For passport applications submitted on or after 1 Oct 2021, Singapore passports will only need to be renewed every 10 years instead of the current five years. The change was announced by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday, 7 May 2021.
The increase in validity period only applies to those aged 16 and older, while those below the age of 16 will still need to renew their passport every five years. This is to avoid identification issues as children’s facial appearances change quickly.
The passport renewal fee will remain at S$70.
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Why the change in validity period?
The increase in validity period comes about 16 years after the ICA reduced it from 10 to five years. In April 2005, the validity period was decreased due to the introduction of the biometric passport. The biometric passport contains a microchip that holds a citizen’s facial and fingerprint records. Changes were made to the validity period for the ICA to monitor the new technology and make adjustments if necessary.
Increasing use of biometric passports globally, alongside the technology’s proven stability, has allowed the ICA to extend the Singapore passport’s validity period to 10 years once again.
Are there changes in the Singapore passport application process?
Besides the validity period, everything else remains unchanged. Citizens may apply for their Singapore passport online via the ICA e-service, or get their friends and family to help them do so if they are unsure. Those without internet access may visit the Citizen Connect Centres (CCCs) at Our Tampines Hub or selected Community Centres.
Also read: Border Reopening: Singaporeans Can Now Travel to Denmark Quarantine-free
Hooray for less trips to the ICA building! Fingers crossed that the COVID-19 situation improves globally so we can all book a flight soon.
Featured image credit: George Tan | flickr