If you’ve been driving to JB, you probably already know that you can use a QR code (instead of your passport) to clear immigration at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
But soon, it won’t just be motorists that can do this at the land checkpoints — even those arriving by bus can clear immigration without their passports.
And there’s even better news for all you Singaporeans who love taking cruises. Soon, you won’t need your passport to clear your immigration at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre too.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints: All Travellers Can Clear Immigration With QR Codes From 16 December Onwards
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — we’re not just talking about Christmas. We’re talking about how everyone can soon clear immigrations at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints with just a QR code.
Yes, you read that right. Even if you’re not clearing immigration at the land checkpoints by car or motorbike, you’ll also be able to use QR codes instead of your passports to clear immigration.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) just announced that from 16 December onwards, travellers that are arriving via bus halls at our land checkpoints can also clear immigration using QR codes.
The QR code clearance will be rolled out progressively at all automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL). ICA targets to complete the roll-out in both land checkpoints by mid-January 2025.
Just in time for your Chinese New Year trip to Malaysia.
And when ICA says all bus travellers, they really mean it. Travellers using wheelchairs and family groups of up to four persons may also use QR code clearance at the bus halls of both land checkpoints.
In essence, this means that travellers arriving and departing Singapore by car, motorcycle, lorry or bus via Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints can use QR code clearance. Regardless of whether you’re a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, long-term pass holder or foreign visitor, you can use QR code clearance at these checkpoints.
The only two exceptions you must take note of are these — if you’re a first-time foreign visitor entering Singapore, or if you’re re-entering Singapore using a different passport from your last visit to Singapore, you will not be able to use QR code clearance.
Instead, you must present your passport for immigration clearance. However, on your subsequent trips in and out of Singapore, you’ll be able to use QR code clearance.
How to Use QR Code Clearance at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints
If you’ve never used QR code clearance before, fret not — we’re here to tell you how to use it. It’s rather simple.
First, you should install the MyICA mobile app on your phone.
On the app’s homepage, you should see an option which states: “QR Code at Land Checkpoints”.
Once you click on “QR Code at Land Checkpoints”, there should be a guided tutorial on how to generate a QR code for immigration clearance.
If not, once you click on “QR Code at Land Checkpoints”, you should see either “My QR Code” or “Group QR Code”. Click on either, depending on whether you plan to generate a QR code for your own immigration clearance, or for a group’s immigration clearance.
Then, you can follow the on-screen step-by-step instructions for generating the QR code.
When you reach the automated lane at the checkpoints, you just have to scan the QR code which you have generated on the MyICA app.
You can watch this video here to find out how the process will look like:
In any event, there will likely be ICA officers around to assist you if you need any help lah.
Last, if you’re thinking of printing out or screenshotting your QR codes, you should take note that ICA actually advises against it.
“Travellers are also encouraged to present the QR code using the MyICA mobile application instead of using printed or screenshot copies,” ICA shared.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre: Singapore Residents and Departing Foreign Travellers Need Not Present Passport to Clear Immigration From 16 December Onwards
There’s good news for those planning to book a holiday cruise out of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) as well.
You’ve probably already heard of, or perhaps even experienced first-hand, the token-less clearance at Changi Airport.
If you have not, token-less clearance is literally what it sounds like — you do not need any documents whatsoever to clear immigration. You don’t need a passport nor a QR code. Instead, all it takes is your facial and iris biometrics.
In other words, you just need your physical self to be there in order to clear immigration lah.
Now, here’s the good news. From 16 December onwards, ICA will also be extending the token-less clearance to MBCCS.
All Singapore residents arriving and departing at MBCCS can clear immigration using only facial and iris biometrics. This includes Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders — there won’t be a need to present your passport to clear immigration.
Then, what about foreign travellers?
Well, there’s good news for you too — all departing foreign travellers will also be able to clear immigration without presenting a passport.
Shiok. Say goodbye to long queues at MBCCS.
ICA Advisory to Travellers: Bring Your Passports Nonetheless
While all this is very good news, there’s one thing ICA wants everyone to know — you should still bring along your passports with you when you travel lah.
After all, just because ICA doesn’t need your passports to clear immigration, it doesn’t mean that the other country you’re headed to won’t need your passports too.
Further, ICA has also added that it may still require some travellers to produce their passports for verification.
So, better to be safe than sorry — please continue to bring your passports along when you’re travelling via the land checkpoints or MBCCS.
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