Singapore will introduce a new No-Boarding Directive (NBD) starting January 30 next year, preventing airlines from allowing individuals who are deemed undesirable or who do not meet entry requirements to board flights bound for the republic.
According to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the measure aims to bolster border security by stopping potential threats before they arrive in the country. The directive will be based on advance traveller data, including SG Arrival Card submissions and flight manifests, and notices will be issued to airline operators at Changi and Seletar airports.
Travellers may be subject to the NBD if they pose security risks, lack a valid visa, or hold a travel document with less than six months’ validity.
Airlines that fail to comply risk facing penalties of up to S$10,000 (approximately RM41,300), while pilots and employees could face up to six months’ imprisonment.
Those denied boarding must submit an appeal to the ICA through its feedback channel and obtain approval before making new travel arrangements to Singapore.
The directive, approved as part of broader border control measures under Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023, will also be extended to sea-going vessels starting in 2028.
