BioPass (New Singapore International Passport)

All Singapore passports issued from 15 Aug 2006 will be biometrically-enabled (BioPass).

Singaporeans holding the current non-biometric machine-readable passports may wish to apply for the new BioPass to enjoy visa-free travel to the United States of America (USA) under the US Visa Waiver Programme.

You may wish to apply for a Singapore International Passport (i.e. BioPass) using the applications form (Form IMM E11 (OS) and Form P 28.3) which are available at http://www.ica.gov.sg/e_services_overview.aspx?pageid=283&secid=280. The completed application forms can then be submitted either in person or through a proxy at the Consulate General.

Validity

The new BioPass is valid for 5 years. If your existing passport carries a remaining validity of 9 months or less, the remaining validity of your passport will be carried over to your new passport. In such a case, your new passport will have a validity period of 5 years, plus the remaining validity of your old passport. However, if your existing passport is more than 9 months' validity, your new passport will have a validity period of 5 years and 9 months.

Fee (as of 1 Jan 2007)

RMB 406

Processing Time

4 – 6 weeks

Collection of Passport

We will inform you of the collection date when we have received the BioPass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.   Collection of passport has to be done in person.

Passport Extension

Extension of passport validity are not allowed on the new Singapore Biometric Passport (BioPass).  BioPass holders whose passports are running out of pages or reaching its full validity have to apply for a new passport.

Passport extension is only applicable to NS-liable male Singapore Passport holders aged between 11 and 17½ years who have passports issued before 15 Aug 2006. NS-liable Singapore Biometric Passport (issued after 15 Aug 2006) holders have to apply for a passport renewal once the passport expires.

To extend your passport, please complete the application form for passport extension (Form IMM E13), which is available at the Consulates-General or can be downloaded from http://www.ica.gov.sg/e_services_overview.aspx?pageid=283&secid=280

NS-Liable Males

With the introduction of BioPass, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has decided to remove passport controls for NS-liable males and allow them to be issued with passports of full validity.

Exit control measures however continue to be relevant and necessary. MINDEF has decided to extend exit permit requirements, which currently affect only males aged 16½ to enlistment, to males aged 13 to below 16½.

To avoid inconveniencing those who make short overseas trips during vacations, an exit permit will only be required for overseas trips of 3 months or longer.  To apply for Exit Permit, please visit MINDEF website at http://www.ns.sg.

Those who require exit permit of 2 years or longer will be required to furnish a bond. This bonding requirement is similar to the current arrangement where security in the form of Banker's Guarantee must be furnished. The amount of the security bond is S$75,000 or 50% of the combined gross annual income of both parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher. The monetary bond requirement for male citizens who accompany their parents on overseas employment may be waived and they be bonded by deed with two sureties.

There will be no change to the exit permit and bonding requirements for NS-liable males aged 16½ to enlistment.

Pre-enlistees who have any enquiries can contact the NS Portal Customer Service Centre at Tel: (65) 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) or email: contact@ns.sg. They can also refer to the NS portal (http://www.ns.sg) for more information.

Important Notice

Most countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry. You are advised to renew your passport early.