A six-month trial at Tuas Checkpoint promises to make immigration clearance more efficient and secure.
Have you ever wished that you could just complete your immigration clearance without the need to present your passport and scan your thumbprint? This might be coming sooner than you think!
“Eye” check all: With trials for ICA’s contactless immigration clearance system underway at Tuas Checkpoint, travellers need not present their passport nor thumbprint to clear immigration. PHOTO: Desmond Ang
This month, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) started a six-month trial for a new contactless immigration clearance system at Tuas Checkpoint.
“With this trial, we want to provide Singaporeans with a hassle-free clearance while maintaining high standards of identity verification and security,” shared Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Ang Chiang Hui, ICA.
Enhancing the travel experience while ensuring security are key goals for DSP Ang and his team. PHOTO: Jermaine Ting
The contactless immigration clearance system uses biometrics technology (i.e. iris and facial recognition) to verify the identity of travellers. Eligible travellers will now be able to breeze through the designated lane without the need to stop and scan their passports (Pro-tip: if you’re wearing accessories such as sunglasses, caps or other head gear, do remove them before you enter the lane).
Travellers will undergo both iris and facial scans as part of the contactless immigration clearance process. PHOTOS: Desmond Ang
Upon successful clearance, a green tick will be shown on the screen and the exit gate will open, completing immigration clearance process. ICA officers will also be on-site to assist travellers.
The trial is open to Singapore citizens aged six and above who are holding passports issued on or after 1 January 2018, with passport numbers beginning with letter K. No prior sign-up is needed.
“We’d like to encourage eligible citizens to participate in the trial,” explained DSP Ang. “The data collected will allow us to assess the efficiency and accuracy of the facial and iris matching system, and from there, we can decide whether to extend the trial to more automated lanes at Tuas Checkpoint or even to other checkpoints.”
