Travel to Singapore by Car to Get Smoother with Passport-Free QR Code System From March 19 –
Border Crossing Hassles to Reduce with New QR Code System
Travelling to Singapore by car is set to become more convenient from March 19th, as the country rolls out a new passport-free QR code system at two major land checkpoints – Woodlands and Tuas. This innovative move by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) aims to streamline border crossings and minimize waiting times.
How the New QR Code System Works
Under the new system, travelers arriving or departing via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints can generate a single QR code prior to their arrival. By scanning this QR code at the car counter, all occupants in the vehicle can be cleared without presenting physical passports to ICA officers.
“The adoption of QR codes is expected to significantly reduce overall wait times, potentially eliminating congestion by around 30%, especially during peak periods when there is a surge of workers crossing the border from Malaysia,” stated an ICA spokesperson.
Expansion to Other Land Checkpoints Planned
The passport-free clearance system will not be limited to Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints but will also be extended to other land checkpoints with Malaysia in the future. This move reflects Singapore’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to enhance efficiency and adapt to evolving travel patterns.
“By leveraging technology, Singapore aims to make border crossings smoother and more user-friendly for travelers,” added the ICA spokesperson.
Integration with Changi Airport’s Automated Border Control System
Singapore has been actively introducing new technologies at Changi Airport, renowned for its operational efficiency and futuristic infrastructure. To further streamline travel, residents and visitors departing from the island will gradually gain the ability to clear checkpoints without traditional passports.
Earlier, the Singaporean Government had unveiled plans to replace manual counters at passenger halls with approximately 800 automated lanes, employing a new contactless automated border control system. The implementation of this system commenced in the first quarter of 2024, following successful trials at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 in 2019.
Rapid Transit Link to Enhance Connectivity with Johor Bahru
This announcement not only represents a significant stride towards modernizing border control but also lays the groundwork for forthcoming endeavors such as the Rapid Transit Link connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Expected to become operational by the end of 2026, this transit project will have the capacity to accommodate a peak of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, thereby improving connectivity between the two nations.