Starting in 2026, Singapore will block high-risk travellers before they even set foot in the country. New No-Boarding Directives (NBDs) will empower immigration authorities to stop people deemed a health, security, or immigration risk by instructing airlines and shipping companies not to let them board.
And if any airline ignores the No-Boarding Directives (NBDs)? They could face a fine of up to SGD 10,000. Let’s break down what’s changing and why it matters for travellers.
No-Boarding Rules Coming Soon
The No-Boarding Directives (NBDs) are a direct result of the Immigration (Amendment) Act, which came into effect on December 31, 2024. Under the updated rules:
- Airlines will be required to comply with no-boarding directives starting in 2026.
- Shipping operators must follow suit by 2028.
- Land checkpoints, like those used by buses and private vehicles crossing from Malaysia, aren’t included yet, but ICA is exploring how to expand pre-screening to those routes too.
This is about stopping trouble before it reaches the airport gate. Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is aiming to screen out unwanted travellers using predictive security checks, better data collection, and biometric profiling.