US and Singapore Team Up for New Trusted Traveler Program
If you frequently travel to Singapore, this could be good news for you: Starting today, citizens of both the US and Singapore can apply online for a just-launched Trusted Traveler Program (TTP), which grants expedited immigration clearance at the countries' respective checkpoints. This means if you qualify for the program, you'll be able to use the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACs) in Singapore, while eligible Singapore passport holders will get Global Entry access in the US.
Before you click through to sign up ahead of an upcoming flight to Changi airport, though, note that there are a few caveats. First, if you're a US citizen you need to be an existing member of the Global Entry program — a no-brainer no matter where you travel abroad, especially considering there are several credit cards that offer a credit for the application fee. Second, to qualify for the TTP, you need to have visited Singapore at least three times within the last 12 months, and it appears that you'll have to complete an in-person interview as well. So unless you frequently travel to SIN for business, pleasure or mileage run purposes, this option might not make sense.
The other eligibility requirements for US citizens are pretty straightforward: Your passport must be valid for more than six months, and you must be at least age six.
If you're a Global Entry member who travels to Singapore on a regular basis, it could be worth looking into this program. However, this new agreement will likely benefit Singapore passport holders more, considering the insanely long immigration lines you'll find at many US airports.
Will this new Trusted Traveler Program have any impact on your travel?
