ICA explains passport fee hike

8 April 2009

The Straits Times

I REFER to the letter by Mrs Ng Beng Choo, 'Passport renewal cost' (March 30).

As with most other public services, the passport fee is determined based on a cost-recovery model. The cost of producing a passport cannot simply be linked to frequency or duration of use.
The Singapore biometric passport is a more secure travel document and is fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements for cross-border travel.

The cost, and hence the fee, for a biometric passport is higher than that of a non-biometric passport, as it comes with added features to ensure its integrity and sturdiness. The shorter validity period for the biometric passport allows for new technologies to be incorporated more rapidly, thus deterring passport forgery and abuse.

In this way, we can ensure that the passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features.

We hope that the above information clarifies any doubts that Mrs Ng and other passport applicants may have with regard to the cost of the biometric passport.

Chia Hui Keng (Ms)
Head, Public & Internal Communications Branch Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Passport renewal cost

30 Mar 2009

The Straits Times

'It's more than 100 per cent increase.'MRS NG BENG CHOO: 'I refer to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reply, '5-year passport means more security' last Thursday to the Forum letter, 'Allow 10-year validity for adult passports' (March 11). Before, passports cost $60 for 10 years, now it's $70 for 5 years. It's more than 100 per cent increase. I can understand the security issue, but I hope ICA can also address the cost issue.'