Singapore's entry ban on "Unwelcome" passengers during boarding takes effect on 30 January 2026

Direct translation

Singapore's entry ban is about to take effect! "Unwelcome" passengers will be refused boarding and banned before even reaching their destination

Image : RFP / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/5316926

To strengthen border control, Singapore implemented a "no-carry order" at Changi Airport starting 30 January 2026. Passengers who do not meet entry requirements or are considered high-risk are stopped before departure, preventing them from boarding and entering the country at the source to enhance national security.

According to foreign media reports, previously Singapore typically checked passengers at checkpoints upon arrival. The new system moves this process forward to before boarding. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issues "no-carry orders" to airlines based on passenger information before flight departure, requiring airlines to refuse boarding to specific individuals.

The ICA stated that anyone without a valid visa or travel document (with at least six months validity), listed as prohibited from entry or considered "unwelcome," or otherwise ineligible for entry may be placed on the no-carry list. Previously, these passengers were often deported upon arrival; now they will be stopped directly at their point of departure.

Singapore currently requires all travelers to complete an electronic arrival card within three days prior to arrival. The ICA (Independent Commission Against Corruption) will screen passengers based on the arrival card information and the passenger lists provided by the airlines. If any ineligible passengers are found, the airline will be immediately notified to implement the no-boarding measure.

To ensure the implementation of the no-boarding order, airlines also bear legal responsibility. Failure to allow prohibited passengers to board as instructed constitutes a "strict liability offence," which carries a maximum penalty of S$10,000 (approximately NT$246,000). If the captain or crew member negligently allows a problematic passenger to board, they may also face up to six months imprisonment or a fine.