In the first half of 2024, Changi Airport will be able to digitize and automate immigration certifications using biometrics such as fingerprints and retinal patterns.
"Singapore will be one of the first countries in the world to implement automated, passport-free immigration clearance," said minister Josephine Teo in Parliament. She added that, beginning in 2024, Singaporeans and departing visitors will no longer be required to present their passports for immigration clearance and will instead have their identities verified using biometrics.
"Biometrics will be used to generate a single authentication token that will be used at multiple automated touchpoints, including bag drop, immigration, and boarding. This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing."
Since Singapore eliminated pandemic-era border restrictions, the number of tourists has increased. The number of tourists arriving in Singapore during the first eight months of 2023 tripled from the same period the previous year, according to official data. According to its website, Changi Airport, one of the busiest in the world, handled 5.15 million passengers in August alone.
Teo stated that the city-state's immigration systems must be able to efficiently manage this large and growing number of travelers while maintaining security, noting that the number of travelers is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and increase thereafter.
The decision by Singapore comes as other Asian transportation hubs employ biometric technology to improve travel efficiency.
Asian Competitors
At Hong Kong International Airport, the use of a self-service biometric identification system called Flight Token allows passengers to pass through check-in, bag drop, security checks, and boarding, by merely presenting their visage and not having to present their travel documents and boarding passes again.
The Flight Token system is presently available for passengers traveling to Bangkok with Cathay Pacific, Taipei with China Airlines, and Tokyo with Japan Airlines. Passengers over the age of 11 and in possession of electronic travel documents can use the system.
Japan is also experimenting with biometrics. Some airlines now allow departing passengers from Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports to register their biometric data and then use it to expedite self-service luggage drops, security checks, and boarding. The information is purged within twenty-four hours, making registration temporary.
Have a story? No story is too small. Chat with us at sgtelltale@outlook.com
Comments