Singapore has made a breakthrough in the tourism industry by becoming the first country in the world to completely eliminate traditional customs procedures. With the smart customs clearance system, visitors can enter and exit the country in the blink of an eye, without having to wait in line or show their passports. With the smart customs clearance system, visitors can complete immigration procedures within just 10 seconds without needing a passport.
The new system has been implemented at all four terminals of Changi Airport since September 30, according to an announcement by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) on October 24. Singapore citizens now only need to scan their facial and iris biometrics to enter the country. Foreign visitors will still need to present their passports upon entry, but can use biometrics when leaving the country.
Singapore citizens now only need to scan their facial and iris biometrics to enter the country.
As per the rules, visitors, such as those with young children, who are required to use the “Special Assistance Lane” are still required to present their passports for immigration clearance. All visitors are required to submit an e-Arrival Declaration within three days of arrival in Singapore.
The automated lanes still have passport scanners, which can be used if there is a problem with the biometric scanners. To help travelers get used to the passport-free system, a sign has been placed above the passport scanners instructing them to look at the camera instead of scanning their passports.
The Lion City has become the first country in the world to fully implement a smart customs clearance system.
Commissioner Phua Chiew Hua, ICA’s Deputy Director of Operations, said the passport-free entry process will reduce immigration clearance times by 30% to 40%. By December, the passport-free entry process will also be implemented at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
However, visitors will still need to carry their passports in case of identity verification or to meet international entry regulations when necessary. Biometric authentication will not apply to children under 6 years old.
These initiatives are part of ICA's New Clearance Concept, announced in 2019, to provide faster and more secure clearance services.
