The Simplify Travel

We're going to dive into the world of automated clearance systems and specifically focus on Singapore's Automated Clearance Initiative or ACI system.

Like how it works?
How to enrol to the system?
How to use the designated ACI lanes?
Find out who and which countries are eligible to use this system?
What to expect on your next subsequent trips?
And if inked immigration endorsement still available?

We all know that clearing immigration can sometimes be a time-consuming process, especially during peak travel periods. But thanks to the ACI system in Singapore, things are about to change for the better.

In 2023, the eligibility for the Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI) has been expanded to include passport holders from 51 jurisdictions, a significant increase from the original 16 when the initiative was first introduced back in 2022. Among the eligible countries are Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States. And by the first quarter of 2024, ICA expects to have 95 percent of all arrivals at Changi Airport cleared through the automated lanes.

The ACI system utilizes advanced biometric technology to streamline the immigration process, allowing travelers to breeze-through clearance checkpoints with ease.

Here's how it works:

Upon arrival at Singapore's Changi Airport, eligible travelers can head to the designated ACI lanes. These self-service lanes are equipped with state-of-the-art facial recognition technology.
Enrolment is done automatically when you seek clearance at the designated automated lanes or manual immigration counters, available at all Changi Airport Arrival terminals, Woodlands Checkpoint and Tuas Checkpoint. No separate registration is required. But before that, please make sure you have met all the entry requirement stated in ICA website.
Once enrolled, visitors will be notified via an Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass), sent to their email address provided in their SG Arrival Card submission. The enrolment will enable them to use the automated lanes during departure and on subsequent visits to Singapore.

How to use the designated ACI lanes?

Step One : Scan your passport at one of the lane and the ACI system will verify your identity using the biometric data stored in the passport's microchip. This ensures a secure and accurate identification process. Once the reading is completed, it will prompted you to remove the passport. The first gate will then open for you to enter the lane.

If this is not your first trip but subsequent entry and already enrolled into the system, same procedures apply with either scanning the passport or iris, facial scanning if applicable and when departure, scan your boarding pass when prompt on the screen.
And soon, Singaporean don't even need to present their passport any more. Just Iris and facial and you are cleared through the immigration checkpoint.

Step Two : In the middle of the lane, look directly at the camera and the system will capture your iris, facial image and thumbprint for further verification. Don't worry, this image is securely encrypted and only used for immigration purposes.

Step Three : Once your identity is confirmed, the automated gates will open, allowing you to proceed through immigration. And that’s it, it's a seamless and efficient process that saves valuable time and reduces queues. If this is your first time, you will be notified of your successful enrolment into the ACI, through your electronic visit pass (e-pass) via email.

The ACI system is not only available to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, but also to eligible visitors from selected countries. For the list of countries that are eligible for the ACI system you can visit the official Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore website, or inquire at your local Singapore embassy or consulate.

For your subsequent trips into Singapore, just remember to prepare the following items before using the automated lanes.

A passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Submit your SG arrival card, within 3 days prior to arrival date.
A valid Singapore VISA, if applicable.

Importantly, you must provide a valid email address in your SG Arrival Card, as you will receive your Visit Pass which contains the conditions of your pass, and validity of stay in Singapore when using the automated lanes. Do note that, you will not be issued with an arrival immigration endorsement stamp in your passport anymore.

ICA is moving towards realising the New Clearance Concept, where automated immigration clearance will be the norm for most travellers at Singapore’s checkpoints.

But can I request for the inked immigration endorsement?

From 11 March 2022, all foreign visitors arriving in Singapore will receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) through email, instead of inked endorsement stamps on the passport. The e-Pass will contain details of the visit pass granted, including the maximum number of days of stay and the last day of stay allowed in Singapore.

Singapore has always been at the forefront of innovation, and the ACI system is just one example of how the country is using technology to enhance the travel experience for everyone.

We hope you found it informative and exciting. If you're planning a trip to Singapore, make sure to take advantage of this incredible technology.

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Ministry of Health (MOH) - https://www.moh.gov.sg
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) - https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart
SG Arrival Card - https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-card
Automated Clearance Initiative - https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart/for-visitors/ACI
Retrieval of Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) - https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/at-our-checkpoints/for-travellers/retrieval-of-electronic-visit-pass