Changi Airport will let travellers clear immigration without showing their passport from September 2024, starting with a trial in Terminal 3 next month.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Singapore's main airport is testing a new way for people to pass through immigration checks—using face and eye scans instead of passports. You still have to carry your passport, but you won't need to pull it out at certain checkpoints. This should make the queues faster.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should airports prioritise speed of clearance over the security reassurance some travellers feel from handing over their physical passport?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Changi Airport is set to revolutionise travel with new passport-less immigration clearance starting August 2024.
According to ICA, Airport in Changi will start using passport-less immigration clearance at all terminals from September 2024.
From 5 August 2024, tests for passport-less clearance will start at some lanes in Terminal 3.
The new system aims to make border checks safer and travel easier.
It’s part of a plan called the New Clearance Concept (NCC).
The NCC wants to use machines for border checks for all travellers.
Here are some key highlights to note:
QR code clearance will start at land checkpoints on 19 March 2024 for car travellers.
Bus drivers can use it from 15 April 2024.
By August 2024, cargo drivers and bike riders can use QR codes too.
Bus passengers will be able to use QR codes by December 2024.
Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:
| Traveller Type | QR Code Start Date |
|---|---|
| Car Travellers | 19 March 2024 |
| Bus Drivers | 15 April 2024 |
| Motorcyclists and Cargo Drivers | August 2024 |
| Bus Passengers | December 2024 |
The new system will make immigration checks faster.
Passport-free clearance at air and sea checkpoints will cut immigration time by 40%.
At land checkpoints, QR codes will save about 30% in clearance time.
Over 70% of car travellers and bus drivers already use QR codes for immigration.
ICA officers will be around to help travellers who need help with the new system.
Singapore residents and foreign visitors will still need to bring their passports.
At air or sea checkpoints, foreign travellers need to present their passport during arrival.
At land checkpoints, first-time foreign visitors and those re-entering with a new passport, need to show their passport.
ICA may also occasionally check travellers’ physical passport.
Travellers will need their passport for immigration clearance at other countries.
The new system will make travel smoother at one of the world’s busiest airports.
It could set an example for other airports around the world.
Travellers should expect faster and easier immigration checks.
But they should also be ready for changes in how they go through immigration.
Changi Airport’s new passport-less system marks a big step in making travel easier and safer for everyone.
Should airports prioritise speed of clearance over the security reassurance some travellers feel from handing over their physical passport?
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