SINGAPORE — The world's "most powerful" passport is getting a new design and additional security features.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Thursday (Oct 26) that those who had submitted applications from Oct 21 will get the new passports. Those who have existing valid passports need not replace them, it added.

The new features are aimed at making it harder to forge or tamper with the Singapore passport, which edged out Germany this week to take the top spot on a passport index developed by global financial advisory firm Arton Capital.

Singapore received a visa-free score of 159 Singapore after Paraguay removed visa requirements for Singaporeans, making the Republic the first Asian country to top the index.

According to the ICA, the new Singapore passport will have the following features:

* New visa page designs: The new visa pages will feature six of Singapore's iconic landmarks - the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Sports Hub and Punggol New Town.

They replace the images of the Esplanade and the Singapore Central Business District skyline on the visa pages of the current passport.

* Two new security features on the information page: The first new feature is the addition of a "window lock", comprising an image of the passport holder which can be viewed as a positive or negative photo when tilted.

The second security feature is the inclusion of a "surface transformation design" of Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, on the top right corner of the information page. The design can display light effects and animation when viewed at different angles.

* Three enhanced security features: The new passport will have upgrades of existing security features, such as the "embossed tactile design", and a "multiple laser image" of the Singapore map. (See photo below)

The new passports will be available for collection from Oct 30.

(Click to enlarge) Additional security features of the new passport design Source: ICA