Travelers arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport can now experience a smoother process with the new token-less clearance system. This innovative upgrade allows eligible passengers to enter the country without a physical passport, utilizing advanced biometric technology such as eye and facial recognition. The goal is to enhance travel efficiency and convenience.

Currently, the system is being tested at Terminal 3, where passengers can clear immigration using only their biometric data. By December 2024, the program will extend to all terminals at Changi, Seletar Airport, and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders can benefit from this program, eliminating the need to carry physical passports. Foreign travelers can also use biometric clearance when leaving, but they must first register their biometrics—iris, facial, and fingerprints—at manual immigration counters. Currently, children under six are not included in the biometric system.

This initiative is a key component of Singapore’s New Clearance Concept, introduced in May. Officials aim for 95% of travelers to utilize automated lanes by early 2026, removing the necessity for traditional passport checks. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) estimates that this technology could reduce immigration wait times by up to 40%, enhancing the overall travel experience. In the first 15 days of the program, 1.5 million passengers have already benefited.

Changi Airport's growth as a worldwide hub is also demonstrated by its figures. The airport saw 5.4 million passengers in September 2024, a 10.8% increase over the same month in 2023. The airport's readiness for this new technical advancement is demonstrated by this remarkable expansion.

"This new system will allow staff to focus on more critical tasks like security profiling, which is especially important as the workforce ages and traveler numbers grow," said ICA Commander Alan Koo.

Although foreign visitors can take advantage of the convenience of passport-free processing when leaving, they still need to submit their passports when they arrive. In order to ensure seamless foreign travel, the ICA also stresses the significance of having passports on hand for checks at your destination.

With Changi Airport at the forefront, this innovative biometric clearance system is set to improve the travel experience in Singapore and establish a new benchmark for airports around the globe.