Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has strengthened border security measures across all entry points, resulting in a 38.3% increase in foreign visitor refusals in 2025, according to ICA’s latest annual report.
Rising Entry Refusals
In 2025, ICA refused entry to approximately 45,700 travelers, up from about 33,100 in 2024. Individuals were denied entry after being assessed to pose:
- Immigration risks, such as the likelihood of overstaying or seeking illegal employment
- Security risks, including potential criminal activity
ICA attributes the increase not to higher levels of attempted violations, but to more effective detection and targeting capabilities.
Why Refusals Increased
ICA’s enhanced security posture includes:
Strengthened Pre‑Arrival and On‑Site Screening
- The Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) now uses advanced passenger information and data analytics to identify high‑risk travelers before arrival.
- Officers conduct expanded profiling and investigative interviews at checkpoints, supported by redeployment from traditional counter duties enabled by automation.
Technology Enhancements
- Multi‑modal biometric checks at automated lanes detect impersonation attempts and individuals using multiple or false identities.
- Passport‑free clearance has freed officers to focus on enforcement and risk assessment.
Enforcement Highlights
- Multiple identity detections: 223 cases (slightly down from 233 in 2024).
- Forged or tampered travel documents: 37 cases, down 39.3% from 2024.
- Individuals found using false identities or previously deported are permanently barred from entry.
New Rule Effective January 30, 2026: No‑Boarding Directives (NBD)
ICA now issues No‑Boarding Directives (NBD) to airlines, preventing high‑risk travelers from boarding flights to Singapore before they reach the checkpoint—shifting enforcement upstream. Airlines may be required to verify:
- Valid visa, if applicable
- Passport validity of at least six months
- Accurate and complete SG Arrival Card submission
This measure is consistent with Singapore’s ongoing strategy to intercept inadmissible travelers as early as possible.
What This Means for Employers and Travelers
Businesses should expect stricter pre‑arrival vetting, particularly for business visitors, short‑term assignees, and candidates entering Singapore for interviews or work‑authorization processing.
Higher‑risk situations include:
- Prior overstays or deportations
- Inconsistent travel history or unclear purpose of visit
- Missing or unverifiable supporting documents
- Short‑validity passports
- Errors or omissions in SG Arrival Card submissions
Recommended Actions
EIG recommends that employers and travelers:
- Ensure passport validity of at least six months
- Confirm visa eligibility before booking travel
- Avoid carrying informal or unverifiable employment documents
- Align travel purpose with activities declared at entry
- Verify SG Arrival Card accuracy before departure
Importantly, entry into Singapore is always discretionary, even when a visa is not required and boarding is permitted.
Erickson Immigration Group strongly advises pre‑travel screening for all business travelers and foreign nationals entering Singapore for meetings, training, interviews, or work‑pass processing.