If you regularly travel between Singapore and JB, this upcoming immigration upgrade might make future border crossings a lot less frustrating.
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is preparing to trial a new Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS) at Tuas Checkpoint, allowing travellers to clear immigration without handing passports directly to officers.
Instead, drivers and passengers will be able to complete the process from inside their vehicles using QR codes, passports, and facial biometric verification.
The system will be tested over the next few months before being progressively introduced at Tuas Checkpoint from early 2027. ICA says it will later expand to the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint too.
What is the Automated Passenger Clearance System?
The APCS is ICA’s latest move towards fully automated immigration clearance at Singapore’s land checkpoints. The system is designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow by replacing some manual checks with self-service technology and biometric verification.
According to ICA, automation also allows officers to focus on higher-priority security tasks like investigations and profiling instead of routine clearance duties.
How does the system work?
Before travelling, users will first need to generate either an individual or group QR code through the MyICA app. At the checkpoint, vehicles entering APCS lanes will stop at a setup fitted with multiple kiosks around the car.
Travellers can then:
- Scan their QR code
- Use their passport for clearance
Cameras attached to the kiosks will carry out facial biometric verification for passengers inside the vehicle. For passengers seated further away from the kiosks, ICA says biometric-enabled tablets will also be available to help complete verification.
Once identities are confirmed, travellers can continue through immigration without the usual manual face-to-face checks.
Will officers still be around?
Yes. Even though the process is automated, officers will still monitor multiple lanes remotely through live camera systems.
Each APCS lane will also have an intercom feature so travellers can contact officers directly if they run into issues during clearance.
Why is ICA introducing this?
ICA says the move comes as Singapore continues dealing with growing traveller numbers and manpower constraints at checkpoints. By automating clearance, the agency expects to improve efficiency, increase lane capacity, and reduce reliance on officer-manned counters.
The system also includes biometric verification and anti-forgery technology to strengthen border security.
The upgrade builds on Singapore’s QR code clearance system
Frequent JB travellers may already be familiar with the QR code immigration system introduced in March 2024. That system allowed travellers to scan QR codes generated through the MyICA app instead of repeatedly handing passports to officers.
The APCS setup essentially takes things one step further by automating almost the entire clearance process.
When will it launch?
The system is still undergoing trials for now, with ICA collecting user feedback before the official rollout begins. APCS is expected to be progressively introduced at Tuas Checkpoint from early 2027 onwards, before eventually expanding to the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint.
By 2027, crossing from Singapore into JB could become much faster and smoother than it is today with the new automated immigration system.
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