Applicants should account for additional wait times when scheduling appointments to collect their passports, according to ICA.
SINGAPORE: The Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Monday (Sep 19) that the current processing time for passport applications is approximately one to two weeks. Those planning year-end travel are advised to apply as soon as possible.
The processing duration is significantly influenced by application volume, with ICA noting that passport applications usually peak between October and December based on pre-COVID-19 trends.
Applicants should also consider the additional wait time needed to book an appointment for passport collection, the authority added.
“ICA continues to encourage Singaporeans with year-end travel plans to submit their passport applications now, especially if they possess an expired passport or one with less than six months of validity,” it stated.
Delaying passport applications may lead to the risk of not receiving the passport in time for planned trips.
To manage the anticipated surge in applications, ICA has recruited additional officers and redeployed resources, while also collaborating with Singapore Post (SingPost) to enhance passport issuance capacity.
“The combined efforts have significantly improved the passport processing situation,” ICA reported.
In August, ICA previously urged Singaporeans with travel plans for the year-end to submit their applications to “prevent another surge in passport applications as the year concludes” and to allow sufficient time for the authority to meet the demand for travel.
Earlier this year in April, ICA stated that due to the overwhelming number of applications, processing times would extend to at least one month.
This processing period was later increased to six weeks in May, attributed to an “overwhelming” volume of applications.
Applicants can monitor their application status through the ICA’s website or the MyICA Mobile app.
Those whose passports are ready for collection will receive either an email or a pink notification card from ICA.
“Once notified, they may then book an appointment online to collect their passport from the ICA Building or any of the 29 designated post offices,” ICA noted.
There is no extra fee for passport collection at the post offices, and Singaporeans are strongly advised to make an appointment for a timely collection of their new passports.
