Singapore increases checkpoint security ahead of pope visit

By Reuters September 9, 2024 | 04:12 pm PT

Pope Francis is welcomed upon his arrival at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, during his apostolic visit to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Sept. 9, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Singapore will enhance security at its land, air and sea checkpoints this week due to an unspecified "heightened security situation in the region", its immigration authority said, warning of delays and additional clearance time.

The beefing-up of security will coincide with a visit by Pope Francis to the city-state from Wednesday to Friday, during which a papal mass will be held for 50,000 attendees.

The immigrations authority in its message, posted on social media late on Sunday, did not mention the pope's visit or elaborate on the security situation.

It did not immediately respond to a request for comment.