Singapore Opens Automated Arrival Lanes to All Foreigners

(SPOT.ph) Traveling to Singapore has always been hassle-free for Filipinos, thanks to its visa-free policy for Southeast Asians. But things just got even better, and not only for citizens of SG's neighbors but for travelers of all nationalities. 

Singapore just announced its new arrival process for foreigners arriving via air travel: All foreign travelers arriving at Changi International Airport can now use the automated arrival lanes for their immigration clearance.

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Here's what you need to know about Singapore's new arrival process:

While the automated arrival lanes aren't exactly new, Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that the use of the contactless lanes has since been expanded for the use of all foreigners regardless of nationality and the passport they hold.

Prior to the announcement made on May 17, only Singapore residents and over 60 other jurisdictions—including the Philippines—were eligible to use the automated arrival lanes. This move was done to create a smoother and stress-free experience for passengers.

The immigration clearance uses iris and facial biometrics as primary identifiers. Fingerprints will be used as a secondary biometric identifier for travelers who are unsuccessful in their iris and facial scans. But more than streamlining arrival processes, visitors who use the automated gates upon arrival can also use the automated lanes at departure immigration when they depart from Changi Airport.

If you're traveling as a family with young children or require assistance due to limited mobility, there are Special Assistance Lanes at selected departure and arrival immigration halls for automated immigration clearance as well.

Please note that you will still need to complete your Singapore arrival cards with health declarations before entering the Lion City. The automated lanes for arriving passengers do not exempt visitors from this requirement. You can do this by completing the ICA form online or through the MyICA mobile app. 

For more information, visit Changi Airport's website.

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