Travellers will be automatically cleared by facial and biometric scanners, with the whole process taking just seconds. ST PHOTO
Travellers will be able to enjoy an even easier and fuss-free immigration process at Changi Airport starting this month.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Wednesday said it will start passport-free clearance trials for arriving Singapore residents at selected automated lanes at Changi Airport Terminal 3 from Aug 5.
ICA expects to fully roll out the feature at all airport terminals by September.
The move, which will allow Singapore residents and departing travellers to clear immigration using facial and iris scanners without having to present their passports, is part of ICA’s push to further automate the process and remove the need for passport checks.
Travellers will also be able to clear immigration with such scanners at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December.
Meanwhile, QR code immigration clearance at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints will be extended to motorcyclists from Aug 15 and bus passengers by December. It will be extended for cargo vehicle drivers and passengers by end August.
ICA said that more than 70% of car travellers and bus drivers currently clear immigration using QR codes, with the bulk of them being Singapore residents, including citizens, permanent residents and those on long-term passes.
Assistant Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua, deputy director at ICA’s operations division, said: “When fully implemented, both types of passport-less immigration clearance will reduce clearance time by 30% to 40%.”
According to ICA’s timeline, the same features will be rolled out at Seletar Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal from 2025.
ICA is also aiming to implement the new clearance features at HarbourFront Centre, which currently houses a ferry and cruise terminal. — The Straits Times/ANN
