Apply for new passport early to avoid year-end rush

FireIce SG

Going overseas for the year-end holidays? Be sure to apply for a new passport early.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has advised Singapore citizens to apply for a new passport early to avoid the last minute rush.

"Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months as part of their entry requirements. Singapore citizens whose passport has less than six months' validity are reminded to apply for a new passport to avoid facing any inconvenience for their overseas travel," ICA said in a release on Wednesday (Nov 11).

Passports can be applied in the following ways:

Submit the application via Apples (Application for Passport Online Electronic System) through the ICA website (http://www.ica.gov.sg).

You can also use one of the self-service kiosks at the [email protected] for submission.

Mail the completed application form to:

"ICA Building (Passport Unit), 10 Kallang Road, #08-00, Singapore 208718"

Drop the completed application form in the deposit boxes located outside the ICA Building or at Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the building.

Submit the application at the ICA Building at Level 3.

*Applications via these modes are entitled to a $10 rebate from the $80 passport application fee

Successful applicants will be notified by post to collect the new passport once it is ready. Longer waiting time for passport services is to be expected during the busy periods, that is, on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, school holidays, the eve of public holidays and the day after.

Applicants can collect their passports through the following modes:

- Collect over the counter at ICA Building.

- Use iCollect, a self-service machine at [email protected].

- Select the preferred Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) outlet for collection.

New passports issued will be valid for five years. For subsequent applications, the new passports issued will be valid for five years plus the remaining validity from the existing passport, capped at five years and nine months. Please refer to the ICA website (http://www.ica.gov.sg) for more details.