Biometric verification for travellers departing Changi to be rolled out this year

Travellers flying out of Changi Airport will no longer have to present their passports or boarding passes when clearing immigration, after an initiative to use biometrics for verification is rolled out later this year. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean on Tuesday said: "We are working on an initiative where departing passengers at Changi need only present their biometrics for verification at the various departure touchpoints, without having to present any physical identity or travel documents." This will not only enhance user experience but also contribute to the new precautions needed for safe and healthy flying post-pandemic, he said during a closed-door dialogue at the Changi Aviation Summit. The Straits Times understands that the initiative will be rolled out progressively this year. A transcript of Teo's speech was published on the Prime Minister's Office's website on Wednesday. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) had previously said that in future, Singapore residents leaving or arriving at Changi will be able to clear immigration without needing to present their passports.<br/>