From 2024, passengers departing from Changi Airport in Singapore will be able to board planes without using their passport, which will be replaced by the use of biometric data instead.
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“Singapore will be one of the first countries in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration procedures,” Communications Minister Josephine Teo said during a parliamentary session on Monday, according to CNN.
Biometric technology and facial recognition software are already being used in some airport corridors where immigration checkpoints are located.
However, the upcoming changes will “reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at contact points and enable a smoother and more convenient process,” the minister said.
This means that biometric data is used from baggage drop-off to boarding, even making it unnecessary to have a boarding pass.
However, don’t forget your passport entirely as it will always come in handy at the arrival airport, reminded Ms Teo.
Considered one of the best airports in the world, Singapore is home to more than 100 airlines flying to 400 cities. Last June, 5.12 million passengers passed through there.
“Our immigration systems must be able to effectively manage this high and growing volume of travel, providing a positive customs clearance experience while ensuring our security,” the minister said.
Soon at all airports?
Singapore airport isn’t the first to offer biometric identification measures, which could soon be the future of travelers.
Dubai Airport had already introduced biometric tunnels with facial recognition in 2018 to identify passengers in five seconds. Instead of taking your passport, you can also choose to use fingerprints.
Facial recognition technology is already partially installed in airports such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow.