---
title: "Travellers clear Singapore Airport immigration in just 10 seconds using new tech"
description: "Facial recognition and iris biometrics are allowing Singapore Changi Airport to process passengers through immigration in as little as 10 seconds as it fully embraces futuristic technology."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Business Maverick"
author: "Bloomberg"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/bloomberg/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-25-travellers-clear-singapore-airport-immigration-in-just-10-seconds-using-new-tech/"
published: "2024-10-25T05:31:25"
updated: "2024-10-25T05:31:26"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 160
---

# Travellers clear Singapore Airport immigration in just 10 seconds using new tech

> Facial recognition and iris biometrics are allowing Singapore Changi Airport to process passengers through immigration in as little as 10 seconds as it fully embraces futuristic technology.

By Bloomberg · Published 25 October 2024, 07:31 SAST · Updated 25 October 2024, 07:31 SAST

## Key points
- In a dazzling display of technological wizardry, Singapore's Changi Airport has slashed immigration wait times by 60% with its new passport-less clearance system, proving that in the race between humans and machines, the machines are winning—at least when it comes to getting you through the airport faster.
- Facial scanning at Changi Airport has reduced immigration wait times by 60%, now averaging just 10 seconds.
- The airport offers passport-less clearance across all four terminals, enhancing the travel experience.
- Singapore residents can use facial and iris biometrics for seamless arrivals and departures, while foreign visitors must show documentation upon arrival.
- Nearly 1.5 million travellers have utilized the new system since its rollout, contributing to Changi's recovery towards pre-pandemic passenger volumes.

## Content

Since facial scanning was fully rolled out on 30 September, the average time it takes travellers to get through immigration has been cut by 60%, down from the previous 25 seconds, the city-state’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority said in a [statement](https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/newsroom/media-release/passport-less-clearance-fully-rolled-out-at-changi-airport) on its website on Thursday.

Changi Airport, frequently rated among the best in the world, now has passport-less clearance at all four of its passenger terminals.

Singapore’s city dwellers — including permanent residents and long-term pass holders — can depart and arrive at the airport using facial and iris biometrics without needing to show their passports. Foreign visitors will still need to present documentation on arrival but are then able to use passport-less clearance when they leave.

Almost 1.5 million travellers had cleared immigration without presenting a passport as of 15 October, according to the ICA. Around 49.9 million passengers have passed through Changi [in the year](https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/our-expertise/air-hub/traffic-statistics.html) to September, putting it on track to return to around pre-pandemic volumes.