Beginning in 2026, Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will roll out a No‑Boarding Directive (NBD). This policy instructs transport operators to deny boarding to travelers deemed high-risk or otherwise undesirable, even before they arrive at immigration checkpoints. ICA has confirmed that this move builds on its broader strategy to enhance border security and preemptively screen inbound passengers.

How Singapore’s No Boarding Directive Will Work

Image courtesy of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Government of Singapore.

ICA’s NBD will integrate with the existing Advance Passenger Information (API) process via SITA. Airlines and operators will submit API data before departure and receive one of two responses:

• OK to Board — passenger cleared for boarding

• Do Not Board — passenger must be offloaded and prevented from traveling

This follows the same approach used by the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. ICA’s move is part of its broader transformation efforts, which include New Clearance Concepts (NCC), automated and passport-less immigration systems, and advanced risk profiling to reduce inadmissibility cases in-flight. ICA

Failing to comply can result in fines of SGD 2,000 per violation.

Action Items for Operators

• Ensure full clearance before departure: Flights departing for Singapore must have all passengers and crew cleared. Anyone marked Do Not Board should not be allowed to travel.
• Supply accurate passport details: Especially for travelers with multiple nationalities, provide passport information exactly as intended for Singapore entry and exit to avoid confusion or delays.
• Support verification as needed: ICA may request additional documentation or confirmation (e.g., SG Arrival Card completion). Universal Aviation Singapore will reach out if further checks are required.

Why It Matters

According to ICA its modernization at checkpoints—including passport-less and QR-based clearance, automation, and biometric systems—has significantly improved security and efficiency. In the first half of 2025, entry refusals increased by 43%, and contraband detection rose by 28%, thanks to new profiling and detection capabilities.

The NBD is the next step in extending these capabilities upstream—ensuring individuals who pose risks are stopped before boarding, not after landing.

What to Watch For

• Anticipated air implementation: Early 2026 (ICA has not announced an exact date)

• Operators required to confirm clearance before boarding

• Ongoing updates from Universal Aviation Singapore as ICA publishes guidelines

Summary Table

We will continue tracking ICA’s rollout closely and provide updates as soon as formal implementation details are released.

For questions or assistance on operations related to this, reach out to Universal’s Global Regulatory Consult team directly.