Crossing at land checkpoints in Singapore before going over to Johor, Malaysia, has a new enhancement — i.e. going passport-less and using QR code in place of passport at the auto-clearance gantries. This will speed up the retrieval of personal data via QR code instead of scanning the document (passport) before biometric verification. This enhancement is available to all Singapore passport holders and also foreign travellers who have registered with Singapore Immigrations on arrival.
I applied a QR code for myself and used it at Woodlands Checkpoint to cross to Johor Bahru and back. It is indeed faster for the document scanner to read the QR code on my mobile phone than to scan the profile page of my passport.
I am sharing how to apply for the QR code as well as some tips and mistakes to avoid.
A. Get QR Code on MyICA Mobile App
To get the QR code for immigration clearance, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the official MyICA Mobile app from respective app stores. Launch the app, scroll down to the "Favourites" section and tap on the icon labelled as "QR Code at Land Checkpoints".
For Singapore passport holders, MyICA app should be one app to keep on mobile phones as it has other functions apart from applying for the QR code for clearance, such as submission of SG Arrival Card when returning from overseas trips via air or sea.
Step 2: To apply for a QR code for oneself, tap on "Individual QR Code". Use SingPass to retrieve MyInfo for filling in the details automatically or enter all required data manually.
Note: To apply for a group of people, use "Group QR Code". The maximum number of people allowed per QR code varies depending on the type of transport — car (10), bus (4), lorry (4) and motorcycle (2). The minimum number of people per Group QR Code is 2, of course.
Step 3: A QR code will be generated instantly with an expiry date shown above it. There is no need to re-apply for QR code on every trip across the land border until the existing code expires after the indicated expiry date.
B. Use the QR Code at Land Checkpoints
At the automated clearance gantries in Tuas Checkpoint or Woodlands Checkpoint, use the QR code in place of Singapore passport at the document scanner.
Step 1: Simply launch MyICA app, go to "QR Code at Land Checkpoints" again and tap on the profile under "My QR Code" — or "Group QR Code" — to retrieve the QR Code on the mobile phone.
Step 2: Let the Document Scanner scans the QR code by placing the phone face-down about 2 inches above the screen. Unlike a passport, the phone will light up when the QR code is presented and the phone's bright light will reflect on / refract through the screen of the scanner if placed directly on it, thus hindering the reading process — I have seen some people putting their phones flat on the screen and complained that the document scanner takes forever to read the QR code, then they started fumbling for their passports resulting in longer delays .
When all is done properly, it will take just one second for the document scanner to read the QR code.
In summary, do use the QR code for speedier clearance at Singapore Land Checkpoints but must remember to bring your passport for clearance at Johor, Malaysia.
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