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Arriving in Singapore: Immigration and the Automated Lanes

Foreign visitors aged 6 and above can use the automated lanes at Singapore's passenger halls, first-time visitors included, without enrolling in advance. On arrival you scan your passport and your face, iris and fingerprints. When you leave through Changi Airport, you can clear immigration without showing your passport.

Verified: October 28, 2026

SG Arrival Card assistance

Get the SG Arrival Card done before you fly

Before you land

  • Submit the SG Arrival Card on one of three days: two days before arrival, one day before arrival, or on the arrival day
  • Keep your passport at hand. ICA requires an ICAO-compliant passport valid for at least six months for the automated lanes.
  • Have your visa ready, if you need one
  • Bring a valid yellow fever certificate if you were in a risk country in the six days before arrival
  • Make a customs declaration in advance if your goods exceed the allowances

Who must submit the SG Arrival Card is explained in who needs the SG Arrival Card, and passports and visas in Singapore entry requirements.

Automated lanes for foreign visitors

Who

All foreign visitors arriving at the passenger halls, regardless of nationality, aged 6 and above. ICA says no prior enrolment is needed.

Cost

Free

Passport

ICAO-compliant, valid for at least six months

Biometrics

Iris, face and fingerprints on your first visit; iris and face on later visits with the same passport

Help

Changi Airport also has special assistance lanes

Under ICA's Multi-Modal Biometrics System, first-time foreign visitors enrol and clear immigration with iris, face and fingerprints at the automated lanes. When they leave, they can clear with iris and face. On later trips with the same passport, they can clear with iris and face on arrival too. Travellers who cannot be cleared by iris and face use their fingerprints.

At the lane

  1. Get ready in the queue

    Take off sunglasses, caps, face masks and other headgear that covers your face or eyes. ICA advises against coloured or patterned contact lenses.

  2. Scan your passport

    Foreign visitors present their passport on arrival, at the lane or to the officer.

  3. Look at the camera and give your fingerprints if asked

    ICA notes that scanners cannot read faint, scarred, very wet or very dry fingerprints accurately.

  4. Collect your bags and choose a customs channel

    Green Channel if you have nothing to declare, Red Channel if you have goods to declare or are unsure.

Your e-Pass after immigration

ICA officers decide whether to grant you a visit pass. Foreign visitors receive it as an electronic visit pass (e-Pass) by email, at the address in their SG Arrival Card, after clearing arrival immigration. It shows your Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) number, the number of days granted and the last day you may stay. There is no stamp in your passport. If the email does not arrive, use ICA's e-Pass Enquiry Portal with your DE number or passport details.

Leaving Singapore: passport-less clearance

Since 30 September 2024 passport-less clearance has been in place at all four terminals of Changi Airport. Foreign visitors can use it when they depart: they clear immigration with face and iris, without showing a passport. On arrival they still present their passport. ICA reminds travellers to bring their passport anyway, because their destination may require it and ICA may ask to see it.

By land: Woodlands and Tuas

Travellers arriving or leaving by car, motorcycle, lorry or bus at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints can use a QR code from the MyICA app instead of their passport. The exceptions are first-time foreign visitors and travellers using a different passport from their last visit: they present their passport, and can use the QR code on later trips. You still submit the SG Arrival Card before arriving by land.

Customs: Green or Red Channel

After immigration, use the Green Channel if you have no dutiable, controlled or prohibited goods. Declare such goods at the Red Channel. ICA officers may check your bags in either channel; you open and repack them yourself. If in doubt, go to the Red Channel. Allowances and banned items are in Singapore customs rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can first-time visitors use the automated lanes in Singapore?

Yes. ICA says all foreign visitors arriving at the passenger halls, regardless of nationality, can use the automated lanes without prior enrolment. On a first visit you give your iris, face and fingerprints at the lane.

Can children use the automated lanes?

The automated lanes are for travellers aged 6 and above. Changi Airport also has special assistance lanes. If your group includes a younger child, ask an ICA officer which lane to use.

Do I need my passport to leave Singapore through Changi?

Foreign visitors can clear departure immigration at Changi without presenting their passport, using face and iris. ICA still asks travellers to carry their passport, because the destination may require it and ICA may ask to verify it.

Will my passport be stamped in Singapore?

No. Since 11 March 2022 foreign visitors receive an e-Pass by email after clearing immigration, instead of a stamp.

Do I still need the SG Arrival Card if I use the automated lanes?

Yes. Every foreign visitor who clears immigration submits the SG Arrival Card before arrival, whichever lane they use.

Sources checked

Get the SG Arrival Card done before you fly

SingaporeDigitalCard is an independent paid service, not ICA. We review each traveller's details and file inside ICA's window, and you download ICA's acknowledgement from your order. The card is free if you submit it yourself with ICA.

Related guides

Singapore entry requirements

Singapore customs rules

Singapore transit guide