Singapore is rolling out some impressive changes to its immigration experience, which passengers will no doubt appreciate.
Singapore automates immigration for all foreigners
Clearing immigration at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has just become significantly easier. Effective immediately, all foreigners in Singapore can use the automated immigration lanes upon arrival, regardless of their nationality, without needing to enroll.
Previously, this was restricted to Singaporeans and nationals of 60 other countries. There are even automated lanes for those with special needs, including those with restricted mobility, as well as for families.
To my knowledge, Singapore is the first country in the world that has automated immigration for all foreigners, with no restrictions on nationality, and no enrollment required. It will still be required to submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Heath Declaration online, or via the MyICA Mobile app, before arriving in Singapore.
A second part of this initiative is expected to be rolled out before the end of 2024. Singapore also has immigration checkpoints upon departure. With the next update, the departure process with immigration will be contactless, and you won’t even need to present your passport. Instead, your facial biometrics will be used. The plan is also that Singapore residents can soon arrive in the country with this same contactless technology.
The goal with these initiatives is to reduce immigration clearance times by around 40%. All of these changes are coming as Singapore has upgraded its automated kiosks to next generation technology, which enables this new process.
This is a great initiative, though I’m curious…
I have a couple of thoughts here, though let me acknowledge that I haven’t actually entered Singapore since before the pandemic, so it has been some time (which reminds me, it’s time to return ASAP!).
First of all, this is a cool development, though I have to say, my immigration experiences in Singapore have probably been the most pleasant of anywhere in the world. I don’t think I’ve ever waived, and it’s the only place where I’ve consistently had immigration officers welcome me. Furthermore, the only question I’ve been asked by an immigration officer is whether I’d like a piece of candy.
Now, here’s something I’m curious about. The reason that many countries don’t roll out automated immigration to all passengers is because there are certain passports that are considered higher risk, and where the country wants to be able to question people as they enter (to make sure they are visiting for legitimate reasons, have proof of return travel, etc.).
Presumably with these automated immigration lanes, people can still be pulled aside for extra questioning. However, is that the intent here, or how will Singapore manage that? Like I said, I believe that Singapore is the first country to fully automate immigration in this way, though I’m also guessing there’s a reason that other countries haven’t gone this far.
Bottom line
Singapore has rolled out automated immigration for all passengers. Regardless of which passport you hold, you can now use the automated kiosks upon arrival in Singapore. Furthermore, by the end of the year, the plan is for the departure process to be contactless, as you’ll be able to go through the automated immigration kiosks just with your biometrics.
What do you make of Singapore’s automated immigration initiative?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.