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Response to “Extend passport validity to 10 years”, (The Straits Times, 28 May 2014)
The Straits Times
7 June 2014
Passport validity limited for security reasons
AS THE passport issuing authority of Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to upholding the integrity and security of our passports ("Extend passport validity to 10 years" by Miss Chua Chern Nee; May 28).
The Singapore biometric passport complies with the standards and requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a move to enhance passport integrity and security, the validity period of Singapore passports was changed to five years from April 1, 2005, to align with ICAO's recommendation.
A shorter validity ensures that the passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features, thus preventing and deterring passport forgery and unauthorised use.
Holding a secure travel document that is well-regarded internationally will enable Singaporeans to travel with confidence and ease.
The ICA also wishes to highlight that new passports issued upon subsequent application will be valid for five years plus the remaining validity from your existing passport, capped at five years and nine months.
However, if the passport has expired at the time of application for a new passport, the passport issued will be valid for five years.
For more details, please visit our website at www.ica.gov.sg
Vincent Ng
Head, Public and Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
<Original Letter>
The Straits Times
28 May 2014
Extend passport validity to 10 years
RECENTLY, I received a notice from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority reminding me to apply for a new passport early, as my current one was expiring in a few months.
The current biometric passport is valid for five years but is useful for only 4-1/2 years as many countries require travellers to have passports that are valid for at least six months. Having to go through the renewal process every 4-1/2 years is inconvenient for frequent travellers.
The Netherlands and Canada have upgraded to 10-year biometric passports. Singapore should consider doing the same.
Chua Chern Nee (Miss)
7 June 2014
Passport validity limited for security reasons
AS THE passport issuing authority of Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to upholding the integrity and security of our passports ("Extend passport validity to 10 years" by Miss Chua Chern Nee; May 28).
The Singapore biometric passport complies with the standards and requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a move to enhance passport integrity and security, the validity period of Singapore passports was changed to five years from April 1, 2005, to align with ICAO's recommendation.
A shorter validity ensures that the passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features, thus preventing and deterring passport forgery and unauthorised use.
Holding a secure travel document that is well-regarded internationally will enable Singaporeans to travel with confidence and ease.
The ICA also wishes to highlight that new passports issued upon subsequent application will be valid for five years plus the remaining validity from your existing passport, capped at five years and nine months.
However, if the passport has expired at the time of application for a new passport, the passport issued will be valid for five years.
For more details, please visit our website at www.ica.gov.sg
Vincent Ng
Head, Public and Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
<Original Letter>
The Straits Times
28 May 2014
Extend passport validity to 10 years
RECENTLY, I received a notice from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority reminding me to apply for a new passport early, as my current one was expiring in a few months.
The current biometric passport is valid for five years but is useful for only 4-1/2 years as many countries require travellers to have passports that are valid for at least six months. Having to go through the renewal process every 4-1/2 years is inconvenient for frequent travellers.
The Netherlands and Canada have upgraded to 10-year biometric passports. Singapore should consider doing the same.
Chua Chern Nee (Miss)