Passport-less clearance for bus halls at land checkpoints, Marina Bay Cruise Centre from Dec 16

SINGAPORE - The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Dec 11 it would roll out QR code clearance progressively at all automated lanes and special assistance lanes at the bus halls of both Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints.

The move will begin with Tuas Checkpoint from Dec 16.

ICA aims to complete the implementation at both land checkpoints by mid-January 2025.

Separately, from Dec 16, Singapore residents – Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders – arriving and departing at Marina Bay Cruise Centre can clear immigration using their facial and iris biometrics, without presenting their passport.

Foreign travellers can also do so when they depart Singapore.

QR code clearance at bus halls

ICA had previously trialled QR code clearance

at the arrival and departure bus halls of Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints from Nov 21 to Dec 1.

Feedback from more than 48,000 travellers in the trial had allowed ICA to improve the clearance experience for bus travellers.

After QR code clearance is rolled out progressively from Dec 16, it will benefit all bus passengers, including travellers using wheelchairs and family groups of up to four, who can expect time savings of up to 40 seconds as they can present one group QR code on the MyICA app instead of scanning multiple passports.

First-time foreign visitors and those re-entering Singapore using a different passport from the previous trip will need to present their passport for immigration clearance. They will be able to use QR code clearance for their subsequent trips.

“We urge all travellers at the land checkpoints to use the QR code for faster and more convenient immigration clearance,” said ICA.

“Travellers are also encouraged to present the QR code using the MyICA mobile application instead of using printed or screenshot copies,” the authority added.

Human resources executive Gavin Low, 34, welcomed the move, although he fears the change may lead to longer waiting time if many travellers are not familiar with the app.

“I occasionally go on one-day tours with groups primarily consisting of elderly participants who are not so tech-savvy,” he said.

“This might cause the queue to jam up, especially during festive periods like Chinese New Year.”

Mr Matthew Yee, a Malaysian working here, said the move would not make the process noticeably faster for him as he travels solo most of the time, but it would benefit those travelling in groups.

“Usually for me, the clearance is never the problem – it’s always the queue for the bus itself,” said the 34-year-old operations manager.

Token-less clearance at Marina Bay Cruise Centre

From Dec 16, ICA will roll out token-less clearance at Marina Bay Cruise Centre before extending it to other sea checkpoints.

Singapore residents arriving and departing the cruise centre can clear immigration using their facial and iris biometrics, while all foreign travellers can do so when they depart Singapore.

The move will help reduce waiting time for immigration clearance at the cruise centre, ICA said, adding that passport-less clearance

at all four terminals of Changi Airport

has already cut the average clearance time from 25 seconds to 10 seconds per traveller since Sept 30.

But even with passport-less clearance, ICA reminded travellers to carry their passports, as they may be required for immigration clearance at their destination countries.

ICA may also require some travellers to produce their passport for verification.