The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) aims for all foreign visitors to be able to clear immigration using automated lanes in 2024, but will still set aside lanes for dedicated use by Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs), said Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in parliament on Feb. 26, 2024.
He added that "the proportion of dedicated lanes will be flexibly adjusted to meet prevailing operational needs, taking into account the traveller profile."
He was responding to a question by Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl David on Feb. 26, 2024.
What are these new automated lanes?
ICA previously announced on Feb. 13, 2024 that it is aiming for all foreign visitors to clear immigration using new automated lanes without requiring prior enrolment.
The new automated lanes, to be introduced in 2024, will progressively replace the existing automated lanes and manual counters at the checkpoints.
They will also allow contactless clearance for Singapore residents and departing visitors, who will not need to present their passports when leaving the country.
David asked a follow-up question about measures to enhance the flow of families of Singaporeans or PRs who might not be able to use the automated lanes at the checkpoints.
In reply, Faishal spoke about Special Assistance Lanes (SALs). These lanes have been installed since late 2022, and allow families to clear immigration as a group.
They are also meant to ease clearance for wheelchair users.
Faishal added that Singapore is "among the first, if not the first, in the world to have this facility."
Faishal spoke about providing "ease of entry" at the checkpoints, and said:
"We'll continue to look at how we can really enhance the travelling journey process of our Singaporeans."
Another 230 automated lanes to be installed in 2024
More than 160 additional automated lanes were installed in 2023.
Another 230 automated lanes will be installed by ICA in 2024 to cater to the increasing number of travellers who enter Singapore via Changi Airport, ICA announced last month.
As of now, only Singaporeans and foreign passport holders in 60 jurisdictions can use the automated lanes.
Top image via ICA.