Singapore to roll out passport-less immigration clearance at Changi Airport from August 2024

All travellers will be allowed to use automated clearance under the New Clearance Concept, and all Singapore residents and eligible foreign travellers will enjoy immigration clearance without having to present their passport.

From as early as August 2024, travellers may be able to enjoy passport-less immigration clearance at Singapore's Changi Airport.

As part of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) plan to strengthen border security, this passport-less clearance initiative comes in hopes to enhance the traveller experience by digitalising border clearance. All travellers are allowed to use automated clearance under the New Clearance Concept (NCC), and all Singapore residents and eligible foreign travellers will enjoy immigration clearance without having to present their passport.

To clarify, ICA has introduced two types of passport-less immigration clearance that aim to provide a hassle-free and faster experience.

• Token-less clearance at air and sea checkpoints: Singapore residents at both arrival and departure, and all foreign travellers at departure, may clear immigration using facial and iris biometrics, without the need to present their passport.
• QR code clearance at land checkpoints: Travellers may use a QR code, instead of presenting their passport, during immigration clearance.

ICA stated that travellers will be able to undergo token-less clearance at air and sea checkpoints as the Authority would know of the travellers coming through the checkpoints beforehand, based on the advance manifests submitted by airline and ship operators.

However, such traveller information is not available beforehand when it comes to land checkpoints. With this, ICA has introduced the QR code as a token of identification in lieu of the passport, for faster and more convenient border clearance for both individuals and groups of travellers.

Notably, group QR codes can be stored and reused for future trips if the travel group remains the same.

Similarly, the QR code clearance initiative will also be extended to motorcyclists at land checkpoints by August 2024, following the initial implementation for travellers by car on 19 March 2024.

On 15 April 2024, the initiative was extended to bus drivers. Today, over 70% of car travellers and bus drivers use the QR code for immigration clearance.

Against this backdrop, ICA will be extending the initiative to motorcyclists and pillion riders, and cargo vehicle drivers and accompanying assistants, by August 2024, and to bus passengers by December 2024. This is projected to save travellers at land checkpoints roughly 30% in time taken to clear immigration.

Token-less travel for incoming Singapore residents at Changi Airport Terminal 3

Live trials for token-less clearance for incoming Singapore residents at selected automated lanes in Changi Airport Terminal 3 will begin on 5 August 2024. It will then be progressively implemented at all terminals in Changi Airport by September 2024 and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024. According to ICA, token-less clearance reduces the time taken for travellers to clear immigration by 40%.

As a disclaimer, even with passport-less immigration clearance at Singapore’s checkpoints, ICA has reminded travellers that passports are still required for immigration clearance overseas. ICA may also occasionally require travellers to produce their passport for verification.

ICA further clarified:

• Children below the age of six will not be able to use the automated lanes for immigration clearance.
• Singapore residents include Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.
• First-time foreign visitors and those re-entering Singapore using a different passport from the previous trip will need to present their passport for immigration clearance. They will be able to clear immigration using QR code on subsequent trips.

The full timeline for roll-out is as follows:

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Lead image & infographic / Immigration & Checkpoints Authority