• Starting Monday, select passengers arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport can clear immigration without showing their passports. This is part of a new “token-less clearance” program that uses eye and facial biometric processing, launched by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. Initially available to Singapore residents at Terminal 3, the program will expand to all terminals by September and to Seletar Airport and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024.

    Eligible participants include Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, and foreigners departing Singapore, who must enroll their biometrics at manual counters. However, children under six cannot use biometric clearance lanes.

    This initiative is a segment of Singapore’s “New Clearance Concept” aimed at modernizing and automating immigration processes, marking a significant shift from traditional passport checks. By 2026, 95% of travelers are expected to use automated lanes, reducing wait times by 40%. These advancements align with global trends, as 85% of airports worldwide plan to adopt biometric processing in the coming years. This move not only enhances border security but also improves the travel experience for passengers.