On Friday it was reported that Singapore expanded their passport-free entry system which utilizes facial recognition biometrics and iris scans. This system is somewhat similar to the European Union system, which beginning in 2025 will require facial recognition images and fingerprints of visitors, although the Singapore system appears to not be mandatory yet, just strongly encouraged. Full implementation of the program goes into effect December 16.
The system is also reported to be used in bus terminals as well as other transport hubs.
“A passport is no longer needed for clearance at Changi Airport, where biometric clearance has been fully implemented across all four terminals, leading to an average passport-less clearance time of 10 seconds,” Biometric Update said on October 24.
“Arriving and departing Singapore residents can clear immigration by simply using facial and iris biometrics, without the need to present their passport. All foreign visitors can also enjoy the convenience of passport-less clearance when they depart Singapore,” a release from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said, according to Biometric Update on October 24.
Unlike the E.U. fingerprinting requirement for visitors, the Singapore eyeball scanning system also applies to Singaporean citizens as well.
“Foreigners arriving in Singapore will still need to present passports, and are advised to carry passports with them when traveling. But the so-called new clearance concept (NCC), which uses biometric identifiers, will not require pre-registration,” Biometric Update said on October 24.
Changi Airport in Singapore has been utilizing biometric facial recognition systems since 2016.