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ICA has also enhanced its Biometric Identification of Motorbikers (BIKES) System to improve clearance efficiency for motorcyclists at the land checkpoints.
Planning a ride across the border this weekend? Motorcyclist and pillion riders can now enjoy a faster immigration clearance at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, similar to those crossing the border by car.
From 15 August 2024, bike riders can use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance, meaning that instead of handing over passports to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the motorcycle lanes, these riders will only need to scan a single QR code for all passengers on the bike.
According to a press release by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the motorcyclist and pillion rider can simply present one group QR code for immigration clearance instead of scanning two passports, reducing the time taken for immigration clearance.
Here are some things to take note of when using the QR code clearance:
- QR codes with mismatched details or more than two passports will be rejected. Motorcyclists and pillion riders must then present their passports for clearance.
- Travellers should still carry their passport, as ICA may require it for verification and it’s needed for immigration clearance abroad.
- Travellers must update their QR codes if they have changed their passport, or the QR codes will be rejected when presented at the checkpoint.
- First-time foreign visitors or those using a new passport must present it for immigration clearance. For future trips, they can use a QR code.
The convenience of scanning a QR code instead of having to take out their passports also reduces the chances of passports getting wet on rainy days.
In addition to the QR code clearance initiative, ICA has also announced that it will be enhancing its Biometric Identification of Motorbikers (BIKES) System to improve clearance efficiency for motorcyclists at the land checkpoints.
Light strips will be installed to provide motorcyclists with a visual cue to indicate successful fingerprint capture (e.g. green if biometric verification is successful, red should they need to present their fingerprint again or wait for ICA officers to assist them).
The BIKES system enhancements, coupled with the QR code clearance, is expected to reduce immigration clearance time for motorcyclists and pillion riders by about 30%.
"To enable more travellers to experience the convenience of passport-less clearance at the land checkpoints, the QR code clearance initiative will be extended to cargo vehicle drivers and accompanying assistants on 30 August 2024, and to bus passengers by December 2024," ICA commented.
Lead image / ICA
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