The worst-case scenario one can ever think of when travelling is forgetting your passport or being stuck at immigration and potentially missing your flight. Luckily for us, Singaporeans have one of the strongest passports in the world. This allows us to take advantage of the e-gates or automated lanes to pass through immigration swiftly.
To make your travels smoother, we’ve compiled a list of countries with e-gates that Singaporeans can use.
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The electronic gate system, or e-gates, are self-service immigration counters that allow eligible biometric passport holders to breeze through border controls. Instead of manually having an immigration officer check your passport and let you through, e-gates use facial recognition to identify you, making the immigration process faster and smoother.
However, most airports will require you to register online before using the e-gates.
And if you’re wondering what a biometric passport is, it’s a passport that comes with a microchip with all of your personal details. All Singapore passports are biometric ones, so hurrah.
The good news is that there are many countries popular with Singaporean travellers where e-gates can be used. Think of every Singaporean’s favourite getaway travel destinations like Bali, Thailand or even countries such as the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands.
Image credit: Beatrice Maefina
Crossing the border to our neighbouring country has never been easier with Malaysia’s e-gates. These e-gates can be found at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
Image credit: Saravana Rao via Facebook
For more information, read our guide to applying for e-gates to Malaysia.
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes. If it is your first time using the e-gates, you must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least 3 days before your trip. This lets you enrol your fingerprints for smooth access. Then, you can use these e-gates for your subsequent trips without needing to fill up the MDAC again.
Where to apply:
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days. If you’ve travelled to Malaysia before, you would remember needing to fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival. Fortunately, since 1st January 2024, Singaporeans no longer need to complete the MDAC.
With plenty of things to do in Bali, it’s a popular weekend destination for Singaporeans. You’d want to be making the most of your time there, and the last thing you want to do is to queue up for hours at immigration. Recently, Bali launched 30 auto gates at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport that help cut short the time Singaporeans will spend at immigration.
You’ll need to register for the auto gates online, but not to worry; the process is rather simple. All you need to prepare is a picture of your passport, yourself, and personal details such as accommodation.
For more information, read our guide to applying for Bali’s automated gates.
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes.
Where to apply:
Requirements: None.
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to visit Bali visa-free for 30 days. You’ll need to fill up an e-customs declaration before arriving. On top of that, you’ll also need to pay a tourism tax (IDR150,000, ~SGD$11.62) in Bali through the Love Bali website or by downloading their app on Apple or Google Play.
Bangkok is one of the most popular travel destinations for Singaporeans, and it’s not hard to understand why, considering the abundance of food, affordable prices, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. We even have a guide on the best things to do in Bangkok.
Singaporeans can use the e-gates when entering Thailand. The immigration process takes approximately 45 seconds for the immigration officers to check your passport and let you through immigration. Thailand’s e-gates, on the other hand, cut the process down to 20 seconds.
As of December 2024, visitors, including Singaporeans, can use the e-gates when flying out of Thailand, too. All you need to do is grant the system access to your information at a boarding pass machine. This new biometric immigration system is available at 6 international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai International Airports.
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes, only for departures.
Where to apply: During check-in at a boarding pass machine or a self-check-in counter. Simply allow the system to access biometric information, and you’re good to go.
Requirements: A valid biometric passport
Do you need a visa?
No, under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme (TVES), Singaporeans are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa and stay in the country for up to 60 days.
At Hong Kong International Airport, the automated lanes are called the e-Channel service.
Since it was implemented for Singaporean travellers in 2014, we’ve been able to go through immigration at the Hong Kong airport even faster. Plus, departing travellers can also leave via the Smart Departure system.
However, this e-Channel service can only be used if you have visited Hong Kong at least 2 times in the past 24 months. The only exceptions would be if you have a HKSAR Travel Pass, APEC Business Travel Card, or Frequent Flyer Programme membership card from an airline that is registered under the Frequent Visitor Scheme.
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes, unless you’ve registered for the e-Channel Service for Frequent Visitors before.
Where to apply:
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for 90 days without a visa provided their passport has a 6-month validity. Additionally, you’ll be required to fill up an arrival card for immigration. This arrival card is usually distributed by the cabin crew before landing.
Image credit: 桃園國際機場 Taoyuan International Airport via Facebook
Before you are eligible to use the e-gates in Taiwan, you’ll be required to register at the immigration counters, where they’ll collect your passport information, fingerprint, and picture.
Frequent travellers to Taiwan will soon have more options. From 2024 to 2025, Taiwan will be replacing and installing new e-gates in the following airports and harbours:
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes, but visitors who have previously registered for e-gates won’t need to register again.
Where to apply:
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to stay in Taiwan visa-free for 30 days. A completed Online Arrival Card will be expected as well.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure, nature, or cultural experience, Australia has much to offer. Popular destinations for Singaporeans include Melbourne and Sydney, but states such as New South Wales are gaining traction too.
Passing through the Arrivals SmartGates in Australia is a relatively easy and seamless process. All you have to do is go through a kiosk and a gate. There’ll be some questions to answer while you’re at the kiosk, and if all goes well, it’ll issue you a ticket that you’ll need to insert at the gate.
At the time of writing, the airports in Australia where you can find the Arrivals SmartGates are as follows:
Do you need to apply beforehand? No.
Where to apply: Travellers with Singapore passports need not apply for Arrival SmartGates.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
Yes, Singaporeans have to apply for a visa when travelling to Australia and can opt for the Electronic Travel Authority (visa subclass 601) through the ETA App available on both Apple and Google Play. The ETA visa is meant for short-term tourism or business-related travels and will be valid for a year, and allow repeated visits of up to 90 days per trip.
Image credit: Dubai Airports via Facebook
Dubai International Airport is often pitted against our very own Changi Airport for being one of the most futuristic airports in the world. There, Singaporeans can go through the Smart Gates at terminals 1, 2, and 3.
To use the ePassport gates, you’ll first need to be registered with Smart Gates, which you can do at either the Dubai International Airport or Emirates Terminal 3. Upon successful registration, you’ll no longer have to chop your passport during immigration.
Registering for Smart Gates is a breeze; all you have to do is look into the green light at the Smart Gates, and it’ll do the rest of the work.
Do you need to apply beforehand? Yes
Where to apply:
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans can stay visa-free in the UAE for up to 90 days.
Queenstown Airport.
Image credit: Ryan W via Google Maps
If you’re looking for a chill place to have a nature-fueled holiday, New Zealand is probably one of the countries on your list. At the time of writing, there are 4 airports which have e-gates – Auckland Airport, Wellington International Airport, Christchurch International Airport, and Queenstown Airport. You can use the e-gates in these airports for both arrival and departure.
Do you need to apply beforehand? No
Where to apply: There’s no need to apply for the e-gates beforehand.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans can visit New Zealand for a maximum of 90 days visa-free. However, passports need to have a minimum of 3 months’ validity before departure. Travellers will need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before reaching passport control.
Image credit: MJ Netjes via Google Maps
The Netherlands is known for its windmills, cheese, wooden clogs, and tulips. Unfortunately, the e-gates in the Netherlands are only available for departure and not arrival for Singaporeans, but at least you get to spend more time relaxing before flying back home.
If you’re only dropping by the Netherlands for transit, you can still refer to their official website to check if the country you’ve come from or will be travelling to is on the approved list to use the e-gates.
Do you need to apply beforehand? No
Where to apply: There’s no need to apply for the e-gates beforehand.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to be visa-free in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days, provided that their passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Image credit: Prague Experience
The Czech Republic, or Czechia, is known for its stunning architecture and historical sites that are sure to appeal to culture vulture travellers. Affectionately known as Europe’s fairytale city, majestic castles and charming old towns await those who are looking to escape reality.
Fortunately, the Prague Airport has e-gates for us Singaporeans to pass through and enjoy a dreamy getaway upon arrival.
Do you need to apply beforehand? No
Where to apply: There’s no need to apply for the e-gates beforehand.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to visit the Czech Republic without a visa for a maximum of 90 days, provided that their passports are valid for at least 3 months.
Image credit: The Connexion
France is the home of the City of Love, Paris. Some good news for us hopeless romantics: it’s now significantly easier to visit. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has rolled out e-gates across all of its terminals.
Singaporeans can use these gates for both arrival and departure, making dreamy trips to France more fuss-free.
Do you need to apply beforehand? No
Where to apply: There’s no need to apply for the e-gates beforehand.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to be visa-free in France for a maximum of 90 days, as long as you’re not planning to work while you’re there.
Image credit: Rome Airport
Pasta, pizza, gelato – Italy has hit after hit when it comes to food. It’s also the place for a slow-paced getaway, a complete opposite to the kiasu, fast-paced Singaporean lifestyle. Hence, it’s no surprise that when we want to hit the pause button and truly unwind, Italy is the destination.
It’s also pretty great that Singaporeans can easily use their e-gates to pass immigration ASAP and chiong to the first destination on their itinerary. E-gates are available at airports like the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, 2 common spots that tourists usually pass through.
Do you need to apply beforehand? No
Where to apply: There’s no need to apply for the e-gates beforehand.
Requirements:
Do you need a visa?
No, Singaporeans are allowed to visit Italy without a visa for a maximum of 90 days, as long as you don’t pursue any employment opportunities there.
There isn’t much you need to worry about or prepare when getting ready to pass through the e-gates. Remember, they’re installed to make your life much easier.
Remember to remove any eyewear, headphones, scarves, or anything that might obstruct the e-gate from taking a clear photo of you. Instructions are clear and straightforward, but don’t panic if you find yourself stuck, as the airport staff will be around to help you out. You also need to remove any passport covers before reaching your e-gate to avoid holding up the entire queue.
Bonus tip: Aside from using the e-gates, applying for your visas in advance and completing any required declaration or arrival card before boarding the plane also helps ensure a swift transit through immigration upon arrival.
Immigration has always been the most sian part about any trip. With these e-gates Singaporeans can use, the process at the airport will be so much faster, which means you get to enjoy more fun under the sun or get to your next destination faster.
Other travel guides you’ll want to check out:
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local, Dubai Airports via Facebook
Last updated by Khalisah Zulkarnain on 25th April 2025.
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