Tuas Checkpoint: Faster clearance for motorcyclists, pillion riders as facial recognition begins
The system was first rolled out at Woodlands Checkpoint on March 31.
Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint has introduced facial recognition technology to expedite immigration clearance for motorcyclists and pillion riders. The feature, which debuted on September 18, is available at all 80 automated lanes at the checkpoint and is open to Singapore residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign visitors who have entered Singapore previously. Manual clearance remains necessary for first-time foreign visitors and travellers re-entering with a different passport than their initial visit.
This new system, part of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) initiative to enhance immigration processes, was initially introduced at 18 motorcycle lanes at Woodlands Checkpoint's arrival zone on March 31. By progressively expanding its reach to all 70 automated motorcycle lanes at Woodlands Checkpoint, the ICA expects to reduce motorcycle clearance times from 30 seconds to approximately 20 seconds.
Under the new system, motorcyclists and pillion riders must scan their passport or a QR code created through the MyICA mobile app at the checkpoint. Entry barriers are raised to facilitate the face-scanning process. Motorcyclists wearing open-face helmets must look into the camera to capture their image, while those with full-face helmets must remove their helmets to ensure the camera captures their facial features.
Once identity verification is complete, the exit barrier is raised, enabling the individual to clear immigration. Passengers are still required to carry their passports for potential verification purposes, and facial images will eventually replace fingerprints as the primary biometric identifier for motorcyclists and pillion riders clearing land checkpoints.
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