QR codes are not just for scanning menus at cafes or checking in at your favorite attractions anymore. Singapore is taking the convenience of these fancy barcodes to a whole new level by introducing them at land checkpoints for travelling. No need to scramble for your passports anymore, just flash the QR code and you're good to go!
As per news, travellers coming and going via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints in Singapore will be able to use a single QR code, generated prior to arrival, for all passengers in their vehicle. This move, which will be implemented on March 19, is expected to reduce the overall wait times by 30%.
But it doesn't stop there. Singapore is also planning to extend this passport-free clearance system to other land checkpoints with Malaysia, easing congestion and making cross-border travel much smoother.
The implementation of this technology couldn't have come at a better time, as travel has picked up to full speed after the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the country's famous Changi Airport handling millions of passengers each month, the use of QR codes for clearance is a game-changer. It not only adds to the futuristic feel of the airport, but also speeds up the process for travellers.
In fact, Singapore has been at the forefront of utilizing technology to improve efficiency and convenience for travellers. The country has been deploying new technologies at Changi Airport, such as using facial recognition for immigration and automated lanes, to make the entire experience smoother and hassle-free.
In another exciting announcement, the government of Singapore has revealed its plans to gradually replace manual counters at all passenger halls in Changi Airport with 800 automated lanes using a new contactless automated border control system, by the first quarter of 2024. This means that travellers will be able to pass through immigration without even having to take out their passports, making the process even more seamless
These advancements in technology will also pave the way for a much-anticipated project between Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia - the Rapid Transit Link. This project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will have a peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. With the introduction of contactless immigration, this project will become even more beneficial for travellers.
It's safe to say that Singapore is leading the way when it comes to incorporating technology for the convenience of its citizens and visitors. The ease of using a single QR code for all passengers in a vehicle is just one example of how the country is working towards making Singapore a go-to destination for travellers around the world!
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