Apply early for passports to avoid last-minute rush: ICA

With the upcoming September school holidays, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reminds Singapore citizens to apply for a new passport early, to avoid a last-minute rush.

With the upcoming school holidays in September, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday (Aug 21) reminded Singapore citizens to apply for a new passport early to avoid a last-minute rush. 

In a news release, ICA also said Singapore citizens whose passports expire in less than six months should apply for a new one to avoid facing any inconveniences during their travels. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months as part of their entry requirements, ICA explained.

Singapore citizens can apply for their passports by using the following methods:

Online: Via the ICA website

Post: By mailing the completed application form to "ICA Building (Passport Unit), 10 Kallang Road, #08-00, Singapore 208718"

Deposit boxes: By dropping the completed application form in the deposit boxes located outside or within the ICA Building

Over the counter: By submitting the application at Level 3, ICA Building

ICA also said applications submitted through the website, post and deposit boxes will be entitled to a S$10 rebate from the S$80 passport application fee. 

Successful applicants will be notified by post to collect their new passport once it is ready. Collection can be done over the counter at the ICA Building, via iCollect - a self-service machine at ICA, or at some SingPost outlets in Singapore. 

New passports issued will be valid for five years. Passports issued for subsequent applications will be valid for five years, plus the remaining validity of the existing passport, capped at five years and nine months, ICA said. 

Further information is available at ICA's website.