Passport-Free Immigration Clearance Trials to Begin at Changi Airport on August 5
Passport-Free Immigration Clearance Trials to Begin at Changi Airport on August 5 The QR code clearance system, introduced in March for cars at Singapore’s land checkpoints with Malaysia, will also be extended to motorcyclists by next month.
Singapore to Trial Passport-Free Immigration Clearance at Changi Airport Starting August 5
SINGAPORE: Beginning August 5, travelers at Changi Airport will have the opportunity to clear immigration without needing to present their passports. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that Singapore residents will be able to use facial and iris recognition to pass through select automated lanes at Terminal 3.
This initiative is part of a trial for a new passport-free clearance system, which is set to be gradually implemented across all Changi Airport terminals by the end of September. The system will also be introduced at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in December.
The new system is expected to cut immigration clearance times by 40%, according to ICA. This effort aligns with ICA’s broader goal of digitalizing border processes to improve traveler experience and bolster border security.
Additionally, ICA revealed that the QR code clearance system, which was launched for cars at Singapore’s land checkpoints with Malaysia on March 19, will be extended to motorcyclists next month. This system was previously expanded to include bus drivers on April 15.
Details on Passport-Free Clearance
Under ICA’s new clearance concept, two types of passport-free immigration processes will be available:
- Token-Less Clearance: Singapore residents can use facial and iris biometrics to clear immigration at both arrival and departure at air and sea checkpoints without presenting their passports. Foreign travelers will be able to use this method only for departures. Note that children under six years old are excluded from this process due to the developmental stage of their biometric features, which may not be reliably authenticated.
- QR Code System: Currently used for vehicles at land checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas, this system will soon be extended to motorcyclists. The QR code serves as an alternative to the passport, expediting the process at land checkpoints where traveler information is not pre-received.
ICA explained that passport-less clearance is feasible at air and sea checkpoints due to advance manifests from airlines and ship operators, which provide traveler information beforehand. In contrast, land checkpoints do not receive such information in advance, hence the use of QR codes to facilitate quicker processing.
Timeline of passport-less clearance initiatives
Timeline for Immigration Clearance Innovations
2024
- March 19: QR code clearance introduced for car travelers at land checkpoints.
- April 15: QR code clearance expanded to include bus drivers.
- August 5: Trial of token-less immigration clearance begins for Singapore residents at Changi Airport Terminal 3.
- August 15: QR code clearance extended to motorcyclists and pillion riders.
- End of August: QR code clearance introduced for cargo vehicle drivers and their assistants.
- End of September: Token-less immigration clearance rolled out across all terminals at Changi Airport.
- December: QR code clearance implemented for bus passengers and pedestrians at lane checkpoint counters.
2025
- Throughout the Year: Token-less clearance system introduced at Seletar Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
2026
- Mid-Year: Token-less clearance system expanded to Singapore Cruise Centre.
- Throughout the Year: Token-less clearance introduced at smaller checkpoints, such as West Coast Pier.
- Throughout the Year: Fully automated passenger clearance for all cars at Tuas Checkpoint.
2028
- Throughout the Year: Fully automated passenger clearance for all cars at the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint.
QR CODE CLEARANCE FOR MOTORCYCLES
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been rolling out QR code clearance since March 2024, following a three-month trial period.
Currently, over 70% of car travelers and bus drivers are using the QR code system for immigration clearance. The system will expand to include motorcyclists and pillion riders on August 15, and will also be available for cargo vehicle drivers and their assistants by the end of August. By December, QR code clearance will be extended to bus passengers and pedestrians at checkpoint counters.
According to ICA, this initiative is expected to reduce the time required for immigration clearance at land checkpoints by approximately 30%. However, travelers are reminded that despite the adoption of passport-less clearance in Singapore, passports will still be required for entry and exit in other countries. ICA may also occasionally ask travelers to present their passports for verification.
ICA officers will remain available to assist travelers with the new automated and passport-less clearance processes.
Assistant Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua, deputy director of ICA’s operations division, highlighted that Singapore is pioneering large-scale token-less clearance globally. “ICA is continually striving to enhance the immigration clearance experience and efficiency at our checkpoints,” he said.
