Singapore to begin passport-less clearance at land checkpoints' bus halls and Marina Bay Cruise Centre from 16 December 2024

Passport-less clearance will take the form of QR code clearance at the land checkpoints, and token-less clearance at the air and sea checkpoints.

Starting 16 December 2024 (Monday), travellers crossing Singapore's land checkpoints by bus, and boarding a cruise at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) will benefit from passport-less clearance.

This streamlined process will take the form of QR code clearance at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, as well as token-less clearance at air and sea checkpoints. 

QR code clearance at land checkpoints (bus halls)

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been trialling QR code clearance at Tuas and Woodlands bus halls since November 2024. The trials, which have seen more than 48,000 participants by early December, allowed ICA to refine the process for a smoother experience. With feedback gathered, ICA will roll out this system progressively, beginning at Tuas Checkpoint on 16 December, aiming for full implementation by mid-January 2025. 

This change will simplify the immigration process for bus passengers, including travellers using wheelchairs and family groups of up to four persons. Instead of scanning multiple passports, a single group QR code will be used, reducing clearance time by up to 40 seconds. First-time visitors and travellers re-entering with a different passport will still need to present their passport initially, but can use QR code clearance for future trips. 

By mid-January, the full rollout of QR code clearance will complete the passport-less initiative for land checkpoints, building on the 28mn travellers who have already used QR codes for immigration clearance. 

Token-less clearance at Marina Bay Cruise Centre 

Since 30 September 2024, ICA has introduced token-less clearance at Changi Airport, drastically reducing clearance time from 25 seconds to 10 seconds per traveller. From 16 December 2024, token-less clearance will extend to MBCCS, allowing Singapore residents and foreign travellers to clear immigration using facial and iris biometrics, without needing a to present their passport. This will reduce waiting times and improve efficiency at the cruise centre, with future plans to implement the system at other sea checkpoints. 

While passport-less clearance will improve convenience, travellers are still advised to carry their passport for use at their destination country or if verification is required by ICA. The passport will remain an essential travel document, even as Singapore advances towards more seamless clearance processes. 

These advancements in immigration technology mark a significant step towards faster, more efficient travel, with an emphasis on enhancing the traveller experience through cutting-edge biometric and QR code technologies. 

READ MORE: https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/china-expands-visa-free-travel-further-to-nine-countries-including-japanChina expands visa-free travel further to nine countries, including Japan

Lead image / ICA