Renew your passport early

The December holidays are approaching, and that means traveling abroad.

It is a good idea to get your passport renewed early so that it will be valid by the time the holidays roll around, as most countries require passports to have at least six months of validity before their expiry date as a requirement for entry.

Fortunately, renewing your passport need not be a tedious and lengthy process. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has many ways for you to renew your passport so it will be ready by the time you leave Singapore.

For starters, one can apply at the ICA website at http://www.ica.gov.sg/. A scanned photo of the applicant is required.

You can also mail the complete application form from the website to the following address:

Passports Unit

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

ICA Building

10 Kallang Road,

#08-00 Singapore 208718

At the ICA building itself, there are also another three methods of renewing your passport.

You can drop your completed application form in a deposit box at Level 1, 2 and 3, complete and submit your application electronically at the eLobby@ICA kiosk on the ground level, or just submit your application at Level 3.

All colour passport photos submitted must be taken within the last three months, and taken against a white background with a matte or semi-matte finish.

Singapore citizens who submit an application online, by post, via desposit box or through the eLobby are entitled to a discount, and only have to pay $70 instead of the usual $80.

After successfully applying, you will be notified by post.

Singapore citizens may collect their passport from the ICA building. Before collecting your passport, be sure to book an appointment online so your collection will be swift. Avoid peak periods like Mondays, Fridays, weekends, and before and after holidays.

One may also utilise the self-service booth, iCollect, located at the eLobby@ICA.

Passports can also be collected from designated SingPost offices.

qseiw@sph.com.sg