SINGAPORE - The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is introducing a new design for the Singapore biometric passport which comes with additional security features.
This will make the passport harder to forge or be tampered with, ICA said in a press release on Thursday (Oct 26).
There are two new security features - the image of the passport holder inside a window which can be viewed as a positive or negative portrait when tilted and viewed in transmitted light; and a surface transformation design in the shape of the national flower, which displays light reflective and animation effects at different angles.
Enhanced features that provide additional security include the Multiple Laser Image in the shape of the Singapore map and an embossed tactile design.
The passport's visa pages will also sport new designs featuring six iconic landmarks - the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Sports Hub and Punggol New Town.
These will replace the existing image of the Central Business District skyline and Esplanade.
According to ICA, those whose passport applications are received from Oct 21 will be issued with the new passports, which will be available for collection from next Monday.
If individuals are collecting their passports between Oct 30 and Nov 15, they will need to do so from the ICA Building in Kallang. Beyond that, the passports can also be collected at selected post offices.
Singaporeans with existing valid passports do not need to replace their current ones, which can continue to be used.
More details on the passport's new design can be found on the ICA website.
Earlier this week, a passport index ranked the Singapore passport as the "most powerful" in the world, ahead of countries such as Germany, Sweden and South Korea.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...assport-with-additional-security-features-ica
