Singapore passports to sport new design and security features

They will be tougher to forge or tamper with; documents with new design for applications from Oct 21

Enhanced features that provide additional security include the multiple laser image in the shape of the Singapore map and an embossed tactile design.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is introducing a new design for the Singapore biometric passport, which comes with additional security features.

This will make the Singapore passport harder to forge or tamper with, ICA said yesterday.

There are two new security features - the image of the passport holder inside a window which can be viewed as a positive or negative portrait when tilted and viewed in transmitted light; and a surface transformation design in the shape of the national flower, which displays reflective and animation effects at different angles.

Enhanced features that provide additional security include the multiple laser image in the shape of the Singapore map and an embossed tactile design.

The passport's visa pages will also sport new designs featuring six iconic landmarks - the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Sports Hub and Punggol New Town. These will replace the existing image of the Central Business District skyline and Esplanade.

ICA said those whose passport applications were received from Oct 21 will be issued with the new passports, which will be available for collection from Monday.

Those collecting their passports between Monday and Nov 15 will need to go to the ICA Building in Kallang. After that, passports can also be collected at selected post offices.

Singaporeans with existing valid passports do not need to replace their current ones.

More details on the new design can be found on the ICA website.

ICA also said there is no change to the passport application fee, which remains at $80. Applicants who apply for the passport online, by post or through a deposit box will enjoy a rebate of $10, and pay $70 instead.

This week, a passport index ranked the Singapore passport as the "most powerful" in the world, ahead of countries such as Germany, Sweden and South Korea.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 27, 2017, with the headline Singapore passports to sport new design and security features. Subscribe