Singapore Set to Launch Pre-Arrival Screening System to Block High-Risk

Singapore is taking a bold step in tightening its border security with the introduction of a new immigration policy called the No-Boarding Directives (NBDs). This move, which will officially kick off in 2026, is aimed at stopping travellers considered high-risk—whether for security, health, or immigration reasons, from even boarding a flight or ship bound for the country.

The new directive empowers immigration authorities to notify airlines and shipping companies in advance, instructing them to deny boarding to flagged passengers. It’s a major shift in how immigration control is enforced, shifting much of the responsibility upstream, before a person even reaches the country’s borders.

This is part of a broader strategy by Singapore to bolster its national security framework and modernize immigration processes. The NBD system will work alongside enhanced biometric screening and digital pre-clearance systems already being rolled out at airports and seaports. Together, these tools form a growing web of digital surveillance and automation meant to secure the country against both emerging threats and old ones.

The decision follows the passage of the Immigration (Amendment) Act, which came into effect on December 31, 2024. Airlines will begin enforcing these directives from 2026, while shipping companies have until 2028 to fully comply. For now, the new system won’t be applied to land border crossings, such as those used by buses and cars entering from Malaysia. However, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is actively exploring ways to expand screening protocols to cover these land routes in the future.

The government has made it clear that the main goal of this initiative is to protect the country without creating unnecessary burdens for legitimate travellers. Officials believe that identifying and intercepting threats before they enter Singapore is more effective than dealing with them after arrival.

According to ICA, the agency recorded a sharp rise in denied entries in the first half of 2025up by 43 percent compared to the same period in 2024. While exact figures weren’t disclosed, most of these cases are believed to involve individuals with prior criminal convictions, those flagged for public health concerns, or people linked to extremist networks or organized crime.,

The ICA emphasizes that this isn’t about turning Singapore into a fortress or keeping out tourists and business visitors. Rather, it’s about using modern tools to pinpoint specific risks and prevent potential threats from ever making it onto Singaporean soil.

Part of what makes this shift necessary is the sheer volume of people entering the country. In 2024 alone, Singapore processed 230 million arrivals through its air, sea, and land checkpoints. That’s a substantial increase from 197 million in 2015, and the numbers are only expected to rise further as major transportation projects near completion.

Three massive infrastructure developments are underway that will significantly increase cross-border movement. First is the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), which is scheduled to begin operations by December 2026. Then there’s the much-anticipated Terminal 5 at Changi Airport, slated for completion sometime in the mid-2030s. Lastly, Singapore is working on a long-term expansion of the Woodlands Checkpoint, which could take up to 15 years to fully realize.

With all of these projects set to expand Singapore’s connectivity, the ICA recognizes that ramping up manpower alone won’t be enough to meet future demands. That’s why the government is leaning heavily into technology—specifically automation and biometric systems, to streamline the process and make it more efficient.

One of the most significant advancements already in place is the passport-free immigration system. Under the ICA’s New Clearance Concept, which began rolling out in 2019 and has since been fully implemented, travellers now clear immigration using biometric identification such as facial or iris scans. This applies to all nationalities and is available at both air and sea checkpoints. On land, clearance is handled through QR codes for now, though full biometric processing is expected to be introduced soon.

As of June 30, 2025, more than 93 million people had cleared immigration in Singapore without presenting a physical passport. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how borders are managed, reducing human error while speeding up the overall process.

However, one area that still requires attention is the land crossings from Malaysia. Many travellers continue to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru and make their way into Singapore by car, bus, or taxi. These routes have not seen the same level of pre-screening as air travel, primarily because land transport operators aren’t required to submit passenger data in advance. This gap in the system presents a challenge, particularly given the sheer volume of daily cross-border traffic.

Recognizing the risk, the ICA has confirmed that it’s working on extending No-Boarding-style checks to these land routes. While this transition will take time and require coordination with regional partners, travellers should expect to see more data collection and advanced monitoring being introduced on road-based entries in the near future.

Singapore’s approach to border management reflects its broader philosophy of using technology to solve complex problems. Instead of reacting to threats after they occur, the country is moving toward a preventive model—one that combines smart data analysis, international cooperation, and digital surveillance to keep its borders secure.

At a time when global travel is becoming increasingly complex, Singapore’s No-Boarding Directives stand out as a forward-thinking strategy. By identifying and stopping risky individuals before they even set foot on a plane or ship, the country is not just protecting its own people but setting a new standard for proactive border security.

For everyday travellers, the changes may not be obvious right away, but they will become more apparent over time—faster lanes at immigration counters, fewer manual checks, and more seamless entry experiences. Behind the scenes, though, a sophisticated web of data and technology will be hard at work, quietly safeguarding Singapore’s borders, one traveller at a time.