Singapore has inaugurated a pioneering “token-less clearance” initiative, allowing eligible travellers arriving at Changi Airport to enter the nation without physical passports. This unique method uses eye and facial recognition technology to authenticate IDs, ensuring a smooth flying experience. Currently, in the trial at Terminal 3, the program allows travellers to clear immigration using solely biometric data. By December 2024, it will cover all Changi terminals, Seletar Airport, and Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
This plan, which is part of Singapore’s New Clearance Concept and was unveiled in May, intends to automate 95% of immigration lanes by 2026, eliminating traditional passport checks. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) anticipates the technology to reduce wait times by up to 40%, increasing efficiency and convenience. During its first 15 days, the program served 1.5 million travellers, demonstrating its potential impact.
ICA Commander Alan Koo stated that the system would enable immigration officers to prioritise critical jobs such as security profiling, which is critical as passenger numbers increase and the workforce ages. For the time being, foreign visitors must provide passports upon arrival but may exit without them. Changi Airport pioneers this innovation, establishing a new worldwide standard for travel convenience and efficiency.
