- Changi Airport to start passport-less immigration clearance at all terminals from Sept 2024.
- Live trials for arriving residents at selected automated lanes in Changi’s T3 from 5 Aug 2024.
- QR code clearance to be rolled out for motorcyclists and cargo drivers at land checkpoints by Aug 2024.
Changi Airport is set to revolutionise travel with new passport-less immigration clearance starting August 2024.
Passport-Less Immigration at Changi Airport
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:
- Passport-free clearance will be at all Changi terminals by September 2024.
- It will be at Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024.
- The system uses face and eye scans for Singapore residents and leaving foreign travellers.
QR Code Clearance at Land Checkpoints
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 |
Benefits of the New System
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.
Travellers Must Still Bring Along Their Passport
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.
Impact on Travel Experience
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.
