Travel Checks Tighten in Singapore: Passengers denied boarding can appeal directly to ICA, but they must receive written clearance before booking another flight
Indian travellers flying to Singapore are now facing stricter checks even before they board their flights. From 30 January, Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has activated a new system called the No-Boarding Directive (NBD), shifting key entry checks to departure airports, including those in India.
Under this arrangement, airlines must share passenger details in advance through the Advance Passenger Information system and the SG Arrival Card. If these details show problems such as visa issues, insufficient passport validity, or security concerns, ICA can instruct airlines not to allow the passenger to board. Airline staff are required to follow these directives strictly, or they risk penalties.
Previously, many such issues were detected only after travellers landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This often led to long waits at immigration, secondary questioning, or even deportation at the traveller’s expense.
By moving checks upstream, Singapore aims to reduce congestion at its immigration counters and avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival
However, the new process also means that travellers face a higher risk of being stopped at the airport in India. Singapore is India’s second-largest short-haul business destination after Dubai, making the change especially important for frequent business flyers. Travel managers and employers are now advising staff to double-check that their SG Arrival Card is correctly submitted and that passports are valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
Airlines have warned that last-minute denials could increase during the upcoming school holiday season. In response, many carriers are strengthening check-in desk staffing and placing clearer advisories at airports to help travellers avoid disruption.
