Extend passport validity to 10 years

Recently, I received a notice from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority reminding me to apply for a new passport early, as my current one was expiring in a few months.

The current biometric passport is valid for five years but is useful for only 4-1/2 years as many countries require travellers to have passports that are valid for at least six months. Having to go through the renewal process every 4-1/2 years is inconvenient for frequent travellers.

The Netherlands and Canada have upgraded to 10-year biometric passports. Singapore should consider doing the same.

Chua Chern Nee (Miss)

This article was first published on May 28, 2014.
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