Foreign Visitor Refusals at Singapore’s Checkpoints Rise 38.3% in 2025: ICA

SINGAPORE: The number of foreign visitors refused entry into Singapore rose sharply in 2025, increasing 38.3 per cent compared to the previous year, according to the latest annual report by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

About 45,700 foreign visitors were denied entry in 2025, up from approximately 33,100 in 2024.

Authorities said those refused were assessed to pose either immigration risks - such as potentially overstaying or working illegally - or security risks, including possible criminal activity.

Stronger Border Screening Measures

ICA attributed the rise to enhanced border control systems, particularly through its Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC), which uses advance passenger information and data analytics to flag high-risk travellers, vehicles and cargo.

The expansion of passport-free automated clearance lanes at major checkpoints has allowed immigration officers to shift from manual counter duties to more complex functions such as:

• Profiling

• Investigative interviewing

• Enhanced traveller screening

These upgraded systems resulted in more travellers being referred for detailed checks and subsequently refused entry.

Forged Documents and Multiple Identities Detected

ICA highlighted several cases uncovered through enhanced checks.

In December, two Indian nationals arriving at Changi Airport were found carrying forged Ministry of Manpower approval letters.

In another case, a 30-year-old Thai national arriving at Tuas Checkpoint was flagged for additional screening. Authorities discovered he had previously entered Singapore under a different identity and had been convicted for providing sexual services for monetary gain before being deported in 2016.

He was refused entry and permanently barred.

Cases involving travellers using multiple identities remained relatively stable, with 223 detected in 2025 compared to 233 in 2024 - a 4.3 per cent drop.

Automated lanes equipped with multi-modal biometric systems continue to identify impersonation attempts and false identities.

Fewer Forged Documents Detected

Interestingly, forged or tampered travel documents detected on arrival fell significantly.

• 61 cases in 2024

• 37 cases in 2025

• A 39.3 per cent decrease

Officials said improved data screening likely prevented some high-risk individuals from even boarding flights.

No-Boarding Directives Introduced

From Jan 30, ICA began issuing no-boarding directives to airlines operating at Changi and Seletar airports.

Passengers who fail to meet entry requirements - such as valid visas or travel documents with at least six months’ validity - may be stopped before departure.

Airlines may also be required to verify:

• Visa authenticity

• SG Arrival Card submissions

• Supporting travel documentation

Inland Enforcement Remains Stable

Beyond checkpoints, ICA conducts inland enforcement operations, sometimes in coordination with other agencies.

In 2025:

• 538 immigration offenders were arrested (up slightly from 536 in 2024)

• Illegal immigrant arrests fell 11.4 per cent

• Overstayer arrests rose 1.9 per cent

• Harbourers and employers arrested dropped 28.8 per cent to 277

Many harbourers either had personal relationships with offenders or failed to verify immigration status beyond the initial tenancy period.

Employers cited reasons such as overlooking work pass renewals or failing to track employee status updates.

Marriage-of-Convenience Cases Fall

Arrests linked to marriage-of-convenience offences declined sharply, falling 63.4 per cent from 41 cases in 2024 to 15 cases in 2025.

ICA reiterated that it will continue firm enforcement against individuals and intermediaries involved in such arrangements.

Public Advisory

Authorities reminded homeowners and employers to exercise due diligence by verifying immigration status regularly, not just at the start of employment or tenancy.

“It is a serious offence to harbour or employ immigration offenders,” ICA said, adding that the public must not provide shelter or financial support to illegal immigrants.