SINGAPORE — Singaporeans who are frequent travellers to the United States will soon be able to clear immigration checks faster following the launch of a joint programme on Monday (June 27).

The US-Singapore Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP) allows eligible citizens of Singapore and the US to enjoy immigration clearance through automated clearance kiosks at major traveller entry points into both countries, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a news release. To do this, Singaporeans have to enrol in the US’ Global Entry Programme online at www.cbp.gov, and successful applicants will go through an interview at a Global Entry Enrolment Centre at the US Embassy in Singapore. Once approved, it will allow them to get expedited immigration clearance and traveller screening when they visit the US, bypassing the regular passport control queues.

Singapore is the first country in Asean (Association of South-east Asian Nations) to be given access to the Global Entry Programme, which is a part of the TTP, as both countries mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations this year. US passport holders who meet the prevailing eligibility criteria may also apply online with ICA for the use of the automated clearance lanes when they enter Singapore.

Mr Clarence Yeo, Commissioner of ICA, said in a speech at the launch that the initiative “enhances the security outcome”. “The application screening process under this programme enables agencies to assure each other that the applicant indeed is a trusted one before an application is approved. It enables Trusted Travellers to self-serve through the automated clearance lanes so that we can focus our resources on travellers whose identities are not as clear,” he said.