Singapore Marina Bay skyline at sunset

Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) – Complete Guide 2026

The Singapore Arrival Card is a free, mandatory digital immigration form β€” submit it online within 3 days before arrival via the official ICA portal or MyICA app. Takes only 5–10 minutes.

How to Apply → Learn More

What Is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free, mandatory digital immigration form administered by ICA that all foreign visitors must submit online within 3 days before entering Singapore β€” through the official portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg or the MyICA mobile app.

The Singapore Arrival Card serves as Singapore's electronic pre-arrival registration system. Every foreign national entering Singapore by air, land, or sea must complete this digital entry declaration form before reaching any immigration checkpoint. ICA uses the submitted data β€” including passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information β€” to pre-screen travellers and expedite immigration clearance.

The Singapore Arrival Card submission is 100% free. There is no government fee, no processing charge, and no service cost. The form takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete and generates an electronic acknowledgement linked directly to your passport number β€” no printout is required.

ⓘ Key Fact: The Singapore Arrival Card replaced the old paper Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (D/E Card). No paper arrival card exists in 2026 β€” the SGAC is exclusively online.
Apply Step-by-Step →
Passport and travel documents ready for Singapore Arrival Card submission

Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) β€” Integrated into SGAC

The electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) is built into the Singapore Arrival Card β€” you complete both the immigration and health sections in a single submission. The eHDC requires travellers to declare their health status, including whether they have experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath within 14 days before arrival. The eHDC section also asks about recent travel to countries with active disease outbreaks.

Learn About eHDC →

SGAC Key Facts at a Glance

💰

100% Free

The SGAC submission is completely free β€” $0. Any website charging a fee is a scam. Only use eservices.ica.gov.sg.

Submit 3 Days Before

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

📲

ICA Portal or App

Submit via eservices.ica.gov.sg (any browser) or the MyICA mobile app (iOS & Android).

🎓

Mandatory for All Foreigners

All foreign nationals β€” tourists, business travellers, children of all ages, and transit passengers β€” must submit the SGAC.

Air, Land & Sea

Required for all entry channels: Changi Airport, Woodlands/Tuas land checkpoints, and sea/ferry terminals.

📋

Single Entry Validity

Each SGAC is valid for one entry only. Submit a new form for each trip or re-entry into Singapore.

Who Must Submit the Singapore Arrival Card?

Every foreign national entering Singapore β€” including tourists, business travellers, and children of all ages β€” must submit a Singapore Arrival Card before arrival; only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are exempt.

The Singapore Arrival Card requirement applies regardless of nationality, purpose of visit, entry channel, length of stay, or visa status.

Traveller Type SGAC Required? Notes
Foreign tourists ✅ Yes All nationalities, regardless of visa status
Business travellers ✅ Yes Including short-term visit pass holders
Transit passengers (clearing immigration) ✅ Yes Required if passing through Singapore immigration
Children & infants ✅ Yes No minimum age β€” parents/guardians submit on behalf
Long-term pass holders (EP, S Pass, Student Pass) ✅ Yes Required when returning from overseas
Singapore citizens ❌ No Use separate automated clearance channels
Singapore permanent residents (PR) ❌ No PR holders with valid re-entry permits exempt
Aircraft & vessel crew ❌ No Covered under separate declarations
⚠ Children & Minors: Every child and infant requires their own SGAC. A parent or legal guardian completes the form using the child's passport details. Parents can submit for multiple family members in a single session.

Singapore Arrival Card by Nationality β€” Visa-Free Stay Duration

The Singapore Arrival Card form is identical for all nationalities β€” UK, US, Indian, Australian, German, Filipino, and Malaysian citizens all complete the same free ICA form online, though visa-free stay durations and visa requirements differ significantly by passport.

Nationality SGAC Required? Visa Required? Visa-Free Stay Notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Extendable at ICA
🇺🇸 United States ✅ Yes ❌ No 90 days Longest visa-free period
🇮🇳 India ✅ Yes Yes Visa-dependent Apply visa before SGAC
🇦🇺 Australia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Extendable at ICA
🇩🇪 Germany ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days EU passports: 30 days
🇵🇭 Philippines ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days SGAC free, no visa fee
🇲🇾 Malaysia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Land/air/sea entry
🇮🇩 Indonesia ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Visa-free arrangement
🇨🇳 China ✅ Yes Yes* Visa-dependent *30-day visa-free for some passport types β€” check ICA
🇯🇵 Japan ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Bilateral agreement
🇰🇷 South Korea ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Bilateral agreement
🇫🇷 France ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days EU passports: 30 days
🇨🇦 Canada ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days Extendable at ICA
🇹🇭 Thailand ✅ Yes ❌ No 30 days ASEAN arrangement
🇧🇩 Bangladesh ✅ Yes Yes Visa-dependent Visa must be approved first
🇵🇰 Pakistan ✅ Yes Yes Visa-dependent Visa must be approved first
🇳🇬 Nigeria ✅ Yes Yes Visa-dependent Visa must be approved first
ⓘ Key takeaway: The Singapore Arrival Card is required for every nationality listed above; the SGAC is always free. Countries marked "Yes" under Visa Required must obtain an approved visa before submitting the SGAC.

SGAC Requirements by Nationality

Select your nationality to see specific requirements and visa information.

🇬🇧 Singapore Arrival Card for UK Citizens

UK citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card before arrival but do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. British passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore for tourism and business. Upon arrival you will receive a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) for up to 30 days. Extensions are available through ICA.

  • Visa required: No (up to 30 days)
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Stay duration: Up to 30 days (STVP)
✅ UK nationals can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. Submit the free SGAC online before departure β€” no visa application needed.

🇺🇸 Singapore Arrival Card for US Citizens

US citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card and can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days β€” the longest visa-free stay period of any nationality. American passport holders receive an e-Pass upon immigration clearance. The 90-day stay is one of the most generous in Southeast Asia.

  • Visa required: No (up to 90 days)
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Stay duration: Up to 90 days (e-Pass)
✅ US citizens enjoy the longest visa-free stay β€” 90 days. Submit the free SGAC within 3 days of arrival.

🇮🇳 Singapore Arrival Card for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens must submit both the Singapore Arrival Card AND obtain an approved visa before travelling to Singapore. India is not on Singapore's visa-free list. Indian passport holders should apply for a Singapore visa through an authorised agent or the ICA e-Service, receive approval, and then submit the SGAC within 3 days of arrival. The Singapore Arrival Card itself remains free.

  • Visa required: Yes ⚠ β€” obtain before SGAC
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Processing: Visa 3–5 working days; SGAC instant
⚠ Indian nationals need both an approved visa AND the SGAC. These are two separate processes. Apply for the visa first, then submit the free SGAC.

🇦🇺 Singapore Arrival Card for Australian Citizens

Australian citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card before arrival and may enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. Australian passport holders complete the free SGAC form and receive a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP). Extensions can be requested at ICA offices in Singapore.

  • Visa required: No (up to 30 days)
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Stay duration: Up to 30 days (extendable at ICA)
✅ Australian nationals can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. Submit the SGAC online before departure.

🇩🇪 Singapore Arrival Card for German Citizens

German citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card and can enter Singapore without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement applies to all EU passport holders. German travellers complete the same free SGAC form on the ICA portal or MyICA app.

  • Visa required: No (up to 30 days)
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Euro passport holders: Same 30-day visa-free arrangement
✅ German nationals enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. Complete the free SGAC before departure.

🇵🇭 Singapore Arrival Card for Filipino Citizens

Filipino citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card and can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days under the ASEAN bilateral agreement. Philippine passport holders complete the free SGAC online. No visa fee or visa application is required for tourist or business visits up to 30 days.

  • Visa required: No (up to 30 days)
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry
  • Agreement: ASEAN bilateral visa-free arrangement
✅ Filipino nationals enjoy 30-day visa-free entry under the ASEAN arrangement. SGAC is mandatory and free.

🇲🇾 Singapore Arrival Card for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysian citizens must submit the Singapore Arrival Card before entering Singapore, with visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Malaysian travellers entering by land (Tuas or Woodlands checkpoints), air (Changi Airport), or sea all need to complete the SGAC. The form is the same regardless of entry channel.

  • Visa required: No
  • SGAC required: Yes ✅
  • eHDC required: Yes ✅
  • Land crossing: SGAC required at Woodlands & Tuas checkpoints
  • Stay duration: Up to 30 days
ⓘ Malaysian nationals entering by land must submit the SGAC before crossing at Woodlands or Tuas. The same form applies for air and sea entry.

When to Fill the Singapore Arrival Card β€” Deadline & Validity

Submit the Singapore Arrival Card no earlier than 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date; the form is valid for one trip only and must be resubmitted for each new entry into Singapore.

📅 Submission Window
  • Earliest: 3 days (72 hours) before arrival
  • Recommended: 24–48 hours before departure
  • Latest: Before immigration checkpoint
  • Processing time: Instant confirmation
✅ Validity Rules
  • Valid for one entry only
  • If trip cancelled β†’ submit new SGAC
  • No limit on number of submissions
  • Confirmation does not expire within the 3-day window
⚠ Missed Deadline
  • Can submit at the checkpoint kiosk
  • May cause 30–60 min delays
  • Cannot use automated immigration gates
  • ICA strongly recommends pre-arrival submission

What Documents Do You Need for the Singapore Arrival Card?

To complete the Singapore Arrival Card you need your passport, flight or transport details, arrival and departure dates, and your Singapore accommodation address β€” have these ready before starting the form.

Required Documents & Information

  • Valid passport β€” number, nationality, date of issue, expiry date (must have 6+ months validity from arrival date)
  • Full legal name β€” exactly as printed in your passport
  • Date of birth and gender
  • Contact details β€” email address and/or phone number
  • Flight/transport number β€” airline and flight number (e.g., SQ321) or vessel/bus details
  • Arrival date β€” your scheduled date of entry into Singapore
  • Departure date β€” planned date of departure (approximate is acceptable)
  • Accommodation address β€” hotel name and full address in Singapore
  • Purpose of visit β€” tourism, business, social visit, transit, etc.

Health Declaration (eHDC) Section

  • Health status β€” symptom declaration for the past 14 days
  • Recent travel history β€” countries visited in the past 14 days
ⓘ Tip: Have your hotel booking confirmation open when filling the Singapore Arrival Card β€” you'll need the exact address. If staying with friends or family, use their residential address.
Singapore city view with modern skyline and travel documents

How to Apply for the Singapore Arrival Card β€” Step by Step

Apply for the Singapore Arrival Card in 7 steps through the official ICA portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg or the MyICA mobile app β€” the entire process takes approximately 5–10 minutes and is completely free.

Passport and boarding pass ready for Singapore Arrival Card online submission

Step 1 β€” Visit the Official ICA Portal

Navigate to eservices.ica.gov.sg and select “SG Arrival Card”. Alternatively, download the MyICA mobile app. Important: Bookmark the official URL β€” do not use third-party sites that charge fees.

Step 2 β€” Start a New Trip

Select “Submit SG Arrival Card” and choose “Create New Trip.” Select whether you're submitting for yourself or another person (useful for children or family members).

Step 3 β€” Enter Personal Details

Fill in your full name (exactly as in passport), passport number, nationality, date of birth, gender, and email address. Name and passport number must match exactly.

Step 4 β€” Enter Travel Details

Provide mode of travel (air/sea/land), airline and flight number, arrival date into Singapore, and intended departure date.

Step 5 β€” Enter Accommodation Details

Type your Singapore accommodation address: hotel name, street address, and postal code. If staying at a private residence, enter the full residential address.

Step 6 β€” Complete the Health Declaration (eHDC)

Answer health screening questions: symptoms in the past 14 days, countries visited in the past 14 days, and contact with infectious disease patients.

Step 7 β€” Review, Submit & Save Confirmation

Review all entered information, confirm accuracy, and submit. You will receive an electronic acknowledgement linked to your passport number. No printout is required β€” save a screenshot for your records.

View Detailed Guide with Screenshots →

Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC)

The electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) is integrated into the SGAC form β€” you complete both in a single submission. Declare symptoms (fever, cough, breathlessness) within the past 14 days and recent travel history to affected regions.

Complete eHDC Guide →

Singapore Arrival Card vs Singapore Visa β€” Key Differences

The Singapore Arrival Card is NOT a visa β€” it is a separate immigration form required in addition to any visa; travellers from non-visa-exempt countries need both an approved visa AND a submitted SGAC to enter Singapore.

Feature Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) Singapore Visa
What is it? Pre-arrival declaration form Entry permit/authorisation
Cost Free ($0) $20–$80 (varies by type)
Who needs it? All foreign visitors Only visa-required nationalities
Submission method Online (ICA portal / MyICA app) Through authorised agent or ICA e-Service
Processing time Instant 3–5 working days
Validity One entry, 3-day submission window Single/multiple entry, weeks–months
Replaces the other? No No
Can enter without it? No β€” mandatory for all foreigners Visa-free nationals: not needed
⚠ Bottom line: If your nationality requires a visa (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria), you must first obtain the visa and then submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days of arrival. If your nationality is visa-free (e.g., UK, USA, Australia, Germany), you only need the SGAC.

Singapore Arrival Card for Transit Passengers

Transit passengers staying airside at Changi Airport for under 24 hours typically do not need to submit a Singapore Arrival Card, but those clearing immigration for a city stopover must complete the SGAC.

✅ SGAC NOT Required If:
  • You remain in the airside transit area at Changi Airport
  • Your transit is under 24 hours
  • You do not pass through Singapore immigration
  • You hold a confirmed onward boarding pass
⚠ SGAC IS Required If:
  • You clear immigration to enter Singapore during transit
  • Your transit exceeds 24 hours (overnight transit)
  • You want to leave Changi Airport to visit the city
  • You are transiting by land or sea
ⓘ Tip: Some nationalities are eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), allowing a transit stop of up to 96 hours without a visa β€” but the Singapore Arrival Card is still required when clearing immigration. If in doubt, submit the SGAC β€” it's free and takes 5 minutes.

Singapore Entry Requirements 2026 β€” Beyond the Arrival Card

Beyond the Singapore Arrival Card, entering Singapore in 2026 requires a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity, sufficient funds for your stay, proof of onward travel, and β€” for some nationalities β€” an approved visa.

📄 Mandatory for All Foreigners
  • ✅ Valid passport β€” minimum 6 months validity
  • ✅ Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) submitted
  • ✅ Sufficient funds for your stay
  • ✅ Confirmed onward/return travel
  • ✅ Accommodation address in Singapore
⚠ Visa-Required Nationalities (Additional)
  • ✅ Approved Singapore visa (before travel)
  • ✅ Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from/through endemic area)
📍 Recommended Documents (Carry)
  • Hotel booking confirmations
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Invitation letter (business visitors)
  • Return flight itinerary (printed or on phone)

Pre-Departure Checklist for Singapore 2026

Use this interactive checklist to ensure you have everything ready before flying to Singapore. Click each item to mark it as completed.

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
  • Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) submitted online
  • Electronic Health Declaration (eHDC) completed (part of SGAC)
  • SGAC confirmation acknowledgement saved/screenshotted
  • Singapore visa obtained (if required for your nationality)
  • Return or onward flight ticket confirmed
  • Hotel/accommodation address ready (needed for SGAC form)
  • Sufficient funds for your stay
  • Travel insurance purchased
  • MyICA app downloaded (optional but recommended)
0%
Changi Airport Singapore arrival hall with modern automated immigration gates

⚠ Beware of Singapore Arrival Card Scam Websites

The Singapore Arrival Card is 100% free on the official ICA website. Numerous fraudulent websites charge $20–$80 for a free government service. Red flags: any fee charged, URL not eservices.ica.gov.sg, claims of "expedited processing," or requests for credit card details.

How to Identify Fake SGAC Sites →

What Happens at Changi Airport After Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card

After submitting the Singapore Arrival Card online, proceed directly to the automated immigration gates at Changi Airport β€” your SGAC data is already linked to your passport via biometric matching, and no additional paperwork is required.

Arrival Process at Changi Airport

  1. Disembark and follow signs to Immigration / Arrival Hall
  2. Proceed to automated immigration gates β€” look for “eIACS” (Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System) lanes for foreign visitors
  3. Scan your passport at the gate reader
  4. Biometric verification β€” face/fingerprint matching against passport data and SGAC submission
  5. Gate opens β€” you are cleared to enter Singapore
  6. e-Pass issued β€” Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) issued electronically, visible in the MyICA app
ⓘ Note: No paper stamp is placed in your passport β€” Singapore uses the e-Pass electronic system. Your approved stay duration is stored digitally and accessible through MyICA. If you entered details incorrectly, an immigration officer will direct you to a manual counter for verification.
Full Changi Airport Immigration Guide →
Changi Airport Singapore automated immigration gates for foreign visitors

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Yes, the Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Singapore. This includes tourists, business travellers, children, and even long-term pass holders returning from abroad. Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are exempt. Failure to submit the SGAC may result in delays at immigration or denial of entry.

Yes, the Singapore Arrival Card is completely free of charge β€” $0. The official ICA portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg and the MyICA mobile app never ask for payment. Any website charging a fee for SGAC submission is unauthorised. See our scam warning page for details on fraudulent sites.

Submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date in Singapore. The recommended timing is 24–48 hours before departure. You cannot submit earlier than 3 days in advance, and submitting after arrival at the checkpoint may cause significant delays.

Technically yes, but ICA strongly recommends submitting the Singapore Arrival Card before departing for Singapore. If you arrive without a completed SGAC, you may be directed to a kiosk or manual counter at the immigration checkpoint. This can result in 30–60 minutes of additional waiting time compared to pre-submitted travellers using automated gates.

The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted no earlier than 3 days before arrival and no later than before reaching the immigration checkpoint. There is no penalty for submitting close to arrival, but late submission means you cannot use the automated immigration gates immediately.

Each Singapore Arrival Card is valid for one entry into Singapore only. If your trip is cancelled, dates change, or you leave and re-enter Singapore, you need to submit a completely new SGAC for each entry. There is no fee for resubmission.

Yes β€” if you made an error on your Singapore Arrival Card, simply submit a new form with the correct information. The most recent submission linked to your passport number will be used at immigration. There is no fee for resubmission and you can submit multiple times within the 3-day window.

You do not need the Singapore Arrival Card if you remain airside at Changi Airport for a transit under 24 hours. However, if you clear immigration to enter Singapore β€” even briefly β€” you must submit the SGAC. When in doubt, submit it; the form is free and takes 5 minutes.

Yes, every child and infant β€” regardless of age β€” requires their own Singapore Arrival Card submission. A parent or legal guardian must complete the form using the child's passport details. There is no minimum age exemption. Parents can submit for multiple family members in one session.

Yes, you can submit Singapore Arrival Cards for multiple family members in one session on the ICA portal or MyICA app. After completing one form, select “Submit for another person” and enter the next family member's passport details. Each person gets their own electronic acknowledgement.

No β€” the Singapore Arrival Card confirmation does not need to be printed. Your SGAC submission is electronically linked to your passport number. Immigration officers and automated gates access your data digitally when they scan your passport. Saving a screenshot is optional but recommended for your records.

If you arrive in Singapore without a submitted Singapore Arrival Card, you will not be able to use automated immigration gates. You will be directed to a manual immigration counter where an officer may assist you in completing the form or process your entry manually. This can cause 30–60 minutes of additional waiting time.

No β€” the Singapore Arrival Card and a Singapore visa are two separate documents with different purposes. The SGAC is a free pre-arrival declaration form required of ALL foreign visitors. A visa is a paid entry authorisation required only by specific nationalities. If your country requires a visa, you need BOTH the visa AND the SGAC.

The official Singapore Arrival Card website is eservices.ica.gov.sg β€” operated by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Always verify you are on a .gov.sg domain. Alternatively, use the MyICA mobile app available on iOS and Android. Any other website is unofficial.

You need your passport details, flight/transport number, arrival and departure dates, Singapore accommodation address, and health declaration information. Have your passport and hotel booking confirmation ready before starting the form β€” this makes the 5–10 minute process much smoother.

No β€” Singapore citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card. These individuals use separate immigration lanes and are not required to submit a pre-arrival declaration. The SGAC requirement applies exclusively to foreign nationals.

No β€” the Singapore Arrival Card system only accepts submissions within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival date. If you try to submit earlier, the system will not process your form. Set a reminder for 3 days before your trip to complete the SGAC.

The Singapore Arrival Card form on the ICA portal is primarily available in English. The form fields and instructions are in English, though the MyICA app may offer limited language support. The fields are straightforward and require factual data (names, numbers, dates) β€” a travel companion can assist if needed.

The eHDC (electronic Health Declaration Card) is the health screening section integrated within the Singapore Arrival Card submission. It requires you to declare any symptoms (fever, cough, breathlessness) experienced in the past 14 days and disclose recent travel to areas with disease outbreaks. The eHDC is completed as part of the same SGAC form β€” no separate submission is needed. Read our complete eHDC guide for details.

Ready to Submit Your Singapore Arrival Card?

The SGAC takes only 5–10 minutes to complete. It is completely free. Submit through the official ICA portal or follow our step-by-step guide to make sure you get it right first time.

Step-by-Step Application Guide → Check Entry Requirements