Singapore - Paperless Entry Enhances Tourist Experience

Passport-free immigration

From 5 August, passengers arriving at Singapore's Changi Airport will have a new option to complete immigration procedures. Instead of presenting a traditional passport, they can use facial biometric technology at automated lanes at Terminal 3.

According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore, the trial allows passengers to choose between using their passport or biometric data to verify their identity.
The Automated Arrivals Control System (ABCS) will scan the passenger's face and compare it with a database to complete immigration procedures quickly and conveniently.
"Residents" who benefit from this program include Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term passport holders. The ABCS system is expected to be rolled out across all Changi Airport terminals by September this year, and will be expanded to Seletar Airport and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by the end of 2024.

The introduction of biometric technology will not only help shorten waiting times but also enhance the passenger experience. However, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore has affirmed that the security of personal information is always a top priority and that it has implemented strict security measures to ensure the safety of passengers' biometric data.

Paperless entry will be the trend
Under the new passport-free entry scheme, Singapore residents will be exempted from presenting their passports when travelling at air and sea ports. Foreigners can also benefit from this policy when leaving Singapore. However, to participate in the programme, international visitors need to register for eye, facial and fingerprint biometric scanning at manual counters.

According to regulations, children under the age of 6 cannot use the biometric clearance system and must go through manual immigration procedures.
This is part of Singapore's "new immigration concept", which aims to modernize and automate immigration services. As a result, the Lion City has officially said goodbye to the traditional manual passport check process, a goal it has pursued for many years.

By early 2026, Singapore expects 95% of visitors to experience automated, fast and convenient immigration procedures. Only a few special cases, such as children under the age of 6, will need to go through manual procedures.

Although biometric technology brings many benefits, there are still concerns about security. However, the Singapore government asserts that the application of this technology is aimed at strengthening border security and at the same time improving the visitor experience.
According to SITA Asia-Pacific forecast, within the next 3-5 years, about 85% of airports in the world will apply biometric authentication methods.
Source: https://tcdulichtphcm.vn/chuyen-hay/nhap-canh-khong-giay-to-nang-cao-trai-nghiem-cua-du-khach-c17a79582.html