Passport-less immigration clearance now available at all Changi Airport terminals

It now takes an average of just 10 seconds to clear immigration at Changi Airport, with travelers having to use only their biometrics.

- David Sun

On Oct 24, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that since Sept 30, it has fully implemented passport-less clearance across all four terminals at Changi Airport.

Singapore residents can now clear immigration there by using just facial and iris biometrics, without having to present their passports.

Foreign visitors will still need to produce their passports upon arrival, but can use just their biometrics when they depart.

The previous average clearance time for each traveler was 25 seconds, said ICA.

Travelers, such as those with young children, who have to use the Special Assistance Lanes will still have to present their passports to clear immigration.

All travelers must submit their SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival in Singapore.

As at Oct 15, almost 1.5 million travelers have cleared immigration without having to present a passport. These include those who were involved in a trial in August.