With the recent easing of travel restrictions, many Singaporeans might already be itching to go on a relaxing holiday.
Clearly, this seems to be a popular thought among Singaporeans as the waiting time for passport renewals appears to have become even longer.
In an update on Wednesday (11 May), the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the average waiting time for passport processing is currently at least six weeks.
However, those who need to travel urgently can make special requests by heading down to the ICA Building with their supporting documents.
The notice was first released on ICA’s website on Wednesday (11 May).
Due to the high volume of passport applications, ICA stated that applicants may have to wait for a longer period for their passports to be processed.
Source: Google Maps
In the statement, ICA shared that they’re receiving about 7,000 passport applications daily, compared to 2,000 during the pandemic.
As such, applicants may have to wait at least six weeks before collecting their new passports, ICA said.
The waiting time might be even longer if there is a surge in passport applications or if there are issues faced during the application processes. These include photographs submitted that do not meet the stated requirements.
However, ICA reassured the public that they’re “doing their best to handle the high demand” and that “their (our) officers are working longer hours during this period”.
While this means that some of us might have to put our leisure travels on hold, ICA said those who need to travel urgently can put in special requests.
To put in such requests, applicants will have to produce their supporting documents in person at the ICA building. Their applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The easing of border restrictions has understandably enticed many eager travellers to start making holiday plans.
However, it looks like we may want to hold our leisure itinerary, at least for now, while ICA’s is working flat out to handle the mounting demands.
Hopefully, Singaporeans can be patient and understanding while they wait for their newly-processed passports.
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Featured image adapted from MS News & Google Maps.
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