Foreign Visitors to Singapore to Use Automated Lanes for Clearance
Foreign Visitors to Singapore to Use Automated Lanes for Clearance
TRAVEL
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced that all foreign visitors arriving at Changi Airport, regardless of nationality and the passport they hold, can now utilise automated lanes at Changi Airport for arrival immigration clearance.
There is no need for any registration before arriving in Singapore, further streamlining the arrival process. This creates a smoother and stress-free experience for passengers. The immigration clearance uses iris and facial biometrics as primary identifiers. Fingerprints will be used as a secondary biometric identifier for travellers who are unsuccessful in their iris and facial scans.
Additionally, foreign visitors who have used the automated gates upon arrival can also use the automated lanes at departure immigration when they depart from Changi Airport.
Previously, only Singapore residents and passport holders in 60 jurisdictions were eligible to use the automated lanes during departure and arrival immigration clearance at Changi Airport.
By end-2024, arriving Singapore residents and all departing travellers will be able to undergo contactless immigration clearance without presenting their passports. This is expected to reduce time required for immigration clearance at Changi Airport by about 40%.
Special Assistance Lanes were introduced by ICA in December 2022, a first in the world to offer automated lanes for passengers with restricted mobility, as well as self-service immigration as a group.
For travellers using wheelchairs and family groups with young children (up to four persons), there are Special Assistance Lanes at selected Departure and Arrival Immigration Halls for automated immigration clearance as well.
ICA officers are available on site at Changi Airport’s Departure and Arrival Immigration Halls to assist travellers who may require assistance. Manual immigration counters will continue to be available.
Most recently, Changi Airport was named the World’s Best Immigration Service by Skytrax in April 2024, following satisfaction surveys with passengers, recognising the airport’s efficiency of immigration services including waiting times, automated systems, as well as courtesy of immigration staff.
The SG Arrival Card is a mandatory health declaration and all travellers must submit it within three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving Singapore.
Reminder: If you are travelling to Singapore, be reminded that all Singapore residents and foreign visitors will need to submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration online or via the MyICA Mobile application before arriving in Singapore. So, do remember to submit your SG Arrival Card prior to your arrival for a smooth and seamless arrival immigration clearance at Changi Airport.
