Chinese influencer alleges detention, fee at Changi Airport; ICA says entry into Singapore is not automatic

SINGAPORE: A Chinese social media influencer has alleged that she was detained for two days at Singapore’s airport and asked to pay more than S$500 before being deported, prompting a public response from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

In videos uploaded on 2 February 2026, and 4 February 2026, to Douyin, the woman, who uses the handle “Chen Xixi”, claimed she was denied entry upon arrival and treated “without dignity”.

According to local media reports, ICA confirmed it was aware of the videos posted by the traveller, identified as Chen Wenshi, regarding her refusal of entry into Singapore in January, 2026.

Chen said she was visiting Singapore for the first time to stay with her sister, who works locally as a teacher, before travelling onward to Malaysia.

In a nearly nine-minute video, she claimed she was stopped at immigration and taken to a separate room for questioning about her travel plans.

She alleged that officers requested access to her mobile phone, including her messages and bank details, before escorting her to a waiting area where her fingerprints and headshots were taken.

Chen further claimed she was transferred to a detention facility without explanation, where her luggage and mobile phone were confiscated.

She said she was asked to sign a letter written in English agreeing to surrender her phone, adding that she did not fully understand the language but complied out of fear of deportation.

According to Chen, she was housed in what she described as a “small dark room” for two days.

She claimed she was unable to shower, struggled to sleep, and observed what she perceived as unequal treatment in meal distribution.

Chen also alleged that officers later requested about S$500 as a “security fee” before escorting her onto a return flight to China, and that no receipt was issued.

She said she ultimately boarded the plane after stating that she did not have money with her, and maintained in her video that she had done nothing wrong.

ICA’s response

In response, ICA stated that Chen arrived in Singapore on 31 January 2026, and was referred for further checks, including an interview and inspection of her belongings.

The authority described such procedures as routine for travellers undergoing additional screening and said the interview was conducted in Mandarin, a language Chen understood.

According to ICA, Chen was unable to clearly explain her travel itinerary and did not possess a return or onward ticket.

When asked about visiting her sister, she allegedly gave inconsistent answers.

ICA added that checks on her mobile phone revealed messages indicating she had received guidance on how to respond to potential immigration queries.

The authority said she was subsequently denied entry and placed in a designated holding area pending her return flight on 1 February, 2026.

Conditions and fee denial

ICA stated that meals were provided, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options identical to those served to other travellers.

It added that shower facilities were available in the holding area.

The authority firmly denied collecting any fees from travellers refused entry.

“A foreigner’s entry into Singapore is neither a right nor automatic,” ICA said.

“Each visitor’s entry is considered on its own merits.”

ICA reiterated that visitors must meet entry requirements and may be subject to interviews and additional checks before permission to enter is granted.

Police investigation

Separately, the police confirmed they had received a report regarding unauthorised photography and videography at protected premises linked to immigration facilities.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police reminded the public that photography and recording are prohibited in protected areas.