing waiting times at immigration counters by up to 40%. This means travellers can spend less time queuing and more time enjoying their trip.
2. Enhanced Security: By automating routine passport checks, immigration officers can focus on higher-value tasks such as security profiling. This allows for more thorough and efficient security checks, ensuring the safety of Singapore’s borders.
3. Improved Traveler Experience: The passport-free clearance system offers a more convenient and efficient travel experience for eligible passengers. Travelers can enjoy a seamless journey through immigration, reducing stress and improving overall satisfaction.
Expansion of the Biometric System
Currently available at all four terminals of Changi Airport, the system is set to expand by December 2024 to other travel hubs, including Seletar Airport and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. This expansion will enable even more passengers to benefit from the passport-free clearance system.
Future of Border Control
Singapore’s biometric system is part of the “New Clearance Concept”, introduced in May 2024. By 2026, 95% of travellers are expected to use automated lanes, phasing out traditional passport checks. This will reduce immigration wait times by 40%, enhancing efficiency and the overall travel experience.
Conclusion
Singapore’s biometric passport-free clearance at Changi Airport represents a major leap in travel technology. It streamlines immigration for residents and foreign travellers while setting a global standard for future border control. Travellers can enjoy faster, more efficient processes while complying with international regulations.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/singapore-introduces-biometric-passport-free-clearance-at-changi-airport/
