Singapore’s Tuas Checkpoint, one of two land immigration checkpoints, has launched a six-month trial last week for a new contactless biometric immigration clearance system, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Monday.
The new system will verify a passenger’s identity using iris and facial images, doing away with the need for travellers to present their passports or thumbprints for clearance.
Participants must not wear sunglasses, cap or other headgear when using the contactless immigration clearance lane.
“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,” it said.
“ICA will study the results of the trial and assess the feasibility to extend this initiative to more automated clearance lanes and other checkpoints.”
The trial is open to Singaporean citizens aged six and above who hold valid passports.