Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Starting from the upcoming Tuesday, 19 March, individuals driving into or out of Singapore through the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints will experience a more streamlined customs clearance process thanks to the introduction of QR codes.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has launched this innovative initiative to improve the efficiency and convenience of border crossings, thereby facilitating smoother travel experiences for motorists. This technological advancement is aimed at enhancing the travel and tourism industry by reducing wait times and simplifying the customs process for travelers.
The ICA has designed the new system to offer Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and those holding long-term passes a hassle-free way to clear customs. By downloading the myICA mobile application, which is integrated with SingPass, users can swiftly input their details to generate a unique QR code. This code, once scanned at the checkpoint, enables quick clearance, further supporting the travel industry by streamlining the entry and exit process for visitors and residents alike.
Additionally, the app allows users who are re-entering Singapore to scan the machine-readable zone of their passports, thus expediting their passage even further.
The new QR code system is particularly advantageous for group travel, including families. It allows a single individual to input the passport details of all family members into the myICA app, creating a single QR code that can be used for the entire group, thereby speeding up the customs process for multiple travelers at once.
This feature not only simplifies the travel process for groups but also aims to enhance the overall experience for tourists and residents moving in and out of Singapore. Groups of up to 10 people can be organized within the app, provided they travel together in the same vehicle for customs clearance, promising a more organized and efficient travel experience.
The authorities expect the QR code system to significantly reduce waiting times at checkpoints, with an estimated time saving of over 30% if the system is widely adopted. This reduction in wait times is anticipated to have a positive impact on the travel and tourism sector by making travel more appealing and accessible.
While the QR code system marks a step towards modernizing customs clearance, physical counters will remain in operation for those who prefer or require traditional clearance methods, ensuring that all travelers’ needs are accommodated.
Tags: Singapore, technology, Tourism, Travel
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