SINGAPORE \u2013 It will take about 20 seconds to clear the motorcycle immigration arrival lane at Woodlands Checkpoint under the new facial recognition system<\/span><\/a> from March 31, when riders and pillion riders will no longer need to show their passports.<\/p>\n They will be able to access 18 of the checkpoint\u2019s automated motorcycle lanes for quicker and hassle-free clearance.<\/p>\n Currently, it takes about 30 seconds for motorcyclists to clear immigration. <\/p>\n Under the new system, motorcyclists with open-face helmets would only need to look into a camera at the immigration counter before being cleared. <\/p>\n Facial images will progressively replace fingerprints as the primary biometric identifier for motorcyclists and pillion riders clearing land checkpoints.<\/p>\n From March 31, facial images will progressively replace fingerprints as the primary biometric identifier for motorcycle travellers at land checkpoints.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said this is part of its New Clearance Concept <\/span><\/a>(NCC)<\/span><\/a> for a contactless, secure and faster immigration clearance experience.<\/p>\n Superintendent Eliane Chee, senior assistant director of operations development branch at ICA, said facial scans are \u201cespecially useful on rainy days, as wet fingerprints are harder to detect\u201d. <\/p>\n \u201cMore than 150,000 motorcyclists have participated in our trials since January this year, and their feedback has allowed us to deliver a better clearance experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Since January, ICA has been conducting facial recognition trials for immigration clearance at some motorcycle lanes at Woodlands Checkpoint\u2019s arrival zone.<\/p>\n Based on feedback from users and on-the-ground observations, ICA has strengthened the system\u2019s ability to detect when facial features are obstructed, such as when a person is wearing a face mask or sunglasses.<\/p>\n In such cases, on-screen prompts will alert the user to remove the obstructions to enable facial scanning.<\/p>\n The same applies to motorcyclists and pillion riders wearing full-face helmets. <\/p>\n They must remove their helmets for the camera to get a clearer facial scan.<\/p>\n A close-up of the facial recognition clearance for motorcyclists and pillion riders at Woodlands Checkpoint on March 26.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ICA will eventually extend the new system to all 70 automated arrival and departure motorcycle lanes at Woodlands Checkpoint.<\/p>\n The system will also be rolled out at Tuas Checkpoint in the third quarter of 2026.<\/p>\n A motorcyclist would have to scan his passport or QR code generated via the MyICA mobile app.<\/p>\n The entry barrier is then raised to allow the motorcyclist to enter the lane and proceed to facial recognition.<\/p>\n A motorcyclist wearing an open-face helmet must look into the camera to have his facial image captured. Once his identity is verified, the exit barrier will be raised, allowing him to clear immigration. <\/p>\n Travellers must carry their passports as ICA may still require them for verification.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>
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