The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) will introduce a next-generation automated border security system for all foreign travelers, regardless of their nationality. This innovative system eliminates the need for pre-registration and allows travelers to leave Singapore without presenting their passports.
The world’s first automated border control system for foreigners: important details
The innovative automated lanes, which are part of ICA’s new customs clearance concept, are expected to become operational in the second half of 2024. The initiative aims to replace manual counters and existing lanes at checkpoints and streamline immigration for residents and visitors to Singapore. Presentation of passport.
More than 160 automated lanes will be installed in 2023, and another 230 lanes will be installed in 2024 to enhance customs clearance capacity. Currently, the automated border control system under the Automated Customs Initiative is only available to Singapore residents and passport holders from 60 jurisdictions. Target countries include Japan, Malaysia, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and more. Holders of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards (ABTC), employment passes, and work permits can also use the automatic lanes.
The new customs concept aims to provide seamless immigration screening through multimodal biometric authentication that captures iris, fingerprints and facial details. These biometric identifiers must be pre-registered with the ICA or during immigration upon arrival.
More than 193 million visitors passed through all checkpoints in 2023, an 80% increase from 2022, with Singapore recording visitor numbers near pre-pandemic levels last year. The number of visitors is predicted to reach nearly 300 million by 2025. ICA aims to expand customs clearance volumes to meet the growing demand for faster immigration clearance in Singapore by introducing automated lanes that require less manpower and space.
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