Singapore to introduce 'no boarding rule' for high-risk travellers from January 2026

Singapore will enforce a tougher no-boarding directive from January 30, 2026, requiring airlines to stop travellers who do not meet the country’s entry rules from boarding flights. According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), notices will be issued to Singapore-bound flights listing travellers deemed undesirable or those lacking valid documents, including a visa or a travel document with at least six months’ validity.

Under the directive, airlines must prevent these travellers from boarding. Individuals who are denied boarding can request entry approval by writing to the ICA through its feedback channel before booking a new flight to Singapore.

The ICA will also receive passenger information from airlines and may identify certain travellers for more stringent checks, signalling tighter pre-arrival scrutiny.


Airlines that fail to comply with the instructions can face fines of up to SG $10,000. Pilots and airline staff may also face fines of up to SG $10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, if they ignore the rules.