Singaporeās Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced that all foreign visitors arriving at Changi Airport, regardless of nationality and the passport they hold, can now utilise automated lanes at Changi Airport for arrival immigration clearance.
There is no need for any registration before arriving in Singapore, further streamlining the arrival process. This creates a smoother and stress-free experience of clearance for travellers. The immigration clearance system uses iris and facial biometrics as primary identifiers. Adding to the biometric immigration clearance process is the fact that fingerprints will be used as a secondary biometric identifier for travellers who are unsuccessful in their iris and facial scans.
Additionally, foreign visitors who have used the automated gates upon arrival can also use the automated lanes at departure immigration when they depart from Changi Airport.
Previously, only Singapore residents and passport holders in 60 jurisdictions were eligible to use the automated lanes during departure and arrival immigration clearance at Changi Airport.
Do note, however, that as these cutting-edge iris and facial recognition technologies are deployed as part of the Automated Clearance initiative, travellers are urged to refrain from wearing sunglasses, caps, or any headgear that may obscure their facial features during immigration clearance. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using coloured or patterned contact lenses to prevent any inconvenience.
Enhanced accessibility with Special Assistance Lanes (SAL)
Special Assistance Lanes were introduced by ICA in December 2022, a first in the world to offer automated lanes for passengers with restricted mobility, as well as self-service immigration as a group.
Previously, travellers in wheelchairs or those travelling in family groups were directed to the manual counters for immigration clearance. However, for travellers using wheelchairs and family groups with young children (up to four persons), there are now Special Assistance Lanes at selected Departure and Arrival Immigration Halls for automated immigration clearance as well.
ICA officers are available on-site at Changi Airportās Departure and Arrival Immigration Halls to assist travellers who may require assistance. Manual immigration counters will continue to be available.
Setting the standard for seamless immigration services
Most recently, besides being ranked one of the busiest airports by international traffic, Changi Airport was named the Worldās Best Immigration Service by Skytrax in April 2024, following satisfaction surveys with passengers, recognising the airportās efficiency of immigration services, including waiting times, automated systems, as well as courtesy of immigration staff.
The SG Arrival Card is a mandatory health declaration and all travellers must submit it within three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore.
Reminder: If you are travelling to Singapore, be reminded that all Singapore residents and foreign visitors will need to submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration online, via the MyICA Mobile application, or on the Changi App before arriving in Singapore. So, do remember to submit your SG Arrival Card prior to your arrival for a smooth and seamless arrival immigration clearance at Changi Airport.
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