Every five years, we put up with the dreaded process of getting our passport renewed. The confusing website has us straining our eyes. The waiting list somehow looks longer than the Hello Kitty plush toy queue at McDonald’s.
The lack of seats make us wish that we’d brought a folding chair along. And if you have a long fringe, you’d remember the filthy hair clips and intimidating water spray supplied at the photo booth. Yikes.
Yesterday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) launched a new app called eAPPT@ICA for users to book and change appointments ‘while on the move’. Admittedly, it won’t eliminate the problems mentioned above, but one thing’s for sure, it’ll make the prearrangement process a breeze.
Here’s a look at the app:
eAPPT@ICA: Clean and fuss-free
According to Google Play, here’s what the app can do:
- Book appointments with all 3 Services Centres of ICA.
- View existing appointments made with ICA at ‘My Appointment’ tab.
- Locate SingPost outlets for alternate site collection of selected ICA documents and passes.
- Links to other Home Team Departments’ homepage.
eAPPT@ICA app > ICA website
One important thing to note is that some of the services may require users to log in with their SingPass ID before arranging an appointment.
So far, reviews for eAPPT@ICA has been positive. Users have awarded five-stars for the app; one user even praised its clean and simple user interface, citing “convenient and useful”.
I have a couple of years left on my passport, so I won’t be booking any appointment on the app anytime soon. All I know is, I no longer plan on using the e-services on the ICA website. Because, honestly, the app rules.
You can download the free app on Google Play and iTunes.
