“Travellers crossing the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints by bus will soon be able to clear immigration using QR codes, as part of a trial beginning on Nov 23,” the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Thursday.
The trial, which will roll out at Tuas Checkpoint on Nov 23 and at Woodlands Checkpoint on Nov 28, aims to streamline the immigration process for bus travellers. It will be conducted at selected automated lanes and special assistance lanes at the arrival and departure bus halls at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. Participants in the trial will have the opportunity to help finetune the process for better traveller experience.
ICA emphasized that the trial is open to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign visitors who have visited the country before.
“Eligible bus travellers are encouraged to participate in the trial to help ICA finetune our processes for better traveller experience of the QR code clearance at bus halls,” said ICA.
How to clear immigration with QR codes at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints
Eligible bus travellers may follow these steps to generate an individual QR code or group QR code for immigration clearance at the selected lanes:
- Step 1: Download the MyICA mobile application and select “QR Code at Land Checkpoints”.
- Step 2: Generate either an individual or group QR code. Group travellers using the special assistance lanes may generate a group QR code and select “Bus” as the vehicle type.
- Step 3: Proceed to the trial lanes and scan the QR code at the passport scanning area. ICA will retrieve the passport details stored in the QR code and the first “flappers”, or gates, open upon verification for travellers to enter the lane.
- Step 4: Present biometrics (facial and iris/fingerprint) for verification. The second flapper opens upon biometrics verification and travellers exit the lane (i.e. cleared immigration)
The progressive introduction of QR codes for immigration clearance, was first implemented for car travellers on Mar 19 and later extended to bus drivers on Apr 15. The system will be further extended to other zones, such as motorcycles and lorries, by the end of the year.
“There is also a mention of the gradual introduction of QR code clearance in Malaysia,” the reporter stated. “Following a successful trial involving buses and motorcycles, Malaysian drivers and commuters will be able to cross between Johor and Singapore using QR codes instead of passports from next year.” are eligible.
