Planning a road trip to Singapore? Great news! Forget the hassle of shuffling passports at immigration. Here's how to use QR codes for a quicker and smoother arrival at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints:

How it works

Source: straitstimes

Step 1: Download the MyICA Mobile App

This free app is your key to using QR codes for immigration clearance. Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) before you hit the road.

Step 2: Populate Your Passport Details

Once you have the app, you'll need to enter your passport information. Here's how it works:

• For Singapore residents with Singpass: You're in luck! The MyICA app can automatically grab your passport details from your Singpass account – quick and easy!
• For everyone else: No problem, there are two ways to add your info:
  • Manual Entry: Simply type in your details from your physical passport (name, passport number, expiry date, etc.).
  • Scan the MRZ Code: Look for the special code at the bottom of your passport biodata page (those are the two or three lines with lots of letters and numbers). Use the MyICA app's camera to scan this code, and it will automatically fill in your details for you.

Step 3: Generate Your QR Code

With your passport details in the app, you can now create your QR code. Here's the best part:

• Travel Solo? Generate an individual QR code for yourself.
• Traveling with Family or Friends? You can create a group QR code for everyone in your car (up to 10 people). Simply store everyone's passport details in one person's MyICA app and generate a single code for the whole group.

For even greater convenience, you can create multiple group codes with nicknames like "Family" or "Friends".

Step 4: Arriving at the Checkpoint

Once you reach Woodlands or Tuas checkpoint, simply head to the designated lane for QR code immigration clearance.

Step 5: Scan and Go!

• Locate the counter and scan your QR code (individual or group) at the designated reader.
• An immigration officer will perform a quick face verification to confirm your identity matches the information in the QR code.

Important Reminders

• Currently, QR code immigration is only available for car travelers at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
• First-time visitors and those using a different passport from their last visit will still need to present their physical passport.
• QR codes expire after one year or your passport's expiry date (whichever comes first).

Benefits of Using QR Codes

• Faster Clearance: Overall waiting times at checkpoints can be reduced by more than 30% if most car travelers use QR codes.
• Reduced Waiting Times: ICA estimates a time saving of around 20 seconds for a car with 4 travelers and up to a minute for a car with 10 travelers. 
• Convenience: Skip the hassle of searching for passports and enjoy a smoother arrival experience.

Looking Ahead

• Dedicated lanes for automated in-car clearance using QR codes are planned for Tuas Checkpoint by 2026 and the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint by 2028.
• ICA also plans to extend QR code clearance to other areas at the land checkpoints in the future. Stay tuned for further announcements!

Travel smarter, not harder! Download the MyICA app for speedy QR code immigration and consider WAHDAH for a smooth travel experience. With a hassle-free rental process and a wide range of vehicles, WAHDAH gets you on the road exploring Singapore's charm in no time.