Close on the heels of being declared the most powerful passport in the world, Singapore passport is getting a new design with additional security features.
Making the announcement today, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said, “The new passport design will come with new visa page designs and additional security features that make the passport harder to forge or be tampered with. The new passport design complies with the recommendations and requirements laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization.”
It also added, “Those who had submitted applications from October 21 will get the new passports. Those who have existing valid passports need not replace them.”
Singapore passport edged out Germany yesterday to take the top spot on a passport index developed by global financial advisory firm Arton Capital. Singapore received a visa-free score of 159 Singapore after Paraguay removed visa requirements for Singaporeans, making the Republic the first Asian country to top the index.
The new Singapore passport will have the following features, according to the statement issued by ICA.
New visa page designs: The new visa pages will feature six of Singapore's iconic landmarks – the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Sports Hub and Punggol New Town. This will replace the images of the Esplanade and the Singapore Central Business District skyline on the visa pages of the current passport.
Two new security features on the information page: The first new feature is the addition of a "window lock", comprising an image of the passport holder which can be viewed as a positive or negative photo when tilted.
The second security feature is the inclusion of a ‘surface transformation design’ of Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, on the top right corner of the information page. The design can display light effects and animation when viewed at different angles.
In addition to this, there will be three enhanced security features: The new passport will have upgrades of existing security features, such as the "embossed tactile design", and a "multiple laser image" of the Singapore map.
ICA will issue the new passports that will be available for collection from October 30.
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