Why did entry refusals rise by 38.3% in 2025?

ICA expanded risk-based screening and analytics, which helped spot more mismatches and inadmissible cases. At the same time, travel demand stayed strong, with record checkpoint volumes. The combination means more cases were identified, not that travel slowed. Policy aims to protect Singapore while keeping lanes moving.

How will no-boarding directives affect airlines from Jan 30, 2026?

Airlines must verify passenger clearance status before departure and stop flagged travellers from boarding. This needs real-time system links, trained staff, and new standard operating procedures. Expect higher compliance costs and tighter cut-off times, with more coordination between carriers, ground handlers, and ICA to avoid delays.

What is QR code clearance and how does it help travellers?

QR code clearance links a traveller’s profile to verified pre-arrival data for faster automated checks. Paired with passport-less lanes and biometrics, it reduces document handling and errors. The result is quicker, more consistent processing, especially at land checkpoints where volumes are highest during peak Johor travel periods.

What should investors watch after the ICA checkpoints 2025 update?

Track refusal counts, throughput per lane, and adoption of passport-less and QR code clearance. Watch reported no-boarding enforcement and any operational delays. Companies that integrate data systems well, secure uptime, and maintain low error rates should benefit as Singapore border security and travel flows both intensify.

Law and Government

February 24: Singapore Tightens Borders as 2025 Entry Refusals Jump 38%

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Foreigners refused entry singa jumped 38.3% to 45,700 in 2025 as Singapore tightened border security and scaled data-led screening. ICA also handled a record 245 million travellers across land, sea, and air checkpoints, driven by strong Johor cross-border trips. For investors, this mix matters: tighter checks lift compliance and processing costs, while resilient traffic underpins transport, retail, and border-tech demand. With QR code clearance and passport-less lanes expanding, and new airline no-boarding rules set for Jan 30, 2026, we map the risks and opportunities.