Singapore Rejects 45,700 Foreign Tourists, Border Checks Intensify

The number of foreign tourists denied entry into Singapore has surged in 2025. Stricter border control policies have led to tens of thousands of prospective tourists being turned away from the city-state. According to VnExpress International, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) rejected approximately 45,700 foreign tourists throughout 2025. The report states that the rejected travellers were deemed to pose potential immigration or security risks. Some were suspected of intending to overstay their visas, work illegally, or engage in unlawful activities. Local authorities utilise data analysis and risk assessment systems to identify potentially risky visitors before their arrival. Furthermore, Singapore has implemented automated passport-free entry systems at several major entry points. This measure is intended to maintain the national security standards that have long been a key strength of Singapore as an international destination. Although the number of rejections has increased, the flow of travellers to Singapore also shows an upward trend, indicating high levels of mobility in and out of the country. This surge in travel requires authorities to balance facilitating smooth tourist flows with strict monitoring for potential violations. With increasingly stringent inspection policies, tourists planning to visit Singapore are advised to ensure that all travel documents are complete and comply with applicable regulations. This policy serves as a reminder that while Singapore is known for being tourist-friendly and having world-class infrastructure, the entry selection process remains strict to maintain national security and order.