Forum: Digital records of past passport numbers can be retrieved on MyICA portal
We refer to Mr Victor Lim's letter 'Include all previous passport numbers in new passports' (May 6).
In 2006, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) introduced the biometric passport with enhanced security features to comply with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
This ensures that the Singapore passport remains a highly secured travel document which gives Singaporeans access to many countries without the need for a visa.
In line with the ICAO's recommendation, every passport should carry a passport number that is unique and unrepeated.
This is important for agencies to share information on lost and stolen Singaporean passports as part of the global effort to curb passport abuse.
For Singaporeans who want their previous passport number to be indicated in their new passport, ICA can include the number in the current passport. Such requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, Singaporeans who need their previous passport numbers for verification purposes overseas can access digital records of their previous passport numbers via the MyICA portal on the ICA website, under the 'MyTransaction' tab.
The list can be downloaded and printed for reference.
Mr Lim also encountered difficulties overseas while using his Apec Business Travel Card (ABTC), which still bears his old passport number.
As each ABTC is tagged to a unique passport number, card holders must renew their ABTC if they have been issued a new passport. This can be done via the MyICA portal under the category 'replacement due to change of particulars'.
Patrick Ong
Senior Assistant Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Corporate Communications and Service Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
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