Singapore Immigration to implement thumbprint scans at land checkpoints

PETALING JAYA: Occupants of cars travelling through the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints will be subjected to a thumbprint scan.
The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) posted the message on their Facebook that the security measure will be implemented at car counters at the two land checkpoints on the Causeway and Second Link.
"ICA will be progressively expanding the trial of the BioScreen system for car travellers arriving and departing through the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints. This is to allow travellers time to become familiar with this new process," read the message posted on their Facebook page.
ICA added that the BioScreen system is an important measure, as it enables ICA's verification of travellers' identities to be more robust.
"Our officers will assist and guide travellers on the use of BioScreen. We will monitor closely the expansion of the trial of the BioScreen system for car travellers and adjust our processes accordingly," it said further.
A step-by-step guide on the Bioscreen thumbprint checks at the two Singapore land checkpoints has been circulated by ICA on their website and at the two checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas.
The guide shows three steps for car travellers which involves the driver and passenger stepping out of the car with their passport upon arrival at the checkpoint gate.
Travellers are required to present the passport for clearance and proceed with the thumbprint scanning which requires both of the traveller's thumbs placed on the scanner before they are cleared to enter or depart from Singapore.
A reminder was also included in the land checkpoint guide that the thumbprint process may cause passport clearance at the checkpoint gates to take slightly longer than usual.