Since the easing of travel measures, there has been overwhelming demand for passports. The number of passport applications has now spiked to above 7,000 per day as compared to 2,000 pre-COVID, with its peak at 14,000.

Currently, the average waiting time for passport processing is at least six weeks from the time of application. It could take even longer if there is a greater surge in the number of applications or there are issues with the application such as the photograph submitted does not meet the requirements.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) understands that many Singaporeans are eager to start travelling again, especially during the coming June school holidays. We are doing our best to handle the high demand and our officers are working longer hours during this period.

ICA has deployed more resources to process the passport applications and attend to members of public who have showed up at ICA Building for passport matters. To manage the crowd situation, more passport counters are made available on other floors in ICA Building. We have also set up additional queue areas and conducted triaging to direct members of public to the right location. They are advised to follow the signages placed on-site and instructions given by officers when entering ICA Building.

ICA would also like to remind Singaporeans of the following for passport application and collection:

• To avoid delays in the processing of your passport application, do ensure that the photograph submitted meets ICA’s passport photo requirements. The requirements can be found on ICA’s website (https://www.ica.gov.sg/photo-guidelines). Application can be made online, by post, or by dropping the physical application form into the deposit box outside ICA Building. If the submitted passport photo does not meet the requirements, applicants would have to resubmit a new photo, and additional time would be required to complete the transaction.
• After submitting the application, Singaporeans can check the status of their application via the MyICA Mobile application or ICA website.
• ICA notes that there are still many appointment slots available at the post offices for passport collection. Once notified that the passports are ready for collection, eligible Singaporeans are thus encouraged to make an appointment to collect them at any of the 27 post offices, which may offer wider operating hours (including weekends), and without having to pay any additional collection fee. If their preferred SingPost outlet is not available, they can choose any other SingPost outlets to do so.
• Singaporeans need not renew their passports now if they are currently in Singapore and do not have plans to travel for the next six months. The Singapore passport is not a mandatory identity document and there is no penalty for not renewing passports which have expired.
• For Singaporeans who need to travel urgently, they are required to produce supporting documents in-person at ICA Building for assessment on a case-by-case basis.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
11 MAY 2022