Singapore's e-passport gates now opens to Australians

[JessicaTam]

I enrolled in the eIACS today, and the process has changed a little from previously reported.

It still took about 15 minutes. Make sure you have plenty of time as they will check your boarding pass, and if you don’t have time they will not serve you. There was no need to supply a photo they take a pic themselves. I put down Australian as race, and was not questioned.

The expiry is now 5 years, up from 2.

 

[DavidFlynn]

I enrolled in the eIACS today, and the process has changed a little from previously reported.

It still took about 15 minutes. Make sure you have plenty of time as they will check your boarding pass, and if you don’t have time they will not serve you. There was no need to supply a photo they take a pic themselves. I put down Australian as race, and was not questioned.

The expiry is now 5 years, up from 2.

Did you do this at the airport or in town? I
did it in town and it was super fast and very easy, no need to bring my own photo as they took it on the spot.

 

[JessicaTam]

Did you do this at the airport or in town? I
did it in town and it was super fast and very easy, no need to bring my own photo as they took it on the spot.

I did it at the airport. I got there just after they opened at 0800.

 

[daft009]

whats the process if you get your eIACS and then in ~1yr your passport expires?

 

[straitman]

whats the process if you get your eIACS and then in ~1yr your passport expires?

I believe it is only valid in the current passport.

Either way though I'm interested to know as I'm in the same situation.

 

[daft009]

I've filled in the form and now realised I'm only there on a Sunday and the following Sunday and they aren't open lol

 

[JessicaTam]

whats the process if you get your eIACS and then in ~1yr your passport expires?

It will have an expiry of up to 5 years, but a maximum of six months before your current passport expires.

So if your passport expires in 2 years, you will get 1 yr 6 months.

 

[jch]

As per the requirements "You have visited Singapore at least two times in the previous 24 months".

Does this mean you could apply during your second stay (or entry) or need to have two completed entries/exists first then apply on your third entry?

 

[OZDUCK]

As per the requirements "You have visited Singapore at least two times in the previous 24 months".

Does this mean you could apply during your second stay (or entry) or need to have two completed entries/exists first then apply on your third entry?

I have just joined up - but I had three visits anyway. However, this article in the Australian Business Traveller indicates that both an entry and departure is required to make it a 'visit'. Singapore's Frequent Traveller Program eases sign-up rules

Contact Singapore ICA perhaps?

 

[jch]

I have just joined up - but I had three visits anyway. However, this article in the Australian Business Traveller indicates that both an entry and departure is required to make it a 'visit'. Singapore's Frequent Traveller Program eases sign-up rules

Contact Singapore ICA perhaps?

Thanks it's worth asking the question and I can show them I have future travel booked to SIN which might get me over the line.

The hardest part is arriving/departing during office hours as usually overnights or weekends.

I'll try during my second visit in April I get in Saturday morning so apparently they open are open until 1pm.

Trouble is on my third visit in November I arrive in SIN at 5.30pm Friday and want to quickly duck into the city for dinner/drinks before a midnight flight to PEK (which this what this card would be perfect for). If not I arrive 3pm on the way back, so can do it then, not the end of the world.

Cheers!

 

[jch]

I have just joined up - but I had three visits anyway. However, this article in the Australian Business Traveller indicates that both an entry and departure is required to make it a 'visit'. Singapore's Frequent Traveller Program eases sign-up rules

Contact Singapore ICA perhaps?

It appears the eIACS Enrolment Centres is airside at Singapore airport:
Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Immigration Hall, Level 2 (please click here for the map) (For passengers in the transit area only)

So I guess it's possible to register after your second exit (before boarding) but before you fly back in for your third entry?

 

[oz_mark]

It appears the eIACS Enrolment Centres is airside at Singapore airport:
Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Immigration Hall, Level 2 (please click here for the map) (For passengers in the transit area only)

So I guess it's possible to register after your second exit (before boarding) but before you fly back in for your third entry?

I did!

And it is so much quicker using the eGates.

 

[jch]

I did!

And it is so much quicker using the eGates.

Thanks! I found an entry in my passport from Oct '17 so instead of my second exit I can do it now do it on my third entry.

Unfortunately, I'm arriving into T2 so I guess will need to head to T3, then back around to T2 to clear customs where my luggage will come out.

 

[jb747]

It won't work for a couple of days after registration, so having gone to the desk for 15 minutes to get it done, you'll then need to join the normal immigration queue. It's only marginally worth it, unless you regularly travel to Singapore.

 

[jch]

It won't work for a couple of days after registration, so having gone to the desk for 15 minutes to get it done, you'll then need to join the normal immigration queue. It's only marginally worth it, unless you regularly travel to Singapore.

No worries, not in a rush on that trip, but will be on the next one. Cheers.

 

[pauly7]

I’m in Singapore 3/4 times a year but never waited to get through immigration.... this is leaning towards the ‘can’t be bothered basket’!

 

[ermen]

i find myself benefitting from this a lot.
no need to fill in the pesky arrival forms + get an entry and exit stamp which fills up your passport quickly.

 

[OZDUCK]

I’m in Singapore 3/4 times a year but never waited to get through immigration.... this is leaning towards the ‘can’t be bothered basket’!

I have had a couple of 30+ minute waits in the Immigration line in the last few years. Usually arriving just after a flight with lots of 'guest workers' with numerous pieces of paper to be scrutinised and stamped. After our QF flight this month we were in the line for at least 15 minutes. So I was happy to get the stamp - and as ermen said no form to fill in.

Of course the first time we used it, on our return from Brunei, there was not a person at the gates. I have also discovered that my right thumbprint has trouble being read and I must use my left thumb.

 

[henrus]

Does anyone have any idea what count's as the two visits?

I've just recently got a new passport but have visited several times in the past 24 months on the old one. Can I show the old one and still be approved or will I need to get two new entry/exits in the new passport first?