Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that as of September 30, passport-free immigration has been fully implemented at all four terminals at Changi Airport. 

Passengers now only need to use their biometrics, reducing the average processing time from 25 seconds to just 10 seconds.

Travel Made Easy at Changi

Changi now offers passport-free access at its four passenger terminals for Singapore residents, permanent residents and long-stay passport holders. They can enter and exit the airport using only their facial and iris biometrics without having to show their passports.

Meanwhile, foreign visitors will still be required to show their passports upon arrival, but will be able to use the biometric check upon departure from Singapore, as their biometric data has already been captured upon arrival.

However, travelers are advised to keep their passports handy in case they are needed for immigration checks in their destination countries.

There are also exemptions for travelers with young children who need to use the Special Assistance Lane. They will still be required to present their passports at immigration. This is because biometrics are not yet available for children under the age of six, as their physical characteristics are still developing and may not provide reliable authentication.

It is also important to note that all travelers are required to present their Singapore Arrival Cards within three days of arrival.

Singapore Leads in Biometric Clearance

Since its launch in August, Singapore's passport-less immigration system has achieved significant milestones. As of October 15, nearly 1.5 million travelers have used this facility to move through immigration more efficiently. This innovation makes Singapore the first country in the world to implement a biometric clearance system on such a large scale.

As part of the vision outlined in the New Clearance Concept announced in 2019, the Immigration Department continues to implement new technologies, including QR code-based screening. 

This system was first introduced in March for private vehicle users at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, and was extended to motorcyclists in August. In addition, the system will be integrated with public transport and cruise terminals in December to make the immigration process easier and more efficient.