Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will begin using facial recognition as the primary biometric identifier at automated motorcycle lanes starting March 31, replacing fingerprint scanning in a move designed to speed up border clearance.
The rollout will start with 18 automated motorcycle lanes in the arrival zone at Woodlands Checkpoint before expanding to all 70 automated lanes at the facility. Tuas Checkpoint will follow in the third quarter of the year.
ICA has been conducting trials of facial recognition for motorcyclists since January, with more than 150,000 motorcyclists and pillion riders participating. The trials confirmed a consistent weak point in the existing system: wet weather. Superintendent Eliane Chee, senior assistant director of operations development at ICA, said the switch from fingerprints is particularly valuable on rainy days, when moisture on riders’ hands causes prints to read poorly and slows clearance for commuters who already face difficult road conditions on the crossing.
Singapore residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign visitors who have previously entered Singapore will be able to use the facial recognition feature. First-time visitors will still need to undergo manual immigration clearance to have their biometric data recorded before gaining access to the automated lanes on subsequent trips. This ensures the system only matches travelers already enrolled in ICA’s database.
ICA refined the system during the trial period to address practical challenges encountered by commuters. The technology can now detect when facial features are obstructed by face masks or sunglasses and will display on-screen prompts guiding travelers to adjust before scanning, improving throughput without requiring officer intervention at each lane.
As of March 15, 62 percent of motorcyclists and pillion riders were already using QR codes generated through the MyICA mobile app for clearance. The facial recognition system works alongside the QR code to verify identity, creating a layered check at the border crossing.
The initiative is part of ICA’s broader plan to provide a more seamless and secure immigration clearance experience across all entry points. Singapore has moved steadily toward biometric-first border management, having previously implemented facial recognition at its air and sea checkpoints. The Woodlands motorcycle corridor is one of the busiest land crossings in Southeast Asia, with tens of thousands of commuters traversing it daily between Singapore and Johor Bahru.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
