ANNEX

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1:     Where can I obtain the BioPass application form?

A1:      The new BioPass application forms will be made available at ICA's website http://www.ica.gov.sg, Neighbourhood Police Posts and Community Clubs from 9 August 2006. You can also call 6738 3352 for a form to be mailed to you.

Q2:     What would I need to do to apply for a BioPass? What is the application procedure?

A2:      Singapore Citizens may choose to apply for a BioPass via any one of 4 available modes. They are:

            (a) Application in person over our Passport application counters (from 15 August 2006 onwards);

            (b) Application by post;

            (c) Application by deposit box;

            (d) Application online via APPLES (from 10 August 2006 onwards).

If you are applying in person over our application counters, the documents required are:

v     your original NRIC,

v     current passport for invalidation (for existing passport holders) and

v     passport fee of S$80.

Applicants below the age of 16 must also come in person and be accompanied by the consenting parent / legal guardian, and bring along:

v     the original birth certificate,

v     parent/guardian's original NRIC,

v     Citizenship Certificate (if applicant is a citizen by registration and has not been issued with an NRIC,

v     MOE Student Card (if applicant is between 7 and 15 years old and is studying in Singapore).

If you are applying via the other modes, an acknowledgement card detailing the date of collection and documents to produce would be mailed to your address and you would be required to come personally for the collection of your passport. Documents required are:

v     the original NRIC and

v     current passport for invalidation.

v     Applicants below the age of 16 must be accompanied by the consenting parent / legal guardian, bringing along the original birth certificate, parent/guardian's original NRIC, Citizenship Certificate (if applicant is a citizen by registration and has not been issued with an NRIC), MOE Student Card (if applicant is between 7 and 15 years old and is studying in Singapore).

Q3:     How can BioPass holders take care of their passports?

A3:      All passports should be accorded proper respect and care. As the BioPass contains a chip and antenna embedded in the data page, BioPass holders are advised to treat the BioPass like any portable electronic device i.e. by ensuring that it does not become wet, bent or mutilated.

Q4: Will there be any changes to the policy of transferring the "unused validity" when I renew my passport for the BioPass?

A4: Passport holders who renew their passports with more than 9 months validity in their existing passport, will get a BioPass with a validity period of 5 years and 9 months. For passport holders who renew their passports with 9 months or less in their existing passport, the current policy of transferring the "unused validity" will remain unchanged.