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Singapore has made a breakthrough in the tourism industry by becoming the first country in the world to completely eliminate traditional customs procedures. With its smart customs system, travelers can enter and exit the country in an instant, without having to wait in line or present their passports. With this smart system, travelers can complete immigration procedures in just 10 seconds without needing a passport.
An announcement on October 24th by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated that, effective September 30th, the new system has been implemented at all four terminals of Changi Airport. Singaporean citizens now only need to scan their facial and iris biometric information for entry. Foreign visitors still need to present their passports upon entry, but can use biometrics upon exit.
Singaporean citizens can now enter the country simply by scanning their facial and iris biometric information.
According to regulations, travelers, such as those with young children, who use the “Special Assistance Lane” must still present their passports for immigration procedures. All travelers must submit an electronic Immigration Declaration within three days of arriving in Singapore.
The automated lanes are still equipped with passport scanners, which can be used in case of any problems with the biometric scanners. To help travelers become more familiar with the passport-free system, a sign has been installed above the passport scanner instructing them to look at the camera instead of scanning their passport.
Singapore has become the first country in the world to fully implement a smart customs clearance system.
Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua, Deputy Director of Operations at ICA, said that this passport-free entry process will shorten immigration processing times by 30% to 40%. By December, the passport-free entry process will also be implemented at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
However, travelers are still required to carry their passports in case identity verification is needed or to meet international entry requirements. Biometric verification will not apply to children under 6 years old.
These initiatives are part of the ICA's new Customs Clearance Concept, announced in 2019, aimed at providing faster and safer customs clearance services.
