Starting 30 January 2026, Singapore will tighten its no-boarding directive.
Airlines will now be required to stop travellers who do not meet the country’s entry requirements from boarding flights to Singapore.
This move ensures that only passengers with valid travel documents can enter the country, reducing last-minute complications at immigration counters.
Pre-Flight Gatekeeping Gets Tougher
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will issue notices to airlines listing passengers who are deemed ineligible or lacking valid documents.
Required documents include:
A valid visa (if applicable)
A passport with at least six months’ validity
Any other necessary travel approvals
Airlines must check that every passenger meets these requirements before boarding.
Passengers denied boarding can contact ICA directly through its official feedback channel to seek clarification or request special entry approval, which must be obtained before booking another flight.
Enhanced Oversight and Strict Consequences
The ICA will also collect passenger information in advance, allowing authorities to flag travellers for extra scrutiny.
This ensures stricter control before passengers reach Singapore, preventing complications at immigration counters.
Airlines failing to comply can face fines up to SG$10,000.
Even airline staff and pilots who knowingly allow non-compliant passengers on board can face fines up to SG$10,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
These penalties highlight the importance of strict adherence to the new rules for all aviation personnel.
What Travellers Need to Know
From 30 January 2026, travellers to Singapore must ensure that their documents are valid and complete before attempting to board.
Airlines and staff are expected to enforce these rules diligently.
Preparedness is now the key to a smooth journey to Singapore, as the new measures strengthen pre-arrival checks and overall security.
