KUALA LUMPUR - Singapore will begin trials of fully automated in-vehicle immigration clearance for car drivers and passengers at Tuas Checkpoint within the next few months.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the system could be rolled out progressively across Singapore’s land checkpoints from 2027, as reported by CNA.

Under the Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS), travellers will be able to complete immigration clearance without leaving their vehicles.

Drivers and passengers can present either QR codes or passports at kiosks installed along APCS lanes.

Facial biometric verification will be conducted through cameras attached to four kiosks at the lanes.

Biometric-enabled tablets may also be used for passengers seated further inside vehicles who are unable to access the kiosks directly.

The automated process removes the need for immigration officers to remain stationed at booths during traveller clearance.

“Automation also enables officers to be redeployed from manual clearance functions to higher-value roles such as profiling, conducting targeted interviews and investigations, strengthening ICA’s overall border security posture,” ICA said in a factsheet.

The authority said feedback gathered during the trial phase would help refine the system and improve operational effectiveness.

ICA first announced plans in 2024 to progressively introduce APCS lanes at Singapore’s land checkpoints.

On May 8, the agency confirmed that implementation at Tuas Checkpoint would begin progressively from early 2027.

The system will later be extended to the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint.

Speaking at ICA’s annual workplan seminar at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam said Singapore would continue investing in future-ready border security systems.

“We are all confident that ICA, like the other Home Team departments, will continue to remain agile and innovative.

“And we look forward to ICA continuing to provide world-class services, while keeping Singapore safe and secure,” he said.

ICA said the move towards automation was necessary to manage rising traveller volumes amid manpower constraints.

The authority had earlier worked with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency on a single-lane automated clearance trial for car travellers in 2022.

In March 2024, ICA also introduced QR code immigration clearance for motorists at checkpoints.

Travellers can generate individual or group QR codes through the MyICA mobile application before their journey.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, they only need to scan the QR code at the clearance counter instead of presenting passports to immigration officers.

“The implementation of APCS@Car is expected to deliver significant operational and user benefits.

“By transitioning from manual face-to-face checks to biometric verification at the APCS lanes, border security will be enhanced while reducing reliance on officer-manned counters,” ICA said.

The authority added that officers would be able to monitor multiple lanes remotely through a centralised dashboard system.

The dashboard provides live camera feeds from APCS lanes, while travellers can communicate directly with officers through intercom systems installed at each lane.

“These enhancements allow the APCS lanes to operate continuously, enabling ICA to scale up clearance capacity more efficiently and provide a more seamless experience for travellers,” it added.

ICA said APCS lanes could also be configured to process up to two motorcycles simultaneously depending on operational requirements and traffic conditions.

The agency is also preparing to introduce automated clearance systems for cargo vehicles.

From early next year, drivers and attendants of cargo vehicles at Tuas Checkpoint will be able to complete self-clearance using QR codes or passports followed by contactless biometric verification.

The APCS@Cargo kiosks are adjustable to accommodate vehicles of different heights.

ICA said automated immigration clearance has effectively become standard practice at Singapore’s checkpoints.

“Automated immigration clearance is now the norm at Singapore’s checkpoints, and Singapore (is) likely the first country to have achieved this for all travellers.

“Since May 2024, all foreign visitors arriving in Singapore can use the automated lanes without the need for prior enrolment,” the authority said.