SINGAPORE – A new BioScreen system will be introduced to screen the thumbprints of visitors arriving and departing at our checkpoints, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Monday (April 18).
ICA said that the the new system will be introduced progressively from April 20 onwards, at the passenger halls of the sea and land checkpoints, followed by the air checkpoints.
This will enable ICA to strengthen its verification of the identities of travellers.
With BioScreen, travellers aged six and above using the manned counters at immigration checkpoints will be required to scan both their thumbprints upon arrival and departure.
In the initial phase at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, the BioScreen system will be implemented at the manned counters within the passenger halls. Bioscreen clearance for those travelling by motorcycles, cars and lorries will be implemented at a later date.
Singapore citizens and residents who use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) or automated clearance lanes for departure and arrival will not be affected by the new system.
Eligible Singaporeans and residents are encouraged to use these automated lanes for immigration clearance. Those who use the manned counters at our checkpoints will be required to provide their thumbprints via the BioScreen system.
All foreign visitors are also required to scan their thumbprints each time theu arrive and depart Singapore.
debwong@sph.com.sg
