Singapore's e-passport gates now opens to Australians

[dairyfloss]

There is a comment on the AusBT site from someone who applied at the city office: How to get fast-track passport clearance at Singapore's Changi Airport - Australian Business Traveller

"I went downtown today (the Kallang Rd office) to register. A word to the wise to speed things up:have the application form already completedhave a passport photo and photo copy of your passport photo/ info page.It took just on two hours and your passport is stamped (no additional cards) and fingerprints taken for access through the gates.Take a book or go for a walk for a coffee.Very easy really and when the queues are large, even whilst holding an APEC card, this will make life easier."

Thanks, defurax... it took them 2 hours?! I might have to find the one at Changi if that's the norm! My form is already pre-filled with the photo attached. It's all about where to go now.

EDIT: Actually - there's another example at the downtown office in the article comments that was a wait of more like 15 mins... I might just take my chances there. Probably more convenient than moving between terminals etc., especially after arrival from an overnight flight, as I'll be the victim of!

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Danger]

. . . Is this likely to not go down well with Singapore Immigration when I present it as part of my four entries and therefore prevent me from getting the e-passport endorsement?

It's only three entries and exits required, so no need for the extra one!

Good to know. I was sure I'd read that you could only apply from your fourth entry but this will make it a little easier. I assume Singaporean efficiency will mean it should only take a few minutes to get done.

Here's where I read it:

Sin - 3 times last 12 months, apparently is an entry AND exit (so basically 4th arrival.

I'll enquire when I pass through on my first visit exactly what the entry/exit requirements are.

 

[defurax]

Well, I feel a bit silly..I was about to apply on my next trip to SIN, but just realised that all me recent trips to SIN were on my EU passport, not the Aussie one. So no e-gates for me. I guess there are some drawbacks to having too many passports...

 

[dairyfloss]

Thanks, defurax... it took them 2 hours?! I might have to find the one at Changi if that's the norm! My form is already pre-filled with the photo attached. It's all about where to go now.

EDIT: Actually - there's another example at the downtown office in the article comments that was a wait of more like 15 mins... I might just take my chances there. Probably more convenient than moving between terminals etc., especially after arrival from an overnight flight, as I'll be the victim of!

Cheers,
Matt.

Hi All - I am now the proud holder of an eIACS-enrolled passport, with validity for 5 years. It was a bit of a clusterfudge for me to get it sorted, after missing my chance at Changi T3 on arrival, and then having to wait at the ICA Building on Kallang Rd (Lavender MRT) for some time. Here's the sequence of events, for those who are looking at getting this done.

I started at the ICA Building (Lavender MRT) with trying to pull a ticket from an automated machine on Level 4, choosing 'Miscellaneous / Other Visa' as the option... but after waiting about 30 mins I checked with someone on this being appropriate, at which point I was told "No - you must wait in that queue over there, to get a ticket for the correct queue to wait in". Of course I do. Said queue was significant, but it probably took no more than 20 mins to get to the counter for the correct ticket & queue. Once I had that ticket, the wait was about another 10 minutes, and then the confirmation of eligibility and the data entry stuff was carried out by the friendly ICA agent. That process was about another 15-20 mins, after which my thumb-prints were given, I had my passport stamped, and was sent on my way.

So - my advice - if you're planning to do this... try first at Changi T3, on arrival (if they are open - which is 8AM to 5PM Mon-Fri). It is in the transit area, and so in theory you should be able to get there from whatever terminal via the Skytrain, go through the process to enroll, and then head back to your arriving terminal to clear immigration though eIACS (or just leave from T3 if you are HLO). I don't know how long the queues are at Changi, but the process time is probably the same as in town, so allow 30-45 mins.

If you plan to do this at the ICA Building, then plan to get there earlier in the day (I was told it gets worse throughout the day), and then allow about an hour from arrival to get things sorted.

Given that it takes time & effort to do this, then it's probably also worth considering how valuable this automated clearance really is to you... for me, it was a no-brainer, even if it took many more hours to sort out, as it removes the need for any hold-up at both inbound and outbound immigration, PLUS no more immigration card completion! Over five years, I'd probably enter Singapore more than 30 times, and so it should save me a fair amount on the coughulative. If you only just make the cut for eligibility (3 complete visits in 1 year - i.e. arrival & departure stamps x 3) - and even moreso, if you have and will remain eligible for an APEC Business Travel Card (which greatly assists for inbound immigration clearance), then it's borderline as to whether you would get much benefit.

Happy to answer any other questions.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Danger]

I'm keen to get this e-passport thingy attached to my passport. I've got a trip to Singapore in the next few weeks and will pass back through a couple of days later which will make two entries and exits.

I was thinking of taking the bus to Johor Bahru in between and getting two more. However, the stamps would be for the same day (ie. exit Singapore to Malaysia; enter Singapore from Malaysia times two).

Is this likely to not go down well with Singapore Immigration when I present it as part of my four entries and therefore prevent me from getting the e-passport endorsement?

Well things didn't exactly go to plan when I did this today.

I took the bus from Newton Circus in Singapore to the Woodlands Checkpoint for SGD3.40 and a journey of about 25 minutes. Exiting Singapore was no problem; Immigration took just a few minutes. Once on the other side I had naively assumed that I was actually in Malaysia, it having been about four years since I did this crossing. So instead of jumping on the bus for the short journey across to the Malaysian checkpoint, I simply crossed back onto the opposite side of the facility and lined up to re-enter Singapore.

The Immigration officer was perplexed. He could not find Malaysia entry and exit stamps for that day. It was then I realised I'd missed a crucial step. I explained what I was doing, said I wanted the e-passport, it required three entries and exits and I had some spare time today. He reluctantly stamped my passport and I was back in Singapore. Easy, I though. I'll just do this one more time. Famous last words, perhaps.

On my second re-entry into Singapore after again not having gone across to the Malaysian checkpoint the Immigration officer wasn't quite so helpful. Although very polite and understanding of what I was trying to do he didn't think it was appropriate that I had not actually entered Malaysia. So he phoned upstairs for some advice. Fifteen minutes later I've been escorted upstairs to the Immigration. I'm spoken to, ever so politely, by a five foot nothing female inspector. I told her what I was doing and her and a male colleague couldn't understand it. They had no knowledge of their own e-passport system which I was very surprised out. I was asked to take a seat before being called back about 15 minutes, at which point it had become clear that the inspector had jumped on Google and was now almost a full bottle on the process. Again, all very polite, she said I really need to enter Malaysia. Fine, I said. Another 15 minutes pass and I'm escorted back to the Malaysia side of the checkpoint and which point I take a bus across to their checkpoint, enter, exit and return to Singapore.

It took a hell of a lot longer than it should but, with leaving Singapore this afternoon I now have my three entries and exits. It will be interesting to see if this all passes as acceptable when I apply for the e-passport when I transit back through Singapore later this week.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Well things didn't exactly go to plan when I did this today.

I took the bus from Newton Circus in Singapore to the Woodlands Checkpoint for SGD3.40 and a journey of about 25 minutes. Exiting Singapore was no problem; Immigration took just a few minutes. Once on the other side I had naively assumed that I was actually in Malaysia, it having been about four years since I did this crossing. So instead of jumping on the bus for the short journey across to the Malaysian checkpoint, I simply crossed back onto the opposite side of the facility and lined up to re-enter Singapore.

The Immigration officer was perplexed. He could not find Malaysia entry and exit stamps for that day. It was then I realised I'd missed a crucial step. I explained what I was doing, said I wanted the e-passport, it required three entries and exits and I had some spare time today. He reluctantly stamped my passport and I was back in Singapore. Easy, I though. I'll just do this one more time. Famous last words, perhaps.

On my second re-entry into Singapore after again not having gone across to the Malaysian checkpoint the Immigration officer wasn't quite so helpful. Although very polite and understanding of what I was trying to do he didn't think it was appropriate that I had not actually entered Malaysia. So he phoned upstairs for some advice. Fifteen minutes later I've been escorted upstairs to the Immigration. I'm spoken to, ever so politely, by a five foot nothing female inspector. I told her what I was doing and her and a male colleague couldn't understand it. They had no knowledge of their own e-passport system which I was very surprised out. I was asked to take a seat before being called back about 15 minutes, at which point it had become clear that the inspector had jumped on Google and was now almost a full bottle on the process. Again, all very polite, she said I really need to enter Malaysia. Fine, I said. Another 15 minutes pass and I'm escorted back to the Malaysia side of the checkpoint and which point I take a bus across to their checkpoint, enter, exit and return to Singapore.

It took a hell of a lot longer than it should but, with leaving Singapore this afternoon I now have my three entries and exits. It will be interesting to see if this all passes as acceptable when I apply for the e-passport when I transit back through Singapore later this week.

I've never crossed a SIN land border so that's a fascinating story. So there's some middle ground that is actually after you've left SIN but before you enter Malaysia? That's amazing.

I can only imagine having to explain to someone why you wanted to do it. It's hard not to sound insane but we all understand

Please do let us know how you go with the actual registration. Can't see why there would be any issues, but after spending your day crossing borders you'd hope it'll all go to plan.

 

[Awesom Andy]

I've never crossed a SIN land border so that's a fascinating story. So there's some middle ground that is actually after you've left SIN but before you enter Malaysia? That's amazing.

I do this land border at least monthly, and it works somewhat like this:

Bus
1. Catch a bus to the customs building, exit bus, exit customs, then go back downstairs for the bus. You have exited Singapore, but have not entered Malaysia.
2. The said bus takes you across the causeway/bridge, to the Malaysian customs building.
3. Exit bus, enter Malaysian customs. For a quick exit or turnaround, the best way to go from here is to follow the sign to the train station and/or City Square (shopping mall). You won't need to catch the bus again.
4. Returning to Singapore is basically the reverse of the above.

Train
1. Check for the schedule online. Best if you buy a ticket before hand. Note that an account is needed to purchase tickets online.
2. Catch a bus or taxi to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint 30 mins prior to scheduled departure. Note that this is not linked to the MRT network.
3. With ticket in hand (printed from online or bought from the ticket office), go to the check-in area. You'll then exit the Singapore customs, followed by a short walkway that takes you to the Malaysia customs entry.
4. Hop on the train. The train may be running a few minutes late, but you'll arrive into Malaysia in about 5 minutes time.
5. Exit the train at the destination - it doesn't go anywhere else. Simply exit the station and you're in Malaysia.

That's a very simple summary, so drop me a PM if you would like more information, e.g. which bus/train to catch exactly, more detailed directions. You can also cross the border with a motorbike, car, or even on foot (not recommended).

 

[Danger]

Please do let us know how you go with the actual registration. Can't see why there would be any issues, but after spending your day crossing borders you'd hope it'll all go to plan.

Unfortunately due to Jetstar's incompetence I wasn't able to get to Terminal 3 to do the paperwork. My three or so hours going to and from Johor Bahru was a waste of time.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Just came through Changi for the first time since registering with the eGates. What a breeze.

Even if there's no queue at the manned desks, it still saves a tonne of time (and doesn't require any pages to be used in your passport).

Pretty happy with that.

Just a shame that my priority bag tag got ripped off in transit so I spent a good 30 minutes at baggage instead. Oh well – still better than pretty much every single airport on earth.

 

[Pleb Status]

Over the Easter long weekend, I applied for (and received) Smartgate access in both SIN and HKG.

In SIN, I applied at the T3 eIACS office (directly to the right of immigration when leaving the country). Total time spent was about 15 minutes (no queue). I did NOT need a photo and I only needed to fill out about 50% of the questions on the form (if you do it there and then). I had no qualification issues as I had about 8-10 entries in the last twelve months.

As I was applying on arrival from HKG and wanted to enter SIN straight after the application was complete, I was told that Smartgate access would take 24 hours and I would have to go through the manned gates and show them the new entry visa which they stamp in your passport. However, it would appear that the new visa number also takes some time to go through the system so I had a lot of issues getting into, and back out of, the country the same day as the application. I suggest if you apply on arrival, that you fill out the white form and enter as you would normally to avoid these visa issues within the first 24 hours.

In HKG, I applied at the little office just past immigration (right at one end of all of the desks). Total time spent was about 10-12 minutes and I had to wait for one person to finish in front of me. Easier to get than in SIN as I qualified on visits and as a QF WP. There are minimal forms to fill out and you generally just sign your life away. I was advised it would take 4-6 hours to get access, but as I had already entered the country, I did not have the same issues as in SIN noted above. Worked perfectly on the way out of the country and easily saved the 10-12 minutes it took to get the access on the way into HKG.

Just have to remember that it is the index finger in HKG and the thumb in SIN to get through the gates.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Just have to remember that it is the index finger in HKG and the thumb in SIN to get through the gates.

Index finger in HKG, thumb in SIN, face (photo) in Australia... anyone going for toes soon?

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Index finger in HKG, thumb in SIN, face (photo) in Australia... anyone going for toes soon?

I hear New Zealand...

 

[mushez]

I hear New Zealand...

Na, kiwis will require a tongue or Hongi

 

[Danger]

Does anyone know where the Singapore form can be downloaded, and the specific address for the downtown location?

 

[Pleb Status]

Does anyone know where the Singapore form can be downloaded, and the specific address for the downtown location?

It is far easier if you do it on the spot at SIN T3 if you are passing through during their operating hours....

https://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=407

 

[Danger]

It is far easier if you do it on the spot at SIN T3 if you are passing through during their operating hours....

https://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=407

Unfortunately I can't. I'm arriving with JQ at 5am and leaving on a Saturday.

 

[ermen]

Unfortunately I can't. I'm arriving with JQ at 5am and leaving on a Saturday.

This is their downtown address - beside Lavender MRT though I took a taxi from the airport.

ICA Building 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718

Can't remember which floor I went to before - but the queuing system was a little strange at that time.
I took a queue number which turned out to be the wrong type of queue number, but they still served me in the end. Process took about 30 minutes. You need 3 entry AND exit stamps within the last 12 months (I don't know if this is a YMMV thing...). This almost caught me out because I just renewed my passport and only had 3 entry and 2 exit stamps - but I gave them my old passport number which had more entries and exits and they could trace it within the system.

 

[Danger]

This is their downtown address - beside Lavender MRT though I took a taxi from the airport.

ICA Building 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718

Can't remember which floor I went to before - but the queuing system was a little strange at that time.
I took a queue number which turned out to be the wrong type of queue number, but they still served me in the end. Process took about 30 minutes. You need 3 entry AND exit stamps within the last 12 months (I don't know if this is a YMMV thing...). This almost caught me out because I just renewed my passport and only had 3 entry and 2 exit stamps - but I gave them my old passport number which had more entries and exits and they could trace it within the system.

Done
and dusted, thank you.

The relevant office is on level 4.

There was, however, a small hiccup. The front counter had a sign saying EICAS registrations were done by appointment only. Fortunately, two different staff were able to accommodate me. It took about 15 minutes in total. I was also required to provide my immediate past passport number (having also used that to enter Singapore).

 

[mel-world]

Thanks for all this information. I'll definitely doing the pass next time I arrive (before 5 and not on a weekend). Might have to go to Lavender MRT.

My last entry (yesterday) was the worst I have had in SIN for many a long day. Even worse than my recent arrivals at JFK and HKG (mind you, I arrived in HKG at 0600). It did not help that we must have arrived just behind a flight from Cambodia, Laos or similar as everyone in all queues were taking minutes to process and some were being sent to secondary interviews. The queues just got longer and longer (in T3). Then my agent decided he needed a break so the next person took at least 7 mins to login and start processing. In SIN, you are in individual queues and not in a long line. It took at least 25 mins to get through. Not Happy but, I do have to admit, it is not usual for Singapore.

Re HKG e-Channel - I just got a new passport so had to change it over. I arrived into HKG at 0600 as I said so went to the city location on 7/F of the Immigration Tower in Gloucester Rd Wan Chai and had it changed over in 5 mins without any issue (just take your expired passport with you), get a photo and both index fingers scanned and away you go for another 10 years. Notwithstanding I do not even go to HGK three times a year. The wait at the airport can be long if you arrive at the wrong time.

 

[Awesom Andy]

In SIN, each terminal has 2 passport control areas, leading to different ends of the baggage collection area. If one side is completely packed with crowds, you can try the other side. If you don't have checked in luggage, you can even go to a different terminal - they are all linked in airside (with the exception of the soon-to-open T4, which is linked by a shuttle bus).