Iris, facial scanning for immigration clearance on trial at Tuas Checkpoint

SINGAPORE — Returning to Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint? Look out for a new contactless immigration clearance system there, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Monday (April 15).

The new system is able to identify travellers through iris and facial scans, without needing them to present their thumbprints or passports.

Singapore citizens aged six and above whose passports begin with the letter K and which were issued after Jan 1, 2018 are eligible for the trial, which began on April 8 at one of the automated lanes for bus arrivals at Tuas.

No prior sign-up is required to use the new system — though travellers are reminded not to wear sunglasses, hats or other head gear that will block their faces from being scanned.

Eligible citizens are encouraged to participate in the trial to help improve the system, said ICA.

“The contactless immigration system will enhance operational efficiency, yet maintain our high standards of traveller identity verification and security, and is a significant step towards ICA’s vision of an efficient and hassle-free immigration clearance experience using biometric solutions,” added ICA in a statement.

ICA had announced in August last year that it was testing out iris-scanning technology at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints as well as at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.