Singapore to streamline immigration for all foreign visitors in 2024

SINGAPORE: All international travelers arriving in Singapore, regardless of their citizenship, may have the opportunity to go through immigration clearance seamlessly at air, land, and sea checkpoints using automated lanes from the latter half of 2024.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) unveiled this plan as part of its 2023 annual statistics release on 13 February.

Singapore will be the first globally to implement this facilitation of seamless immigration processes.

The upcoming next-generation Automated Border Control System will eliminate the necessity for foreign travelers to undergo pre-registration.

Moreover, upon departure from Singapore, presenting passports will no longer be obligatory.

The ICA disclosed plans to progressively install these automated lanes, with over 160 lanes operational in 2023 and an additional 230 slated for deployment in 2024.

These automated lanes, a cornerstone of the ICA’s New Clearance Concept, leverage multi-modal biometrics capturing iris, facial, and fingerprint data, ensuring swift and secure immigration clearance.

Presently, automated lanes are exclusively accessible to Singapore residents and passport holders from 60 jurisdictions. However, the forthcoming system overhaul will extend this privilege to all international visitors.

2023 sees 84% surge in travelers: ICA

Based on the report, 2023 witnessed a remarkable 84% surge in traveler volume, with nearly 193 million travelers cleared across all checkpoints—an achievement closing in on pre-pandemic levels.

Notably, traffic flow through Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during peak periods surpassed pre-pandemic figures, with an average of approximately 440,000 travelers daily.

Yet, alongside this surge in travel came heightened vigilance against contraband, forged travel documents, and immigration offenses.

Cases of contraband surged by 23%, while instances of forged and tampered travel documents tripled in 2023.

Moreover, the total number of immigration offenders arrested climbed by 42%, highlighting the necessity for robust border security measures amid increased travel.

Despite these challenges, the ICA remains steadfast in its commitment to modernizing border operations.

The introduction of Special Assistance Lanes and paperless clearance for cargo vehicles exemplifies its dedication to enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

Looking ahead, the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint over the next decade aims to further elevate immigration clearance standards and fortify border security.