Launched in May this year, all inbound travellers to Singapore can now use the automated lanes at Changi Airport to clear immigration without any prior enrolment in the system.
This makes Singapore among the first in the world to introduce passport-free and contactless immigration clearance, a goal the city-state has set to achieve by the end of 2024.
As part of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) new clearance concept announced in 2019, which aims to provide faster and more secure immigration clearance, the system will be able to clear travellers using facial and iris scanning.
Previously, only Singapore residents and passport holders from 60 jurisdictions were allowed to use the automated lanes. In 2023, more than 160 automated lanes were installed, with another 230 lanes to be set up this year. ICA intends to install about 800 such lanes across all of Singapore’s checkpoints by 2026.
Aside from Changi Airport, Singapore residents and all departing travellers will be able to enjoy contactless immigration clearance at Changi and Seletar airports, as well as Marina Bay Cruise Centre, by the end of the year.
