Singapore Arrival Card — Application form
Diverse international travellers with passports at Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Arrival Card for Foreigners 2026

Every foreigner entering Singapore must complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) — free, online, submitted up to 72 hours before arrival. This guide covers all nationalities and traveller types.

Complete SGAC Guide Check Requirements
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🔑 Key Takeaway for Foreign Nationals

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All nationalities — visa-free entry does not remove the SGAC requirement
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Every entry — submit a new SGAC each time you enter Singapore
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One per person — each traveller including infants needs their own SGAC
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Not a visa — visa-required nationalities need both a visa and the SGAC

Submit free at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or via the MyICA app — up to 72 hours before arrival.

Who Needs the Singapore Arrival Card? (Foreigners vs Citizens vs PRs)

Every foreigner — regardless of nationality — must complete the Singapore Arrival Card before entering Singapore; only Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are exempt.

The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory immigration declaration required by the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) for all non-citizens and non-Permanent Residents entering Singapore. It replaced the old paper disembarkation card and is now submitted entirely online — at no cost — before you travel.

The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted for every entry into Singapore — it is not a one-time registration. Even if you hold a valid work pass or long-term pass, you must complete a new SGAC each time you enter the country.

Important: No nationality is exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card. Being from a visa-exempt country does not remove the SGAC requirement — these are two separate obligations.
Traveller Category SGAC Required?
Tourist (short-term visitor)✅ Yes
Business traveller✅ Yes
Student / Student Pass holder✅ Yes
Work Pass holder (EP, S Pass, WP)✅ Yes
Long-Term Pass holder✅ Yes
Dependant's Pass holder✅ Yes
Transit passenger (landside)✅ Yes
Cruise passenger✅ Yes
Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)❌ No
Singapore Citizen❌ No
Airside transit (not clearing immigration)❌ Generally exempt

Who Is Exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card?

Only three groups are exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card requirement:

🇸🇬 Singapore Citizens

Exempt regardless of where they reside or which passport they travel on.

🏠 Permanent Residents

PRs use a Re-Entry Permit (REP) instead of SGAC. If the REP has expired, a different process applies.

✈️ Airside Transit

Travellers remaining in the transit area without clearing Singapore immigration are generally not required to submit an SGAC.

Singapore Arrival Card by Nationality — Country Matrix Table

The Singapore Arrival Card is required for all nationalities without exception, though visa requirements vary by country — SGAC and visa are separate obligations.

A common misconception is that travellers from visa-exempt countries do not need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card. This is incorrect. The SGAC is an entry declaration — it applies to all foreigners, whether or not they need a visa to enter Singapore.

Nationality SGAC Required Visa Required Visa-Free Stay Entry Notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇺🇸 United States ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇮🇳 India ✅ Yes ✅ Yes* N/A Visa required; e-visa available; SGAC also required
🇦🇺 Australia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇲🇾 Malaysia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Special arrangement; SGAC still required
🇨🇳 China ✅ Yes ✅ Yes* N/A Visa required (some exceptions apply); SGAC required
🇵🇭 Philippines ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇮🇩 Indonesia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇯🇵 Japan ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory
🇰🇷 South Korea ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free; SGAC mandatory

*Visa requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Singapore ICA or your nearest Singapore embassy before travel.

Country-Specific Notes

🇬🇧 UK Citizens: British passport holders enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days per visit. The Singapore Arrival Card is still mandatory and must be submitted before arrival. UK citizens on longer stays or working in Singapore need appropriate passes.
🇺🇸 US Citizens: American passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The SGAC is required on every entry. US citizens working in Singapore must hold a valid Employment Pass (EP) or other work authorisation in addition to completing the SGAC.
🇮🇳 Indian Citizens: Indian passport holders generally require a visa to enter Singapore. An e-visa (Electronic Visit Visa) is available for eligible applicants. Crucially, the Singapore Arrival Card is a separate requirement — Indian travellers must complete both the visa application and the SGAC.
🇦🇺 Australian Citizens: Australian passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The SGAC is mandatory regardless of visa-free status. Australians on work assignments need an Employment Pass.
🇲🇾 Malaysian Citizens: Malaysian citizens have a special bilateral arrangement with Singapore and can enter visa-free. However, Malaysian citizens are not exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card — this is a common misconception. All Malaysian nationals entering Singapore must complete the SGAC.
🇨🇳 Chinese Citizens: Most Chinese passport holders require a visa to enter Singapore, though certain categories (e.g., holders of valid US/UK/Schengen visas) may qualify for visa-free entry under specific schemes. Regardless of visa status, the Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory for all Chinese nationals.
🇵🇭 Filipino Citizens: Philippine passport holders enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. The SGAC is required on every entry. Filipinos working in Singapore hold various work passes and must still complete the SGAC on each re-entry.
🇮🇩 Indonesian Citizens: Indonesian passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory. Indonesian nationals are one of the largest groups of foreign workers in Singapore; work pass holders must complete the SGAC on every entry.
🇯🇵 Japanese Citizens: Japanese passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The SGAC is required. Japan and Singapore have strong bilateral ties; Japanese business travellers are frequent visitors and must complete the SGAC on each trip.
🇰🇷 South Korean Citizens: South Korean passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory on every entry. Korean nationals on long-term passes must also complete the SGAC each time they re-enter Singapore.

Singapore Arrival Card by Traveller Type

Whether you're a tourist, business traveller, student, or transit passenger, the Singapore Arrival Card applies to your entry — with minor differences in timing and supporting documents.

Tourists are the most common SGAC applicants. As a short-term visitor, you must:

  • Submit the Singapore Arrival Card up to 3 days before arrival
  • Provide your accommodation address in Singapore (hotel, Airbnb, or host's address)
  • Complete the integrated Electronic Health Declaration (EHD)
  • Present your QR code or reference number at the immigration checkpoint

Upon arrival, eligible tourists receive a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) — typically 30 days for most nationalities. The SGAC does not grant entry rights; it is a declaration that facilitates immigration clearance.

Singapore Arrival Card for Families, Children, and Infants

Each family member — including infants — needs a separate Singapore Arrival Card; parents or guardians complete the form on behalf of children who cannot do so themselves.

Family travel to Singapore requires careful attention to SGAC requirements. There is no family or group submission option — every individual traveller, regardless of age, needs their own Singapore Arrival Card.

Filling SGAC for Minors and Infants

Parents or guardians are responsible for completing the Singapore Arrival Card on behalf of children who cannot complete it themselves:

  • No age minimum: Even newborns and infants require a separate SGAC
  • Information needed: Child's passport details, date of birth, nationality, and accommodation address in Singapore
  • Who fills it: Parent or legal guardian completes the form using the child's passport information
  • Submission timing: Same as adults — up to 3 days before arrival
  • Confirmation: Each child receives their own QR code / reference number

For families with multiple children, each child needs a separate SGAC submission. Allow extra time when travelling with young children to ensure all forms are completed correctly.

Family with children at Singapore airport preparing Singapore Arrival Card

Group Travel — One Form Per Person

Whether travelling as a family, tour group, or corporate team, the Singapore Arrival Card rule is clear: one form per person, no exceptions.

  • Tour groups: Each group member submits their own SGAC individually
  • Corporate travel: Each employee submits their own SGAC
  • Family travel: Each family member (including children and infants) has a separate SGAC
  • Tip: Submit all forms at the same time to ensure consistent arrival date information across the group
There is no group discount or group submission portal — the SGAC is always an individual process.

Ready to Submit Your Singapore Arrival Card?

Free, takes 5 minutes, valid for your specific arrival date. Use only the official ICA portal.

Step-by-Step Guide → Check Requirements →

How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card

The SGAC is submitted free of charge at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or via the MyICA mobile app, up to 3 days before arrival. The process takes approximately 5 minutes: enter your passport details, travel information, accommodation address, and complete the health declaration — then submit to receive your QR code by email.

Full Step-by-Step Guide with Screenshots →

Important: SGAC Is Not a Visa — Key Differences

The Singapore Arrival Card is not a visa — it is a mandatory entry declaration separate from any visa requirement; travellers who need a visa must obtain it independently.

Many travellers confuse the Singapore Arrival Card with a visa. These are two entirely different requirements:

Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) Singapore Visa
Who needs it All foreigners Only certain nationalities
Purpose Entry declaration Permission to enter
Cost Free Varies (SGD 30–150+)
Where to apply ICA website / MyICA app Singapore embassy / ICA
When to apply Up to 3 days before arrival Weeks before travel
Grants entry rights No Yes (if required)

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Singapore, you must obtain the visa in addition to completing the SGAC — one does not replace the other. Travellers from visa-exempt countries still need the SGAC, even though they don't need a visa.

FAQs — Nationality-Specific Questions

The most unique questions about the Singapore Arrival Card for specific nationalities and traveller types. For general SGAC questions, see our Requirements FAQ.

Singapore Arrival Card for Foreigners — Summary

Quick reference for all key SGAC facts by traveller type and nationality.

Topic Key Fact
Who must complete SGACAll foreigners — every non-citizen, non-PR entering Singapore
Who is exemptSingapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, airside transit passengers
CostFree (official ICA portal only)
Submission windowUp to 3 days (72 hours) before arrival
ValiditySingle entry, specific arrival date
Children & infantsEach needs own SGAC; parent/guardian completes on their behalf
Work pass holdersMust complete SGAC on every entry — pass does not replace SGAC
Malaysian citizensNot exempt — must complete SGAC like all other foreigners
Indian citizensMust complete SGAC + visa (separate requirements)
Transit passengersAirside: exempt; Landside (clearing immigration): SGAC required
Official portaleservices.ica.gov.sg or MyICA mobile app

Related Singapore Arrival Card Guides

Everything you need to know about Singapore immigration requirements — from filling the form to understanding visa rules.

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Singapore Arrival Card — Complete Guide

Everything about the SGAC: what it is, how it works, and why it's mandatory for all foreigners entering Singapore.

Read Guide →
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How to Fill the Singapore Arrival Card

Step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots — complete your SGAC in under 5 minutes using the official ICA portal.

Read Guide →
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Singapore Arrival Card Requirements

Documents and information you need to complete the SGAC — passport details, accommodation address, health declaration.

Read Guide →
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Singapore Health Declaration

The Electronic Health Declaration (EHD) is integrated into the SGAC — learn what health information you need to provide.

Read Guide →
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MyICA Mobile App Guide

Submit your Singapore Arrival Card via the official MyICA app — available for iOS and Android, free to download.

Read Guide →
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Singapore Visa Requirements

Check if your nationality requires a visa to enter Singapore — separate from the SGAC requirement.

Read Guide →
Singapore Arrival Card — Application form