Passengers leaving Singapore airport will not need passports from 2024

From early 2024, passengers departing Changi Airport will clear customs automatically using biometric data, without the need for a passport.

The announcement came after Singapore's parliament passed the Immigration Amendment Act on September 18. The new law paves the way for biometric clearance, without the need for a passport, for flights departing from Changi Airport from early 2024. All procedures will be carried out using biometric methods from baggage check-in, exit, to boarding.

Biometric technology is a way to identify and verify individuals through biological characteristics such as fingerprints, iris patterns, voice, facial images... This technology is considered to minimize the possibility of counterfeiting and has the highest security today.

Passengers at Terminal 2 departure hall at Changi Airport on March 31. Photo: CNA — Passengers at Terminal 2 departure hall at Changi Airport on March 31. Photo: *CNA*

Under the new rules, passengers will no longer need to present their passports, tickets or boarding passes multiple times during check-in. Instead, each passenger will have a unique QR code that can be used to check in at self-service check-in points, according to Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo.

Minister Teo said the government has the power to collect information about passengers and crew in advance through all forms of entry, issue flight bans to airlines and other transport operators, and prevent suspicious people from boarding flights from Changi. Singapore will also allow airlines to disclose information about passengers and crew to the airport operator in case of need to find passengers or luggage.

This policy aims to better handle situations such as pandemics, strengthen border control, streamline card and permit management for foreigners and permanent residents, and make procedures faster and safer.

Minister Teo said that tourist arrivals are steadily increasing at all checkpoints in Singapore. The country is expected to welcome international arrivals at pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and increase thereafter. Even with the construction of new facilities such as Terminal 5 at Changi Airport, the Immigration Department will still have to work hard without more staff. Therefore, the new policy helps to address the shortage of staff.

Anh Minh (According to CNA )

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