Singapore Arrival Card — Application form
Singapore Arrival Card requirements checklist and passport documents on desk

Singapore Arrival Card Requirements 2026

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is mandatory for all non-citizens — tourists, PRs, pass holders, and children. It is completely free and must be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival via the official ICA portal.

Complete SGAC Guide How to Fill
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Singapore Arrival Card Requirements at a Glance

Key facts about who needs the SGAC, when to submit, cost, and where to apply.

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Who Needs It

All non-citizens — tourists, PRs, EP/SP/WP holders, students, children. Only Singapore citizens are exempt.

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Deadline

Submit within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. Recommended: 24–48 hours before your flight.

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Cost

Completely free via the official ICA portal: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.

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Where to Submit

Official ICA portal: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or the MyICA mobile app (iOS & Android).

Who Needs to Fill the Singapore Arrival Card?

Every non-citizen entering Singapore must submit the Singapore Arrival Card — this includes tourists, permanent residents, Employment Pass holders, Student Pass holders, and Dependant Pass holders; only Singapore citizens are exempt.

The Singapore Arrival Card is required for virtually every traveller entering Singapore who is not a citizen. This applies regardless of how you enter — by air at Changi Airport, by sea at cruise terminals, or by land at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.

The following groups must submit the SGAC before every entry:

  • Tourists and short-term visitors — all nationalities, including those from visa-exempt countries
  • Permanent residents (PRs) — despite holding long-term residency status, PRs are not exempt
  • Employment Pass (EP) holders — required for every entry, including returning from business trips
  • S Pass (SP) and Work Permit (WP) holders — same rule applies
  • Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders — required
  • Dependant Pass (DP) holders — required
  • Student Pass holders — required
  • Children and infants — required at all ages; parent or guardian submits on their behalf
  • Transit passengers clearing immigration — required if passing through Singapore immigration
The SGAC replaced the old paper disembarkation/embarkation (D/E) card in 2020. Since then, all non-citizens must complete the electronic form before arrival — there is no paper alternative.
Singapore Arrival Card requirements — passport, visa documents and checklist

Who Is Exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card?

Only Singapore citizens are exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card — all other travellers, including permanent residents and long-term pass holders, must submit it before every entry.

Traveller TypeSGAC Required?
Singapore citizens (air, sea, or land)❌ Exempt
Singapore permanent residents (PRs)✅ Must submit
Long-term pass holders (EP, SP, WP, LTVP, DP)✅ Must submit
Frequent visitors / repeat travellers✅ Every entry
Airside transit (not clearing immigration)❌ Exempt
All other non-citizens✅ Must submit

There is no “trusted traveller” programme or frequent flyer exemption for the SGAC. Even if you enter Singapore every week for work, you must submit a new SGAC for each entry.

Do Permanent Residents Need the Singapore Arrival Card?

Yes — Singapore permanent residents (PRs) must submit the Singapore Arrival Card before every entry into Singapore, despite holding long-term residency status.

PRs must submit the SGAC via the official ICA portal or the MyICA app, within the 72-hour window before arrival, for every single entry. The only document that exempts a traveller from the SGAC is a Singapore citizenship certificate. A Singapore PR card does not qualify.

Singapore Arrival Card exemptions — who needs to submit and who is exempt

Is the Singapore Arrival Card Free?

The Singapore Arrival Card is completely free — submit it only via the official ICA portal (eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard) or the MyICA app.

The SGAC has no fee. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) provides the submission portal at no cost to all travellers. There are two official, free channels:

  1. ICA e-Services portal: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
  2. MyICA mobile app: Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play)

What Documents Do You Need for the Singapore Arrival Card?

To complete the Singapore Arrival Card, you need your passport, flight or transport details, a Singapore accommodation address, and an email address — no supporting documents need to be uploaded.

The SGAC is a data-entry form, not a document submission portal. The form covers 6 categories of information:

1. Personal Details

  • Full name (as on passport)
  • Date of birth & nationality
  • Passport number, expiry date, issuing country

2. Travel Details

  • Flight number (or vessel/vehicle number for sea/land entry)
  • Arrival date in Singapore
  • Port of embarkation (the city/airport you are departing from)

3. Accommodation in Singapore

  • Hotel name and full address, OR address of residence/host if staying privately

4. Health Declaration

  • Current health status
  • Symptoms declaration (fever, cough, etc.)

5. Travel History

  • Countries visited in the last 14 days

6. Contact Details

  • Email address (for confirmation)
  • Phone number
Important: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If you do not yet have a confirmed hotel address, you can enter a tentative address and re-submit the SGAC once confirmed.
Documents needed for Singapore Arrival Card — passport, flight booking, hotel confirmation

When Is the Deadline to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card?

The 72-hour submission window explained — when to submit for the smoothest experience.

The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Singapore — there is no grace period after you reach immigration.

The submission window opens up to 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival and closes before you reach Singapore immigration clearance. You must submit before presenting yourself at the immigration checkpoint. Airlines may also check SGAC compliance at check-in — failing to submit before check-in can result in denied boarding. The SGAC is valid for a single entry on the declared arrival date only.

How Early Can You Submit? (Best Time)

The best time to submit the Singapore Arrival Card is 24–48 hours before arrival — early enough to avoid last-minute issues but close enough that your travel details are confirmed.

TimingNotes
3 days (72h) beforeEarliest allowed; useful if you want to complete admin early
24–48 hours before✅ Recommended — details confirmed, time to fix errors
Day of travelAllowed but risky — airport Wi-Fi issues, time pressure
At immigrationKiosk available as last resort only

If you submit early and your details change (flight number, hotel, arrival date), you can re-submit the SGAC with updated information. The most recent submission is the one that counts.

Can You Submit the Singapore Arrival Card at the Airport?

Yes — self-service kiosks at Changi Airport allow last-minute Singapore Arrival Card submission, but pre-submission online is strongly recommended to avoid queues and delays.

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Changi Airport

All terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) have SGAC kiosks in the arrival hall.

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Woodlands Checkpoint

Kiosks available for land arrivals from Malaysia via the Johor Causeway.

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Tuas Checkpoint

Kiosks available for land arrivals via the Second Link from Malaysia.

While kiosks exist as a fallback, relying on them creates unnecessary risk: queues during peak arrival times, technical issues, and added time to your immigration clearance. Pre-submitting via the ICA portal or MyICA app — ideally 24–48 hours before arrival — ensures a smoother experience.

What Happens If You Don’t Fill the Singapore Arrival Card?

The consequences of skipping the SGAC — at check-in and at Singapore immigration.

Failing to submit the Singapore Arrival Card before arrival can result in denied boarding at your departure airport or delays at Singapore immigration — there is no on-the-spot exemption.

⚠️ Stage 1: Airline Check-In

Some airlines verify SGAC submission as part of their check-in process. If your carrier checks and you have not submitted, you may be denied boarding before you even reach Singapore. This is particularly common on routes from countries where Singapore requires a visa.

⚠️ Stage 2: Singapore Immigration Checkpoint

If you arrive without a completed SGAC, immigration officers at Changi Airport, Woodlands Checkpoint, or Tuas Checkpoint will require you to complete one before processing your entry. This means:

  • Being directed to a kiosk or secondary processing area
  • Significant delays to your entry
  • Potential secondary screening

There is no grace period and no on-the-spot exemption. The SGAC is a mandatory pre-arrival requirement, not an optional formality.

Bottom line: Submit the SGAC at least 24 hours before arrival to avoid any risk of boarding denial or immigration delays.

All Requirements Met? Submit Your SGAC Now

Free, digital, instant confirmation. Use only the official ICA portal — no account required.

Complete SGAC Guide How to Fill Step-by-Step

Singapore Arrival Card for Transit Passengers

Whether you need the SGAC for transit depends entirely on whether you clear immigration.

Transit passengers in Singapore only need the Singapore Arrival Card if they clear immigration — airside transit passengers who remain in the transit area without passing through immigration are exempt.

Same-day transit rules follow the same logic: if you clear immigration during a same-day connection, you need the SGAC. Itineraries that include a hotel stay in Singapore during a layover almost always involve clearing immigration (landside transit).

Airside Transit vs. Landside Transit

Airside transit means staying in the international departure area without passing through Singapore immigration — no SGAC needed; landside transit means exiting the airport into Singapore, which requires SGAC.

FeatureAirside TransitLandside Transit
Pass through immigration❌ No✅ Yes
Enter Singapore❌ No✅ Yes
SGAC required❌ No✅ Yes
Access to Singapore city❌ No✅ Yes
Hotel stay in Singapore❌ No✅ Yes
Changi transit lounge✅ Yes✅ Yes

Changi Airport offers extensive airside transit facilities including hotels, lounges, and entertainment — all accessible without clearing immigration. If you use these facilities and do not exit to Singapore, you are on airside transit and do not need the SGAC.

Do Children and Infants Need the Singapore Arrival Card?

Yes — children and infants of all ages require the Singapore Arrival Card; a parent or guardian submits it on their behalf using the child’s passport details.

There is no minimum age for the SGAC requirement. This means:

  • Infants (including newborns travelling on their own passport): SGAC required
  • Young children: SGAC required
  • Teenagers: SGAC required

How to Submit for a Child:

  1. The parent or guardian completes a separate SGAC submission for each child
  2. Use the child’s own passport details (name, passport number, nationality, DOB)
  3. Submit via the same ICA portal or MyICA app
  4. Each child requires an individual submission — you cannot combine a child’s SGAC with a parent’s
Important: If your infant or child travels on your passport (some countries allow this for very young children), check whether Singapore immigration accepts this arrangement. In most cases, each traveller — including infants — should have their own passport and their own SGAC submission.
Family travelling to Singapore — children and infants also need the Singapore Arrival Card

Singapore Arrival Card for Repeat Visitors and Multiple Entries

The SGAC must be submitted for every entry — no exemptions for frequent travellers.

The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted for every entry into Singapore — there is no exemption for frequent visitors, repeat travellers, or multiple-entry visa holders.

This is a firm rule with no exceptions based on travel frequency:

There is no “trusted traveller” status or pre-registration system that exempts you from the SGAC. The form must be submitted fresh for each entry, within the 72-hour window before that specific arrival.

The process is quick — with your details saved in the MyICA app, repeat submissions take under 2 minutes. The MyICA app allows you to save your personal details and reuse them for future submissions, reducing the time needed for each entry.

Singapore Arrival Card vs. Visa, E-Pass & Malaysia Card

The SGAC is a pre-arrival declaration form — not a visa, not an e-pass, and not the same as the Malaysia arrival card.

The Singapore Arrival Card is a pre-arrival declaration form — it is not a visa, not an e-pass, and not the same as the Malaysia arrival card; each serves a different purpose in the Singapore entry process.

Travellers frequently confuse these four documents. The sections below clarify each comparison with a side-by-side table.

Singapore Arrival Card vs. Singapore Visa

A Singapore visa grants permission to enter the country; the Singapore Arrival Card is a separate declaration form required in addition to (not instead of) a visa.

Having a Singapore visa does not exempt you from the SGAC. Both documents are required if your nationality requires a visa to enter Singapore.

FeatureSingapore Arrival CardSingapore Visa
PurposePre-arrival declarationPermission to enter Singapore
Who needs itAll non-citizensNationality-dependent (not all need one)
CostFreeSGD 30–150+ depending on type
When to obtainUp to 72h before arrivalWeeks before travel (application process)
Issued bySelf-service (ICA portal)ICA (formal application)
ValiditySingle entry, declared dateSingle or multiple entry, set period
Processing timeInstantDays to weeks

If your nationality is visa-exempt for Singapore, you still need the SGAC. If your nationality requires a visa, you need both the visa and the SGAC.

Singapore Arrival Card vs. E-Pass (APAS)

The Singapore Arrival Card is submitted before arrival; the e-pass (issued via APAS — Automated Pass Issuance System) is the digital immigration pass issued to you upon clearing Singapore immigration.

FeatureSingapore Arrival CardE-Pass (APAS)
WhenBefore arrival (up to 72h)On arrival (auto-issued)
Who submits/issuesTraveller submitsICA issues automatically
PurposePre-arrival declarationProof of legal entry / immigration record
CostFreeFree
FormatOnline form → email confirmationDigital pass sent to email
Required actionSubmit before travelReceived automatically at checkpoint

The e-pass replaces the physical immigration stamp in your passport. After clearing Singapore immigration, you receive an e-pass via email — this is your official record of entry. The SGAC is the form you submit before this process begins.

Singapore Arrival Card vs. Malaysia Arrival Card

The Singapore Arrival Card and Malaysia arrival card are completely separate systems — travellers crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway by land must complete both declarations independently.

FeatureSingapore Arrival CardMalaysia Arrival Card
CountrySingaporeMalaysia
AuthorityICA SingaporeImmigration Department of Malaysia
Portaleservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcardMyTravelPass / manual form
CostFreeFree
Required forEntering SingaporeEntering Malaysia
Land crossing✅ Yes (Woodlands/Tuas)✅ Yes (Johor side)
Submission timingUp to 72h before arrivalVaries by entry type

Completing the Singapore Arrival Card does not satisfy Malaysia’s entry requirements, and vice versa. Each country’s form must be completed separately.

Old Paper D/E Card vs. New Electronic SGAC

Singapore replaced the paper disembarkation/embarkation (D/E) card with the electronic Singapore Arrival Card in 2020 — the paper form no longer exists and cannot be used.

FeatureOld Paper D/E CardNew Electronic SGAC
FormatPaper form (filled by hand)Online form (ICA portal / MyICA app)
When replaced—2020
CostFreeFree
Submission timingOn aircraft or at port of entryUp to 72h before arrival
ConfirmationNone (paper retained at immigration)Email + QR code (instant)
Health declarationSeparate formIntegrated into SGAC
Re-submissionNot possibleAllowed if details change

The electronic SGAC is faster, more accurate, and provides instant confirmation. There is no option to use the old paper form — all non-citizens must use the electronic system.

Singapore Arrival Card Requirements Checklist

Before submitting the Singapore Arrival Card, confirm you have all required information ready — the form takes under 5 minutes to complete with the checklist below.

Before submitting the Singapore Arrival Card, confirm you have all required information ready — the form takes under 5 minutes to complete with the checklist below.

Use this checklist before opening the ICA portal or MyICA app. No document uploads are required — you only need to enter the information listed below.

📋 Personal Information

  • ☐ Full name (exactly as on passport)
  • ☐ Date of birth
  • ☐ Nationality
  • ☐ Passport number
  • ☐ Passport expiry date
  • ☐ Passport issuing country

✈️ Travel Details

  • ☐ Flight number (or vessel/vehicle number)
  • ☐ Arrival date in Singapore
  • ☐ Port of embarkation (departure city/airport)

🏠 Accommodation & Health

  • ☐ Hotel name and full address, OR private address where you’ll be staying
  • ☐ Current health status (no symptoms to declare, or declare if unwell)
  • ☐ List of countries visited in the last 14 days

✅ Before You Submit

  • ☐ Email address (confirmation will be sent here)
  • ☐ Phone number
  • ☐ Passport is valid for the duration of your stay
  • ☐ Arrival date entered matches your actual travel itinerary
  • ☐ Email address is correct (you’ll need the confirmation at immigration)
Total fields: 16 data points across 6 categories. No document uploads. Estimated completion time: under 5 minutes with information ready. After submission, you receive an instant email confirmation with a QR code. Save this to your phone or print it — immigration officers may ask to see it.

FAQs About Singapore Arrival Card Requirements

The most common questions about Singapore Arrival Card requirements — covering eligibility, timing, exemptions, transit rules, and comparisons — answered directly below.

Yes. A Singapore visa and the Singapore Arrival Card are separate requirements. Having a visa grants you permission to enter Singapore, but you must still submit the SGAC as a pre-arrival declaration. Both documents are required if your nationality needs a visa to enter Singapore.

No — but the health declaration is integrated into the Singapore Arrival Card. Since 2020, the SGAC includes a health declaration section (symptoms, current health status, travel history). You do not need to submit a separate health form; completing the SGAC satisfies the health declaration requirement.

Yes. The Singapore Arrival Card remains mandatory for all non-citizens entering Singapore in 2026. There have been no announced changes to this requirement. The form is submitted via the official ICA portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or the MyICA app, and it is free.

Yes — for children and dependants. A parent or guardian must submit the SGAC on behalf of children and infants using the child’s passport details. For adults, each traveller must submit their own SGAC. You cannot submit a single SGAC for multiple adult travellers.

Re-submit the form with the correct information. The SGAC allows re-submission — simply complete a new form with the accurate details. The most recent submission is the one that counts. There is no penalty for correcting a mistake, as long as the corrected form is submitted before you reach immigration.

It depends on whether you clear immigration. If your same-day transit involves passing through Singapore immigration (landside transit), you need the SGAC. If you remain in the airside transit area without clearing immigration, you do not need the SGAC.

No. The Singapore Arrival Card is completely free via the official ICA portal (eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard) and the MyICA app.

No. The submission window opens exactly 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival. You cannot submit earlier than this. If you try to submit more than 72 hours before arrival, the system will not accept the form.

Yes. Cruise passengers who clear Singapore immigration at the cruise terminal must submit the Singapore Arrival Card. The same rules apply: submit via the ICA portal or MyICA app within the 72-hour window before arrival. Passengers on cruises that stop in Singapore but do not clear immigration (staying on the ship) may be exempt — check with your cruise line.

Yes. Travellers crossing into Singapore by land — via Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint — must submit the Singapore Arrival Card. The same 72-hour window and free submission rules apply. Note that you will also need to comply with Malaysia’s departure requirements separately.

Enter a tentative address and re-submit once confirmed. The SGAC allows re-submission if your details change. You can enter a hotel name and approximate address initially, then submit a corrected form once your accommodation is confirmed. The most recent submission before arrival is the one that counts.

Yes. The SGAC is linked to your passport number. Immigration officers verify your SGAC submission against your passport at the checkpoint. Ensure the passport number entered on the SGAC exactly matches the passport you present at immigration — any discrepancy may cause delays.

No — but save it digitally. After submitting the SGAC, you receive an email confirmation with a QR code. You do not need to print it, but you should have it accessible on your phone. Some immigration checkpoints may ask to scan the QR code. Saving the email or taking a screenshot is sufficient.

The ICA portal is accessible globally without a VPN. If you experience access issues, try disabling your VPN — some VPN exit nodes may be blocked by Singapore government servers. The official portal is eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.

Use the MyICA app as an alternative. If the ICA portal is temporarily unavailable, the MyICA app (iOS and Android) provides the same SGAC submission functionality. If both are unavailable, kiosks at Changi Airport and land checkpoints allow last-minute submission on arrival.

Yes. Singapore permanent residents are not exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card. PRs must submit the SGAC before every entry into Singapore, using the same ICA portal or MyICA app, within the 72-hour window. Only Singapore citizens are exempt.

Yes — for all non-citizens. The SGAC requirement applies to all nationalities without exception. Whether your country has a visa-free agreement with Singapore or not, you must still submit the SGAC. The only exemption is for Singapore citizens.

Under 5 minutes with your information ready. The form has 16 fields across 6 categories. If you have your passport, flight details, and Singapore accommodation address to hand, the entire submission — including receiving the email confirmation — takes under 5 minutes. First-time users may take slightly longer.

Related Singapore Arrival Card Guides

Explore our guides covering every aspect of the Singapore Arrival Card process.

📋 Complete SGAC Guide

Everything you need to know about the Singapore Arrival Card — what it is, how to apply, and what to expect at immigration.

Full Guide →

✍️ How to Fill

A detailed visual walkthrough of every field in the SGAC form, with tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Step-by-Step →

🌎 Guide by Nationality

Nationality-specific guidance covering visa-free arrangements and country-by-country entry rules.

By Nationality →

🔧 Troubleshooting

Solutions to the most common technical issues: form errors, QR code problems, and submission failures.

Fix Problems →

🛂 Immigration Clearance

A complete guide to the immigration clearance process at Changi Airport and other entry points.

Clearance Guide →
For the most current information, always check the official ICA website before your trip. The SGAC process is designed to be fast, free, and straightforward for all travellers.

Last updated: March 2026. Information based on ICA official guidelines. Always verify current requirements at ica.gov.sg before travel.

Singapore Arrival Card — Application form