The Straits Times
2 October 2024

Extra process like ETA not needed for S’pore for now: We refer to Mr Edmund Lim Wee Kiat’s letter “Singapore could consider ETA for visitors from overseas to enhance security” (Sept 26).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uses a risk-based, multi-layered approach to balance border security and facilitating the entry of visitors.

ICA uses information submitted via the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), along with advance passenger information from airlines and other sources of information, to conduct a risk assessment of foreign visitors before they arrive at our checkpoints.

The SGAC requires all foreign visitors to submit their personal, arrival and stay details, and a health declaration, via the MyICA mobile application before their arrival. Those on our watchlist of persons of interest, or who are flagged by our pre-arrival risk assessment as being of higher risk, are subjected to more stringent immigration and security checks. Visitors who are assessed to pose an immigration or security risk or do not meet our entry requirements, will not be allowed into Singapore.

An additional process like Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may not be necessary, for now. Nonetheless, we thank Mr Lim for his suggestion.

Patrick Ong
Senior Assistant Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Corporate Communications and Service Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
26 September 2024

Singapore could consider ETA for visitors from overseas to enhance security: The UK and other countries are introducing electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for overseas visitors (Singaporeans will need ETA permit to enter the UK from 8 Jan 2025, 13 Sep). Singaporeans will pay about $17 each for the ETA to enter the UK.

In addition to generating some revenue for the countries involved, this is a way to screen travellers’ background and travel history. This screening and collation of relevant data may be pertinent to national security and safety.

Given the presence of foreign crime syndicates operating in Singapore, it will be timely consider the use of ETA for overseas travellers from specific countries.

Genuine travellers with good intentions and actual holiday and work plans will still come to Singapore and the use of ETAs can be implemented efficiently.

ETA implementation can be a convenient extension of our SG Arrival Card and the forms can be completed at least a week before the overseas travellers arrive.

Edmund Lim Wee Kiat