February 25, 2026 | 08:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Around 45,700 foreign travelers, or roughly 38.3 percent of potential visitors, were refused entry to Singapore in 2025. This figure represents an increase from the previous year’s total of approximately 33,100, according to the annual report released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
As reported by CNA, the rise in the number of denied international visitors coincides with more stringent border security measures implemented by the ICA. Foreign nationals refused entry are deemed to pose immigration risks, such as the potential for overstaying visas or engaging in illegal labor, or security threats involving potential criminal activity.
Last year, Singapore’s Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) utilized advanced information and data analytics to identify high-risk travelers, vehicles, and cargo for rigorous inspection upon arrival at checkpoints. The implementation of passport-free clearances at major checkpoints also relieved immigration officers of manual counter duties. These officers were redirected to higher-value functions, including profiling and investigative interviews. Consequently, a greater number of foreign tourists were subjected to secondary inspections in 2025, according to the ICA.
The ICA uncovered numerous immigration violations during these enhanced inspections. In December last year, two Indian nationals arriving at Changi Airport were found carrying forged approval letters purportedly from the Ministry of Manpower.
In a separate incident, a 30-year-old Thai man arriving at the Tuas Checkpoint in October was flagged by the ITC for a secondary search. Investigations revealed that he had previously entered Singapore under a different alias and had been convicted under that name for providing sexual services for financial gain. He was deported from Singapore in 2016. Due to his use of multiple identities, the man was denied entry and handed a permanent ban from the country.
The ICA stated that automated lanes at checkpoints are now equipped with multi-modal biometric screening systems capable of detecting travelers attempting to impersonate others or use false identities. "These include suspected individuals who have previously committed crimes in Singapore and are attempting to re-enter the country under different personas," the agency noted.
Renowned for its low crime rate and rigorous public safety standards, Singapore continues to be a popular destination for international tourists.
Read: Passengers Could Be Fined for Playing Music Too Loud on Flights
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