S’pore Passport Just Gets a Face-lift With Security Upgrade—Here’s What You Should Know

Following the news that Singapore passport is becoming the most ‘powerful’ in the world on 25 October, we are now getting a wardrobe upgrade.

Not in terms of clothes of course, but our all mighty passport gets a new design and security upgrade as claimed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Image: channelnewsasia.com

You know how when one gets promoted, the person usually undergoes some change?

Job title, pay raise, or even how he or she looks on the outside. Got more money mah, can flaunt a bit.

Image: tumblr.com

So all limelight’s on the Singapore passport as we become the “first time ever an Asian country has the most powerful passport in the world”… time to get a makeover!

Here’s what you need to know.

(Okay, pretty sure they’ve prepared this ages ago, way before our passport got upgraded to the first in class, but you get the idea)

Two new security features added

Number 1, your image on the passport can now be viewed as a positive or negative portrait when tilted and viewed in transmitted light.

Something like that I guess:

Image: alexanderghaly.blogspot.sg

Left is negative, right is positive. But of course not only half-face lah. Your full face will be affected according to the angle and under different lighting.

Number 2, we will have a surface transformation design in the shape of an orchid, which displays light reflective and animation effects at different angles.

Image: channelnewsasia.com

New visa page designs 

They will feature designs of six local landmarks: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Sports Hub and Punggol New Town.

This will be in replacement of existing image of the Central Business District skyline and the Esplanade.

Interesting because not many people would have noticed these images, eh? We’ll all be looking at the stamps and showing off to others what countries we’ve been.

Image: getforme.com

But as the Chinese saying goes, if the old doesn’t go, the new won’t come.

Existing passport features enhanced

  • The Multiple Laser Image (MLI) in the shape of the Singapore map
  • An improved Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device (DOVID) design that has an achromatic effect when tilted at different angles
  • An embossed tactile design

Actually I don’t even know what I’m describing. Pretty sure most of you didn’t know these, too.

All you need to know is that the colour is still red. And it looks cool inside.

The Next Steps

Singapore citizens, those with existing passports that are still valid, you don’t need to do anything at all. So chill, just hold on to your passport but don’t let it rot in the cabinet. Go get your well deserved break! 😉

And for friends who’ve applied for your new passports and are already received by the ICA from 21 October, you will be the pioneer batch to receive the new design!

Obviously when you renew your passport, you’d be receiving the new designs.

Collection of the new passport will be available from 30 October to 15 November at the ICA building, and selected post offices from 16 November.

Reminder, reminder. Remember to use your passport! Don’t waste the 70 to 80 bucks you paid for to get a passport.

And another reminder to many: renew them six months before they expire. You’ll be shocked at the number of people who forget…and only remember a week before a trip #justsaying

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This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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Featured Image: Channelnewsasia.com