The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore will soon implement a new policy to prevent high-risk or undesirable travelers from boarding Singapore-bound flights and ships, as part of its enhanced border security strategy.
Under the new No-Boarding Directive (NBD) system, ICA will instruct transport operators to deny boarding to individuals deemed to pose a health, security, or immigration risk to Singapore. This initiative is scheduled to begin at air checkpoints in 2026, followed by sea checkpoints in 2028.
Key Highlights of the No-Boarding Directive Policy
- Effective Timeline:
- Air checkpoints: 2026
- Sea checkpoints: 2028
- Scope: Applies to foreign travelers identified as high-risk due to prior criminal convictions, public health concerns, or immigration violations.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Transport operators who fail to comply with an NBD may face fines of up to SGD 10,000.
This policy follows the Immigration (Amendment) Act, which came into force on December 31, 2024, and reflects ICA’s ongoing efforts to pre-screen travelers before arrival using advanced profiling and detection technologies.
ICA’s Broader Border Security Enhancements
Singapore has seen a 43% increase in the number of foreigners refused entry in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This uptick is attributed to ICA’s improved ability to identify high-risk individuals before they reach the country.
To manage growing traveler volumes – expected to rise with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (operational by December 2026), Changi Airport Terminal 5 (mid-2030s), and the Woodlands Checkpoint expansion – ICA is investing heavily in automation and digital transformation.
Passport-Free Immigration Clearance
ICA has successfully implemented passport-less immigration clearance at air and sea checkpoints, using facial and iris biometrics, and QR code scanning at land checkpoints. As of June 30, 2025, over 93 million travelers have cleared immigration without presenting a physical passport.
Upcoming Innovations
- Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS): Launching at Tuas Checkpoint by end-2026, APCS will allow clearance for cars, motorcycles, and cargo vehicles without officer interaction.
Woodlands Checkpoint will follow at a later date. - ICA Services Centre (ISC): Opened in April 2025, the ISC features self-collection kiosks for passports and identity cards, supported by a robotic document management system.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
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