Cover Changi Airport is going passport-free in 2024—what does this mean for us? (Photo: Getty Images)
Changi Airport is going passport-free in 2024—what does this mean for us? (Photo: Getty Images)
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The latest change to the city’s Immigration Act hopes to provide us with a more seamless travel experience
Travellers may no longer need to bring their passports while travelling out of Singapore, thanks to the latest change to our immigration policies.
Addressing the parliament on September 20, Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo shared that Singapore Changi Airport will adopt the use of automated clearance and biometrics for authentication purposes from 2024. This is in hopes of enhancing the “traveller experience” at the airport.
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Biometrics will be used as “a token of authentication” at various points of the immigration process, from bag-drop to boarding. This means that we won’t need to constantly present our travel documents at various immigration points. The system will gather passenger and crew information in advance, issuing instructions to airlines and transport operators to prevent any suspicious individuals from boarding flights.
By simplifying border controls, Teo adds that this will allow for a more “seamless and convenient” process.
However, Teo also stressed that passports will still be required for countries that don’t offer passport-free clearance.
Above (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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This new change is a result of the increase in traveller volume, especially after the pandemic. As travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, Teo emphasises that the city’s immigration systems “must be able to manage this high and growing volume of travellers efficiently”. The construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link also adds a push to improve on Singapore’s immigration measures.
So, it’s time to make some travel plans as this new change is sure to make our travelling experience more efficient and convenient.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
