All travellers to S’pore to have thumbprints scanned at checkpoints

SINGAPORE — All travellers to Singapore will soon be required to scan their thumbprints each time they arrive and depart from Singapore, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Monday (April 18).

The roll-out of the BioScreen system will be progressive, starting from tomorrow at the passenger halls of the sea and land checkpoints, followed by the air checkpoints. The full implementation of the system is expected to take “a few months”, according to the ICA.

In the initial phase at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, the BioScreen system will be implemented at the manned counters within the passenger halls.

Bioscreen clearance for those travelling by motorcycles, cars and lorries will be implemented at a later date.

The ICA said the new system will strengthen its verification of the identities of travellers. This follows a successful trial of the system carried out at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal last year.

Singapore citizens and residents who use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) or automated clearance lanes for departure and arrival will not be affected by the implementation of BioScreen.

Those who use the manned counters at the checkpoints will be required to provide their thumbprints via the BioScreen system.

With the implementation of BioScreen, travellers may experience slightly longer immigration clearance times at the checkpoints, said the ICA.

The authority added that it will monitor the implementation of BioScreen closely, and will fine-tune and adjust the implementation plans, where necessary.

“Our officers will assist and advise travellers accordingly. We seek the co-operation of all travellers in keeping Singapore safe and secure,” the ICA said.