SINGAPORE: Singaporeans can now use automated kiosks at 47 airports in the United States to clear Immigration and Customs more quickly thanks to the United States of America-Singapore Trusted Traveller Program, while eligible US passport-holders have access to automated immigration clearance facilities in Singapore.
Clarence Yeo, commissioner at the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said: “It enables trusted travellers to self-serve through automated clearance lanes so that we can focus our resources on travellers whose identities are not as clear.”
A US Embassy Singapore spokesman said the kiosks could save Singaporean travellers between 15 minutes and “a few hours”.
To use the kiosks, Singaporeans must apply for the US Global Entry Program (GEP). Successful applicants thereafter queue in lines that clear more quickly when taking domestic US flights.
They can access these lines at US airports participating in a scheme called TSA PreCheck. In such lines, they do not have to take off their shoes or remove laptops during security screening for departure.
To qualify, Singaporeans have to be interviewed by a US Customs and border protection officer before their application can be approved. Such interviews can be done at the US embassy.
Successful applicants have to reapply every five years and pay US$100 for five years.
Singapore is the seventh country – the second in Asia alongside South Korea – whose citizens can apply for the GEP.
