Travellers using QR code clearance at the automated lanes of the bus hall at Woodlands Checkpoint on March 27. - ST
SINGAPORE: More than 50.3 million travellers have used QR code clearance to clear immigration without passports at Singapore’s land checkpoints since the system was rolled out in 2024.
This figure was for the period between March 19, 2024, when the system was launched, and March 19, 2025, at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
During this time, more than 30 million travellers used QR code clearance at the car zones, representing about 70 per cent of all car travellers.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) gave this update on ThursdayMarch 27 when it announced that since January 2025, QR code clearance has been fully implemented at both checkpoints.
ICA said it was able to clear 2,000 more travellers per hour during the March holidays in 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
This was about 10 per cent more, as more people used QR code clearance.
To use it, travellers must download the MyICA mobile application and fill in their passport details.
This can be done by using Singpass or by scanning the machine-readable zone – the two or three rows of characters at the bottom of the passport’s biodata page – using a camera.
All travellers, including foreigners, can use QR code clearance unless they are first-time visitors to Singapore or are re-entering the country using a different passport from the one on their last visit.
Large groups of up to 10 travellers can clear immigration with a single QR code at car zones.
Bus travellers can also use QR codes to enter and exit both land checkpoints.
Family groups of up to four people and travellers with wheelchairs can use QR code clearance at the automated lanes and special assistance lanes.
Despite the use of QR codes, travellers are advised to continue to take along their passports when going overseas. They should update their MyICA profile after renewing their passports and generate a new QR code, said ICA.
The authority also advised travellers to check their QR codes and generate a new QR code if it is expiring.
Travellers using QR code clearance at the automated lanes of the bus hall at Woodlands Checkpoint on March 27, 2025.
ICA’s land domain commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Chua Sze How, told the media: “With the introduction of QR code, immigration clearance is now 30 per cent faster. During this one-year period, adoption rates have been increasing and public feedback has been positive.
“We encourage more travellers to use QR code clearance for a faster and more seamless experience when crossing Singapore’s land checkpoints.”
Kavitha Samipillay, 37, a senior staff nurse, told The Straits Times that she uses the QR code clearance for her daily commute to Singapore from Johor Baru.
Said the Singapore permanent resident: “It’s a very good initiative that allows for fast clearance and minimises the queue. I save two hours on my daily transit.
“Even if there is a long queue, QR code clearance is very fast, although buses still take some time.”
A Singaporean who wanted to be known only as C.K. Ong, 37, told ST that he goes to Malaysia two to three times a week using QR code clearance.
Ong, who is self-employed, said QR code clearance helps save time.
“It is definitely an added convenience. If more people use QR codes, the speed of clearance is faster and this reduces jams,” he added. - The Straits Times/ANN
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