Singapore Arrival Declaration 2026: Health, Customs & Food Declaration Guide

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Not a Separate Form

The health declaration is integrated into the SGAC — one submission covers everything.

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Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from endemic countries in Africa or South America. Must be issued 10+ days before travel.

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Zero Tobacco Allowance

Since 1 January 2023, all tobacco is fully dutiable — no duty-free allowance. Declare all tobacco.

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Fines Up to SGD 10,000

Non-declaration of food, goods, or tobacco can result in fines up to SGD 10,000. When in doubt, use the red channel.

What Is the Singapore Arrival Declaration?

The Singapore Arrival Declaration is not a standalone form — it is the declaration component embedded within the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), the mandatory digital pre-arrival form administered by ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority).

The Singapore Arrival Declaration covers three distinct areas in a single submission: health questions, food and goods customs declaration, and medication declaration. All three are completed together when you fill in the SGAC before your trip.

The SGAC replaced the old paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) card in 2020, moving Singapore's border entry process fully digital. The form is submitted online at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or via the MyICA mobile app. Submission is free of charge.

The Singapore Arrival Declaration is mandatory for all non-citizen travellers entering Singapore, including:

Foreign visitors (all nationalities)
Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)
Long-term pass holders (Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant's Pass, LTVP)
Returning residents who are not Singapore citizens

You can submit the declaration up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date. Upon submission, you receive a QR code by email — show this at immigration on arrival.

Health Declaration vs Singapore Arrival Card — Are They the Same?

The health declaration is part of the Singapore Arrival Card, not a separate form — travellers complete both in one submission at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.

Many travellers search for a "Singapore health declaration form" expecting a separate document. There is no separate health declaration form. The SGAC contains four main sections:

Personal details — passport number, nationality, travel dates
Travel history — countries visited in the past 6 days
Health declaration — current symptoms, yellow fever travel, vaccination status
Customs declaration — goods, food, medication being brought in

All four sections are completed in a single online session. There is no separate health form, no separate customs form — the Singapore Arrival Declaration covers everything.

Singapore Arrival Card Complete Guide

Medical health declaration form with stethoscope, passport and vaccination certificate for Singapore travel

Why Was the Health Declaration Introduced?

Singapore introduced the digital health declaration in 2020 to replace paper D/E cards. During COVID-19 (2020–2023), the health component was strengthened to screen for infectious disease risk. Most COVID-specific requirements have since been removed.

Health Questions on the Singapore Arrival Card

The health section asks about current symptoms and recent travel to yellow fever endemic countries.

The health questions section of the Singapore Arrival Declaration asks travellers to declare current symptoms (fever, cough, respiratory illness) and recent travel to yellow fever endemic countries.

Health Question	What to Declare
Current health status	Fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms
Recent travel history	Countries visited in the past 6 days (pre-populated from travel history section)
Yellow fever endemic country	Whether you have been to or transited through a yellow fever endemic country in the past 6 days
Vaccination status	COVID-19 vaccination status (informational only; no longer a mandatory entry requirement as of 2023)

Honest Declaration Is Required

Making a false declaration on the Singapore Arrival Card is a criminal offence. If you are unsure whether to declare a symptom, declare it — the consequences of a false declaration are far more serious than a health screening. If you declare symptoms, you may be directed to a health screening area on arrival at Changi Airport. This does not automatically mean you will be denied entry.

Vaccination Status and Yellow Fever Certificate

Travellers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate; the certificate must have been issued at least 10 days before travel and is valid for life under post-2016 WHO rules.

Yellow fever endemic countries include parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America (including Angola, Brazil, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and others). If you have been in any of these countries in the 6 days before arriving in Singapore, you must:

Declare this in the health questions section of the SGAC
Present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — the yellow card — at the health checkpoint on arrival

Key facts about the yellow fever certificate:

Must be issued at least 10 days before your travel date
Valid for life — the 10-year renewal requirement was removed by WHO in 2016
Issued by authorised vaccination centres in your home country
Travellers without a valid certificate may be denied entry or placed in quarantine

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

The COVID-19 vaccination status field remains in the SGAC form but is no longer used as an entry requirement. You do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Singapore. Fill in the field accurately — it is informational data for public health monitoring.

Food Declaration: What You Must Declare at Singapore Customs

All food items brought into Singapore must be declared on the Singapore Arrival Card; prohibited items include fresh meat and produce without permits, and chewing gum (except therapeutic gum with a prescription).

Food brought into Singapore is regulated by the SFA (Singapore Food Agency). The declaration is made in the customs section of the SGAC before arrival.

Category	Status	Notes
Cooked food	Allowed	Personal quantities; must not be for sale
Packaged/processed food	Allowed	Subject to SFA labelling regulations
Fresh fruits & vegetables	Restricted	Permit required from SFA for most origins
Fresh meat & poultry	Restricted	Permit required; must be from approved sources
Eggs	Restricted	Permit required; limited to 30 eggs duty-free
Chewing gum	Prohibited	Except therapeutic/dental gum with valid prescription
Betel nuts	Prohibited	—
Controlled food additives	Prohibited	—

Penalty for Non-Declaration

Personal quantity guideline: Generally up to 5 kg of food for personal consumption is considered reasonable. Quantities suggesting commercial intent may be seized.

Failing to declare food items or bringing in prohibited food can result in a fine of up to SGD 10,000 under SFA enforcement. Ignorance of the rules is not a defence — declare all food items in your SGAC.

Singapore customs food inspection — prohibited fresh fruits, meat products and airport baggage claim area

Medication Declaration: Bringing Medicine into Singapore

Prescription medications brought into Singapore must be accompanied by an original prescription or doctor's letter; controlled drugs require prior authorisation from HSA (Health Sciences Authority) before travel.

Medication rules in Singapore are enforced by the HSA (Health Sciences Authority). The type of medication determines what documentation you need.

Type	Requirements	Quantity Limit
Over-the-counter (OTC)	No declaration needed	Personal quantities
Prescription medication	Original prescription or doctor's letter	3-month supply
Controlled drugs	HSA prior authorisation required	As per HSA approval
Psychotropic substances	HSA prior authorisation required	As per HSA approval

Prescription medications include common drugs like blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, and antibiotics. Carry the original prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the medication name, dosage, and that it is for personal use.

Quantity limit: A 3-month personal supply is the general guideline for prescription medications. Quantities beyond this may be questioned at customs.

Prescription medication pills bottles and packaging for travel customs declaration

Controlled Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Travellers carrying controlled drugs (codeine, morphine, diazepam, tramadol, zolpidem) or psychotropic substances must obtain prior written authorisation from HSA before entering Singapore — carrying these without approval is a criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Common Controlled Drugs Requiring HSA Authorisation

Opioids: Codeine (high-dose), morphine, oxycodone, tramadol
Benzodiazepines: Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam
Sleep medications: Zolpidem (Ambien), zopiclone
ADHD medications: Methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts

How to Apply for HSA Authorisation

Visit hsa.gov.sg and navigate to the "Controlled Drugs" section
Complete the online Controlled Drug Authorisation (CDA) application
Upload your prescription and doctor's letter
Allow at least 5–7 working days for processing before your travel date
Carry the HSA approval letter with your medication at all times during travel

Consequence of Non-Compliance

Carrying controlled drugs without HSA authorisation is treated as drug trafficking under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act — penalties are severe, including mandatory imprisonment. Do not assume your home country's prescription is sufficient.

Customs Declaration: Duty-Free Limits and Prohibited Items

Singapore's duty-free GST relief is SGD 500 for travellers away 48 hours or more, or SGD 100 for shorter trips; all tobacco products are fully dutiable with no duty-free allowance since 2023.

The customs declaration section of the Singapore Arrival Declaration covers goods, gifts, and purchases you are bringing into Singapore. It is administered by Singapore Customs.

GST Relief Limits

Duration Away from Singapore	GST Relief (Duty-Free Value)
48 hours or more	SGD 500
Less than 48 hours	SGD 100
Day trip (same day return)	SGD 100

Goods valued above these limits must be declared and are subject to GST (Goods and Services Tax) at 9% (as of 2024). Declare the total value of all goods in your SGAC before arrival.

Alcohol and Tobacco Allowances

Travellers aged 18+ may bring 1 litre each of spirits, wine, and beer duty-free if away 48 hours or more; tobacco has had zero duty-free allowance since 1 January 2023.

Alcohol Duty-Free Allowance

Condition	Allowance
Away 48h or more, age 18+	1L spirits + 1L wine + 1L beer
Away less than 48 hours	No duty-free alcohol allowance
Age under 18	No duty-free alcohol allowance

Alcohol beyond these limits must be declared and duty paid. Singapore Customs duty rates for alcohol are significant â€” a litre of spirits above the allowance attracts duty of approximately SGD 88 per litre of alcohol content.

Tobacco â€” Zero Duty-Free Since 2023

Important change: Singapore eliminated all duty-free tobacco allowances on 1 January 2023. All tobacco products â€” cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, heated tobacco products â€” are now fully dutiable from the first unit.

Previously, travellers could bring in 250g of tobacco duty-free. This allowance no longer exists. Every cigarette, cigar, or gram of tobacco you bring into Singapore is subject to duty.

Tobacco duty rate: SGD 427 per kilogram of tobacco (approximately SGD 0.47 per cigarette). Declare all tobacco in your SGAC. Undeclared tobacco is subject to fines of up to SGD 10,000.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Singapore prohibits chewing gum, firecrackers, obscene publications, e-cigarettes, and products from endangered species (CITES); restricted items like certain weapons require permits.

Prohibited Items (Cannot Bring In)

Item	Notes
Chewing gum	Prohibited since 1992; exception for therapeutic/dental gum with prescription
E-cigarettes and vaping devices	Banned since 2018; includes e-liquids and vape pens
Firecrackers and fireworks	All types prohibited
Obscene publications and materials	Includes certain magazines, DVDs
CITES-listed species products	Ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants
Toy currency resembling Singapore dollars	â€”
Controlled drugs without HSA authorisation	See medication section above

Restricted Items (Permit Required)

Item	Permit Authority
Firearms and ammunition	Singapore Police Force
Certain knives and weapons	Singapore Police Force
Telecommunications equipment	IMDA
Medicinal products above personal quantities	HSA

Declare any restricted items in your SGAC. Bringing prohibited items into Singapore â€” even unknowingly â€” can result in confiscation, fines, and prosecution.

How to Complete the Declaration Sections of the Singapore Arrival Card

Complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration online at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard up to 3 days before arrival â€” the process takes under 5 minutes and covers health, food, and customs in one form.

Step 1: Access the Form

Go to eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard on any browser, or open the MyICA app on your phone. No account or login is required for the basic SGAC submission.

Step 2: Enter Personal and Travel Details

Passport number and nationality
Date of birth
Flight number and arrival date
Accommodation address in Singapore
Email address (for QR code delivery)

Step 3: Complete the Health Declaration

Answer whether you have current symptoms (fever, cough, respiratory illness)
Confirm countries visited in the past 6 days
Declare if you have been to a yellow fever endemic country
Enter COVID-19 vaccination status (informational)

Step 4: Complete the Customs Declaration

Declare all food items you are bringing in
Declare any medication (especially prescription and controlled drugs)
Declare goods and purchases exceeding SGD 500 (or SGD 100 if away less than 48h)
Declare any tobacco products (all dutiable â€” no duty-free allowance)
Declare any alcohol beyond the duty-free limit

Step 5: Submit and Save Your QR Code

Review all entries before submitting
Submit the form â€” processing is instant
Save the QR code confirmation to your phone (screenshot or download)
The QR code is also sent to your email

Step 6: Present QR Code at Immigration

Show the QR code at the immigration counter or automated lane on arrival. If you declared items requiring customs inspection, you will be directed to the red channel.

Tip: Complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration 24â€“48 hours before departure â€” early enough to resolve any issues, but close enough that your health status is current. Save the QR code offline in case of poor connectivity at the airport.

For a detailed step-by-step guide with screenshots, see How to Fill the Singapore Arrival Card.

Who Is Exempt from the Singapore Arrival Declaration?

Singapore citizens are fully exempt from the Singapore Arrival Declaration; transit passengers who do not clear immigration are also exempt; all other travellers â€” including PRs and long-term pass holders â€” must complete it.

Exemption Summary

Traveller Type	Must Complete SGAC?
Singapore citizens	Exempt
Transit passengers (not clearing immigration)	Exempt
Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)	Required
Employment Pass / S Pass holders	Required
Dependant's Pass / LTVP holders	Required
Short-term visitors (all nationalities)	Required
Returning non-citizen residents	Required

Children: Parents or guardians complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration on behalf of children who cannot do so themselves. Each child requires a separate SGAC submission.

Transit passengers: If you are transiting through Changi Airport and not clearing Singapore immigration (i.e., staying airside), you do not need to complete the SGAC. If you clear immigration for a Singapore stopover â€” even for a few hours â€” you must complete the declaration.

For full eligibility details and nationality-specific requirements, see Singapore Arrival Card Requirements.

Consequences of Not Declaring: Fines and Penalties

Failing to declare dutiable goods at Singapore customs can result in fines up to SGD 10,000 or 20 times the duty payable â€” whichever is higher â€” and false declarations are criminal offences under the Customs Act.

Singapore enforces its customs and health declaration requirements strictly. The consequences of non-declaration depend on the type of item:

Offence	Penalty
Undeclared dutiable goods	Fine up to SGD 10,000 or 20x duty (whichever higher)
Undeclared food items	Fine up to SGD 10,000 (SFA enforcement)
Undeclared tobacco	Fine up to SGD 10,000
Prohibited items (e.g., e-cigarettes)	Confiscation + fine + potential prosecution
Controlled drugs without HSA authorisation	Arrest under Misuse of Drugs Act â€” mandatory imprisonment
False declaration on SGAC	Criminal offence under Customs Act

"I didn't know" is not a defence. Singapore Customs and SFA officers are authorised to inspect luggage, and X-ray screening is routine at all entry points. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, declare it â€” the red channel exists for this purpose.

Voluntary disclosure: If you realise you have undeclared items before reaching the customs officer, proceed to the red channel and declare voluntarily. Voluntary disclosure typically results in a lower penalty than items discovered during inspection.

FAQs About the Singapore Arrival Declaration

Answers to the most common questions about health, customs, food, and medication declaration.

What is the Singapore Arrival Declaration?

The Singapore Arrival Declaration is the health, customs, and food declaration component of the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) â€” the mandatory digital pre-arrival form for all non-citizen travellers entering Singapore. It is submitted free of charge at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard up to 3 days before arrival.

Is the health declaration a separate form from the Singapore Arrival Card?

No. The health declaration is a section within the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) â€” there is no separate health declaration form. When you complete the SGAC at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard, you complete the health declaration, customs declaration, and personal details all in one submission.

Who needs to complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration?

All non-citizen travellers entering Singapore must complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration, including foreign visitors, Singapore PRs, Employment Pass holders, and long-term pass holders. Singapore citizens and transit passengers not clearing immigration are exempt.

Is the Singapore Arrival Declaration free?

Yes. The Singapore Arrival Declaration (SGAC) is completely free. ICA does not charge any fee.

When should I complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration?

Complete the Singapore Arrival Declaration up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date. The recommended window is 24â€“48 hours before departure â€” early enough to resolve issues, close enough that your health status is current.

What health questions are on the Singapore Arrival Card?

The health questions section asks you to declare: (1) current symptoms such as fever, cough, or respiratory illness; (2) countries visited in the past 6 days; (3) whether you have been to a yellow fever endemic country; and (4) your COVID-19 vaccination status (informational only).

Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Singapore?

You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you have been in or transited through a yellow fever endemic country (parts of Africa and South America) in the 6 days before arriving in Singapore. The certificate must have been issued at least 10 days before travel and is valid for life under post-2016 WHO rules.

What food can I bring into Singapore?

Cooked food and packaged/processed food in personal quantities are generally allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs from most countries require an SFA permit. Chewing gum is prohibited (except therapeutic/dental gum with a prescription). Declare all food items in your SGAC.

Is chewing gum allowed in Singapore?

Standard chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore. The only exception is therapeutic or dental chewing gum (e.g., nicotine gum, dental hygiene gum) with a valid prescription from a doctor or dentist. Declare any therapeutic gum in your SGAC customs section.

Can I bring prescription medication into Singapore?

Yes, with documentation. Carry the original prescription or a doctor's letter stating the medication name, dosage, and that it is for personal use. The general limit is a 3-month personal supply. Controlled drugs (codeine, morphine, diazepam, tramadol) require prior authorisation from HSA before travel.

What are controlled drugs in Singapore and how do I get authorisation?

Controlled drugs include opioids (codeine, morphine, tramadol), benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam), sleep medications (zolpidem), and ADHD medications (methylphenidate). To bring these into Singapore, apply for a Controlled Drug Authorisation (CDA) via hsa.gov.sg at least 5â€“7 working days before travel. Carry the HSA approval letter with your medication.

What is the duty-free allowance for alcohol in Singapore?

Travellers aged 18 or over who have been away from Singapore for 48 hours or more may bring in 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine, and 1 litre of beer duty-free. No duty-free alcohol allowance applies for trips shorter than 48 hours.

Is there a duty-free tobacco allowance in Singapore?

No. Singapore eliminated all duty-free tobacco allowances on 1 January 2023. All tobacco products â€” cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, heated tobacco products â€” are fully dutiable from the first unit. Declare all tobacco in your SGAC. The duty rate is SGD 427 per kilogram of tobacco.

What items are prohibited from entering Singapore?

Prohibited items include: chewing gum, e-cigarettes and vaping devices, firecrackers, obscene publications, products from CITES-listed endangered species, and controlled drugs without HSA authorisation. Bringing prohibited items into Singapore can result in confiscation, fines, and criminal prosecution.

What happens if I don't declare items at Singapore customs?

Undeclared dutiable goods are subject to fines of up to SGD 10,000 or 20 times the duty payable â€” whichever is higher. Undeclared food items carry fines up to SGD 10,000. False declarations on the SGAC are criminal offences under the Customs Act. If you have undeclared items, proceed to the red channel and declare voluntarily before reaching the customs officer.

Related Guides

Everything you need to know about the Singapore Arrival Card and entry requirements.

Singapore Arrival Declaration â€” Summary Table

Quick reference for all declaration requirements.

Declaration Area	Key Requirement	Penalty for Non-Compliance
Health declaration	Declare symptoms, yellow fever travel, vaccination status	Criminal offence (false declaration)
Food declaration	Declare all food; fresh meat/produce needs SFA permit; chewing gum prohibited	Fine up to SGD 10,000
Medication	Prescription: carry doctor's letter; controlled drugs: HSA authorisation required	Arrest under Misuse of Drugs Act
Goods/GST	Declare goods over SGD 500 (48h+) or SGD 100 (under 48h)	Fine up to SGD 10,000 or 20x duty
Alcohol	1L spirits + 1L wine + 1L beer duty-free (48h+, age 18+)	Duty + potential fine
Tobacco	All tobacco fully dutiable â€” no duty-free allowance since Jan 2023	Fine up to SGD 10,000
Prohibited items	E-cigarettes, firecrackers, chewing gum, CITES products â€” cannot bring in	Confiscation + fine + prosecution

Singapore Arrival Declaration 2026: Health, Customs & Food Guide