Singapore Launches Biometric Immigration Processing at Changi Airport
Starting Monday Aug. 5, some passengers arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport will no longer need to show their passports to clear immigration.
As part of a trial, Singapore residents arriving in Terminal 3 and using designated lanes for the country’s new “token-less clearance” program can now enter the country using eye and facial biometric processing instead of passports, according to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Eligibility and Expansion
“Residents” eligible for this program include citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders. The program is set to expand to all terminals at Changi Airport by September and to Singapore’s Seletar Airport and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024.
Who is eligible?
- Singapore Residents: Citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders will not need to show their passports to arrive and depart at air and sea checkpoints.
- Foreign Travelers: Eligible only when leaving Singapore, foreign travelers must enroll their iris, facial, and fingerprint biometrics at manual immigration counters.
- Children Under Six: Not eligible for biometric clearance or automated lanes.
A ‘Paradigm Shift’ in Border Clearance
The passport-less immigration clearance is part of Singapore’s broader “New Clearance Concept” announced in May, which aims to modernize and automate immigration services. This initiative marks a significant shift away from traditional human-led passport checks, which Singapore has been progressively moving away from for years.
By early 2026, Singapore immigration officials expect that 95% of travelers will be able to clear immigration via automated lanes. The remaining 5%, who are ineligible, include young children.
Despite some resistance to biometric processing, it is part of Singapore’s efforts to strengthen border security while also enhancing the travel experience. According to immigration officials, biometric processing is expected to reduce immigration wait times by 40%.
Sumesh Patel, Asia-Pacific president of SITA, mentioned in March that 85% of airports will use some form of biometric processing in the next three to five years.
Two Types of Passport-Free Clearances
The launch of biometric-only processing is the second form of passport-less immigration clearance available in Singapore.
- Biometric-Only Processing: Now available at Changi Airport, allowing residents to use eye and facial biometrics for clearance.
- QR Code Processing: Since May, travelers have been able to use self-generated QR codes to enter and exit Singapore at two land checkpoints connecting Singapore and Malaysia. A token, such as a QR code, is necessary at land borders because authorities do not have advance notice of who plans to enter or leave Singapore.
Both programs are part of a larger effort to modernize border control procedures in Singapore to manage higher traveler volumes amid the challenges of an aging workforce.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com