More time needed to process passport services: ICA

More time will be required to process passport services due to an “unprecedented” high number of applications, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

As compared to the usual 2,000 passport renewals per day during pre-COVID times, about 6,000 applications have been received daily, almost three times the previous amount, an ICA spokesperson told CNA.

“This is due to the pent-up demand of 1 million expired and expiring passports with the COVID-19 border restrictions in place,” he said.

“We seek Singaporeans’ understanding that more time will be required to process their passport applications.”

With countries opening up their borders, Singaporeans with travel plans in the next few months are advised to submit their applications early.

However, those with no plans to travel in the next six months and are currently in Singapore need not renew their passports at this point in time.

The Singapore passport is not a mandatory document of identification and there is no penalty for renewing expired passports, the spokesperson reminded.

Passport applications can be done online via ICA’s website.

Upon completion, an appointment to collect the renewed passport can be made at any of the 27 post offices for no extra charge. Alternatively, it can be collected at the ICA Building as well.