The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has recently introduced the use of an electronic arrival card for foreign travellers to Singapore last October 4 (Thursday). The new initiative is set to run on a three-month trial period and is available at a number of land, air, and sea checkpoints island-wide.
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The introduction of the new electronic travel cards aims to eventually replace the current paper-based disembarkation/embarkation document, which isrequired of travellers upon arrival to Singapore.
Singapore Rolls Out Electronic Arrival Cards for Foreign Travellers
With the new electronic system launched on its trial phase, foreign nationals who intend to visit Singapore can submit their personal information and travel details via the ICA website or through a mobile app prior to travelling to Singapore. After successfully doing so, visitors will have to provide their passport and other relevant documents for immigration clearance upon arrival.
The trial use of the electronic arrival cards will be implemented in the following checkpoints:
- Changi Airport
- Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints
- Ferry/cruise terminals:
- Singapore Cruise Centre
- Changi Point Ferry terminal
- Changi Ferry terminal
- Tanah Merah Ferry terminal
According to the Singapore government website, the electronic arrival cards will offer several new features to make it easier and more convenient for travellers to provide all necessary information or their travel:
- The electronic arrival cards will be available in various languages.
- Also, visitors travelling with their families or in (small) groups also have the option of making a one-time group submission, which will automatically replicate the trip information (i.e. flight details, arrival and departure dates, and local addresses) for everyone included in the group.
- Registration via the mobile app will allow users to save the information (i.e. family) they’ve submitted for a particular trip for future use or trips back to Singapore.
With the implementation of electronic arrival cards, authorities and travellers can expect enhanced operational efficiency, and save up to 48 million paper-based travel cards annually.
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