Pope Francis’ Visit To Singapore Sees Security Tightened, JB Commute May Move Slow

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If you are planning to visit Singapore between now and 14 September, be prepared for potential delays at checkpoints, as security checks for land, air, and sea entry points will be heightened.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has announced that additional security screenings will be conducted for all arriving travellers and conveyances at these checkpoints.

“Travellers should expect delays at the checkpoints due to enhanced checks and factor in additional time for immigration clearance,” the ICA stated on their official Facebook page.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Singapore as the final destination of his Asia Pacific Tour, from 11 to 13 September.

Earlier this week, during the 87-year-old Catholic leader’s visit to Indonesia, police detained seven individuals for allegedly making “terror threats” against him online.

These arrests took place in West Sumatra, Bangka Belitung provinces, and areas surrounding Jakarta, the capital.

The suspects were charged with posting threatening messages and images online, including bomb threats targeting the Pope’s public appearances in Jakarta.

While it is logical to assume that these incidents might have prompted the heightened security checks in Singapore, the ICA has not explicitly confirmed this connection.

Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Singapore has been in the works for eight years, beginning in May 2016, when then-President Tony Tan extended an invitation during his state visit to the Vatican.

Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to the Vatican, Janet Ang, has been actively working to make this visit a reality.

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