Singapore Changi Airport will undergo significant changes from August. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) will begin testing a passport-free immigration system at Terminal 3 on August 5. If the trial is successful, the system might be rolled out to all terminals in September.
Passengers will only need to make use of facial and iris scanners to go through without having to indicate their passports. The move is an element of an effort to hurry up the immigration process and supply a more convenient experience for travelers.
In addition to Changi Airport, passport-free immigration may also be available at Marina Bay Cruise Centre from December. The technology is predicted to streamline the immigration process and shorten queues, as screening will take just just a few seconds.
In addition to facial and iris scanning, QR code-based immigration screening may also be expanded. The latest data from ICA shows that greater than 70% of users, especially Singaporeans, have switched to using QR codes for immigration screening.
In response to popular demand, the Government is expanding QR code checks on various varieties of vehicles, starting with motorcyclists (August 15), bus passengers (December) and goods vehicles (end of August) at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
Travelers can expect faster completion of the immigration process using latest authorization methods. This is especially true for those passing through air and sea checkpoints, where screening times could be reduced by as much as 40%. Travelers using QR codes may see screening times reduced by as much as 30%.
However, passports remain the essential documents that each one travellers must possess. Passports are required for various purposes, including obtaining boarding passes, checks by officers and identity verification by ICA.
Additionally, Malaysia still requires passports to be presented at land checkpoints, so travellers crossing the land border must carry their passports with them.
In addition, since facial and biometric features for kids under six are still being developed, they can not yet use the passport-free automated screening system. Therefore, families traveling with babies must use the Special Assistance Lane, where ICA officials will assist within the screening process by manually using the kid’s passport.
It is vital to notice that foreign visitors who’re travelling to Singapore for the primary time or who’re re-entering on a distinct passport must undergo passport control on their first visit. On subsequent visits, the QR code system could be used.
Source:Straits Times | Asia News Channel
