Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System

The Immigration Automated Clearance System (IACS) is a smart card based immigration self clearance system harnessing biometric and automation technology at the checkpoints. The IACS was introduced to provide efficient and secure immigration clearance at the checkpoints.

The system enables ICA to serve you better and to meet the challenges of the ever-increasing passenger traffic by allowing travellers to have “express” immigration clearance.

Frequent travellers who wish to use IACS can apply for a personalised Access Card. The Access Card is a smart card which stores the holder's fingerprint data. Presently, the IACS is available at Changi Airport, Singapore Cruise Centre, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and the bus passenger halls of the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

Since 2006, ICA has introduced an upgraded version of the IACS to the checkpoints. Known as the Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System, it enables Singapore Citizens who have already registered for their identity cards (i.e. their fingerprints have been captured in our National Registration database) and in possession of valid machine-readable Singapore passports to clear immigration via the automated gates on their own, without the need to apply for the IACS card. Singapore Citizens above the age of 6 and who hold Biometric Passports are also eligible to use the eIACS.

On 18 August 2008, the eIACS facility has also been extended to Singapore Permanent Residents holding ICAO compliant machine-readable passports updated with ICA, and who have already registered for their identity cards (i.e. their fingerprints have been captured in our database).

From Jan 2009 onwards, ICA issued polycarbonate long term pass card holders can also use the eIACS facility if they are holding ICAO compliant machine-readable passports, which must be updated with ICA.

Using eIACS

The following groups of travelers have eIACS extended to them automatically without charge. They are required to hold valid ICAO compliant machine-readable passports. For non-Singaporean users, their latest passport details must be updated with ICA.

• Singapore Citizens who have registered for their NRIC
• Singapore Citizens aged 6 and above who have yet to register for their NRIC but have been issued Singapore Biometric Passport
• Singapore Permanent Residents who have registered for their NRIC
• Singapore Immigration Long Term Pass holders who have registered their fingerprints with ICA during the issuance of the new polycarbonate cards

Pls click on link to download guide on how to use the eIACS.

Note: Current fingerprint scanning technology cannot read fingerprints that are faint or excessively wet / dry, accurately. Please click on link to download guide on proper positioning of finger for verification when using eIACS.

Applying for IACS

The following groups of travelers can apply for IACS card to clear immigration via the automated immigration gates on their own (note: applicants must be minimally be aged 6 years old and above).

• Singapore citizens who have yet to register for their NRIC and does not hold Biometric Passports.
• Singapore Permanent Residents holding non-ICAO compliant machine-readable passports; or have yet to register for their NRIC even if they are in possession of ICAO compliant machine-readable passports
• Singapore Immigration Long Term Pass holders holding non-ICAO compliant machine-readable passports; or who have yet to obtain the new polycarbonate card even if in possession of ICAO compliant machine-readable passports
• Employment / Work Permit / Dependent Pass holders

First-time Users 

1	Insert Access Card At the dedicated IACS lane, the IACS user inserts his/her Access Card into the card reader.
2	Place Finger on Scanner Place your right thumb on the fingerprint scanner for verification. Exit through the automated gate after verification.

Note: Current fingerprint scanning technology cannot accurately read the fingerprint from excessively wet and dry fingers. If the current registration system identifies your finger as being 'wet' or 'dry', your application cannot be processed.

Documents Required

• Valid travel document (e.g. Passport)

• One recent colour passport-sized photograph which meets the following requirements:

  • 35 mm wide by 45 mm high without border and taken within the last 3 months
  • Taken full face without headgear, unless the applicant habitually wears a headgear in accordance with religious or racial customs. The headgear must not hide the applicant's facial features
  • The facial image must be between 25 mm and 35 mm from chin to crown
  • Taken against plain white background with a matt or semi-matt finish
• Work Permit, Employment Pass, Dependant's Pass, Student's Pass and Long Term Social Visit Pass, if applicable

Note: No application form is required.


Procedures

Apply in person at one of the following locations:

ICA Building*
Access Card Centre 
4th Storey
10 Kallang Road
Singapore 208718
(Strictly by e-Appointment only)

Changi Airport*
Access Card Centre
1st Storey, Arrival Immigration Hall
Terminal 3
(For passengers within the transit area only)

Woodlands Checkpoint*
Access Card Centre
5th Storey, Departure Bus Hall

Tuas Checkpoint*
Access Card Centre
Departure Bus Hall

Fees
S$30 for the smart card

Please make payment by NETS and CashCard.
*Access Cards will issued on the day application these locations.

Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m
Saturday: 8.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m (excluding Changi Airport Access Card Centre)

Processing Time
For Access Card Centres at ICA Building, Changi Airport, Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints:
30 minutes (slightly longer on Saturdays)

For other Access Card Centres, please check with the respective managements for processing times.