Spotlight: Singapore to roll out new prevention measures for high-risk travellers from 2026

In our Spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments across the region. This update focuses on upcoming initiatives by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) to strengthen border controls and prevent high-risk travellers from entering the country.

Amendments to Immigration Act

Starting from 2026, ICA will issue No-Boarding Directives (NBDs) to transport operators at air checkpoints, with the rollout extending to sea checkpoints in 2028. Under the directives, operators must prevent passengers deemed to pose a health, security, or immigration risk from boarding Singapore-bound transport.

The legal basis stems from amendments to the Immigration (Amendment) Act, which took effect on 31 December 2024. Penalty of up to $10,000 will be imposed for transport operators who are non-compliant.

A similar approach was trialed in 2023 for bus operators but faced hurdles as they could not submit advance passenger details. Unlike airlines and shipping lines, no centralised system existed for retrieving such data.

Expanding Infrastructure and Capacity

ICA’s enhanced border strategy is supported by major infrastructure projects:

• Singapore Rapid Transit Link (RTS Link) – operations targeted for December 2026.

• Changi Airport Terminal 5 – expected by the mid-2030s.

• Woodlands Checkpoint expansion – planned over the next 10–15 years.

Digital Services and Automation

ICA continues to streamline its processes, with 95% of its services now being digital:

• Self-collection kiosks at the ICA Services Centre have been available since July 2025 for identity cards, passports, and other documents.

• Passport-less clearance is being introduced, replacing manual checks with biometric and iris verification.

• The Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS) at Tuas Checkpoint will allow travellers in cars, motorcycles, and cargo vehicles to clear immigration without officer-manned counters by end-2026, with expansion to Woodlands Checkpoint planned.

Rising Traveller Volume

Singapore processed 230 million travellers through its checkpoints in 2024, up from 197 million in 2015. ICA’s vision is to combine infrastructure expansion and technology-driven processes to manage growing volumes while keeping the borders secure.

For more information or assistance on the above or on other global immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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