Travelling To Singapore By Car? You'll Soon Need To Scan Your Thumbprints At Checkpoints
Drivers and passengers will need to get both their thumbprints scanned.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 25 Sep 2017, 06:12 PM
All drivers and passengers entering Singapore via Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints will soon have to scan their thumbprints for immigration clearance
Travellers will need to scan both their thumbprints upon arrival and departure at the checkpoints.
Image via Mediacorp/Leong Wai Kit"The driver and passengers will be required to step out of their car and scan both thumbprints when they seek immigration clearance at the car counters.
"With the implementation of BioScreen at car counters, travellers may experience slightly longer immigration clearance time," said the Singaporean Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), as reported by Channel NewsAsia today, 25 September.
The BioScreen system was introduced in April 2016. The system captures the thumbprints of visitors arriving and departing at Singapore's checkpoints to enhance security levels.
The new system will require all car travellers above the age of six to get their thumbprints scanned at the car counters
The system has been in place for people coming into Singapore via train, buses, lorries, and other goods vehicles since last its launch mid last year.
It was also reported that the expansion of the system will be on a trial basis, "monitored closely", and the processes will be adjusted accordingly.
"Security at our checkpoints is ICA's top priority. The BioScreen system is an important measure in this regard, as it enables ICA’s verification of travellers' identities to be more robust," said ICA.
While no definite date has been given for the implementation of the system, it was mentioned that it will be implemented progressively at the car counters, allowing travellers to familiarise themselves with the new process.
The ICA has also released a step-by-step guide on how the thumbprint system will work for car travellers
