Longer immigration checkpoint clearance expected with new thumbprint scanning for car travellers

Heads up if you are amongst those who regularly drive across the border to visit Malaysia - you might soon experience a longer wait time at checkpoints.

Soon, all car travellers aged six and above will need to step out of their vehicles to scan both thumbprints as they go through immigration clearance at car counters.

This will be implemented via the new BioScreen system for everyone who arrive and depart through both the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a press statement on Monday (Sept 25).

The system was launched in April 2016 and is used to capture thumbprints of visitors at Singapore's checkpoints.

It has since been rolled out to various clearance zones at land checkpoints such as for train and bus travellers as well as lorries and goods vehicles, ICA said.

ICA said it will implement BioScreen at car counters progressively to allow travellers time to familiarise themselves with the new procedure.

"The BioScreen system is an important measure in this regard, as it enables ICA's verification of travellers' identities to be more robust," ICA added.

While travellers can expect to experience slightly longer immigration clearance time, ICA said it will be monitoring the expansion of the BioScreen system trial and adjust their processes accordingly.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg