A valid passport with 6 months validity, a completed SG Arrival Card (SGAC), and β depending on nationality β either a visa or visa-free entry. Most travellers from 190+ countries enter for free.
Most travellers do not need a visa for Singapore β over 190 nationalities enjoy visa-free access for 30 to 90 days, while nationals of India, China (most passports), Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several other countries must apply for a Social Visit Pass or Singapore visa before travelling.
Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) administers all entry permissions. Visa-free travellers receive a Short Visit Pass (SVP) stamped into their passport at the checkpoint β this is not a visa; it is issued automatically upon entry to eligible nationalities.
The following nationalities can enter Singapore without a pre-arranged visa and stay for up to 30 days:
| Nationality | Stay (days) | Visa required? |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 30 | ❌ No |
| Australia | 30 | ❌ No |
| New Zealand | 30 | ❌ No |
| Canada | 30 | ❌ No |
| Japan | 30 | ❌ No |
| South Korea | 30 | ❌ No |
| Malaysia | 30 | ❌ No |
| Indonesia | 30 | ❌ No |
| Philippines | 30 | ❌ No |
| Thailand | 30 | ❌ No |
| Vietnam | 30 | ❌ No |
| Hong Kong SAR | 30 | ❌ No |
| Taiwan | 30 | ❌ No |
| Mexico | 30 | ❌ No |
| Brazil | 30 | ❌ No |
| Argentina | 30 | ❌ No |
| South Africa | 30 | ❌ No |
| Russia | 30 | ❌ No |
| Israel | 30 | ❌ No |
| UAE | 30 | ❌ No |
| Saudi Arabia | 30 | ❌ No |
This is a representative list. Always verify your specific nationality on the ICA official portal before travel, as rules can change.
Citizens of the following countries benefit from an extended 90-day visa-free stay:
| Nationality | Stay (days) | Visa required? |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 90 | ❌ No |
| Germany | 90 | ❌ No |
| France | 90 | ❌ No |
| Spain | 90 | ❌ No |
| Italy | 90 | ❌ No |
| Netherlands | 90 | ❌ No |
| Belgium | 90 | ❌ No |
| Portugal | 90 | ❌ No |
| Sweden | 90 | ❌ No |
| Norway | 90 | ❌ No |
| Denmark | 90 | ❌ No |
| Finland | 90 | ❌ No |
| Switzerland | 90 | ❌ No |
| Austria | 90 | ❌ No |
| Poland | 90 | ❌ No |
| Czech Republic | 90 | ❌ No |
| Greece | 90 | ❌ No |
| Ireland | 90 | ❌ No |
The 90-day allowance applies to most EU member states and several Western European countries. If your country is not listed, the default is typically 30 days.
Citizens of the following countries must obtain a Singapore visa before departure:
| Nationality | Visa required? | Apply via |
|---|---|---|
| India | ✅ Yes | ICA e-Services or Singapore High Commission |
| Pakistan | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
| Bangladesh | ✅ Yes | Singapore High Commission |
| China (PRC) | ✅ Yes (30-day exemption for some holders) | ICA e-Services |
| Nigeria | ✅ Yes | Singapore High Commission |
| Ghana | ✅ Yes | Singapore High Commission |
| Egypt | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
| Morocco | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
| Myanmar | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
| Sri Lanka | ✅ Yes | Singapore High Commission |
| Nepal | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
| Afghanistan | ✅ Yes | Singapore Embassy |
To apply for a Singapore visa (Social Visit Pass), submit your application through the ICA e-Services portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg. Standard processing typically takes 3β5 working days. Even with a valid visa, all foreign nationals must also submit the SGAC β the visa and the arrival card are separate requirements. Learn about the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) →
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Singapore, with at least one blank page remaining for the immigration stamp β these rules apply to all nationalities, including those visiting visa-free.
These passport conditions are enforced strictly. Airlines routinely check passport validity before boarding; if your passport fails the 6-month rule, you may be denied boarding at your origin airport and refused entry to Singapore.
The 6-month validity requirement means your passport's expiry date must be at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Singapore.
Tip: If you are close to the 6-month threshold, renew your passport before booking flights. Renewal times vary significantly by country.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Blank pages | At least 1 blank page for the immigration stamp (2 recommended) |
| Passport type | Must be a machine-readable passport (MRP) β all modern passports qualify |
| Damaged passports | Can result in denied boarding or entry β travel with an undamaged document |
| Emergency/temporary passports | May face additional scrutiny; check with the nearest Singapore Embassy |
| Children | Children must have their own passport β they can no longer be added to a parent's passport under current international standards |
Numerous fraudulent websites charge fees (USD $10–$80) to submit your SGAC. These sites are not affiliated with the Singapore government. The official SGAC is always free of charge and must be submitted at eservices.ica.gov.sg or via the MyICA mobile app. Never pay a third party to submit your arrival card.
See Full SGAC Scam Warning →The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory, completely free digital form that all foreign visitors must submit to Singapore's ICA up to 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. It replaced the old paper Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (D/E Card) in 2023 and is the single most important pre-travel action you must take β before you board your flight to Singapore.
The SGAC is required for every foreign national, regardless of nationality, visa status, or purpose of visit. Whether you are entering visa-free or with a visa, arriving by air, sea, or land β the SGAC is mandatory.
Go to eservices.ica.gov.sg or download the MyICA app for iOS/Android.
Full name (as per passport), passport number, nationality, date of birth.
Flight number, arrival date, departure date, arrival channel (air/land/sea).
Address of hotel or residence in Singapore (street address, hotel name).
The embedded eHDC β health declaration is part of the SGAC since 2024.
Receive instant electronic acknowledgement. No printout required β data is linked to your passport number.
| SGAC (SG Arrival Card) | Singapore Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | ALL foreign nationals | Only non-visa-free nationalities |
| Cost | Free β $0 | Varies (approx. SGD $30β$70) |
| When to submit | Up to 72h before arrival | Weeks before travel |
| Issued by | ICA (automatically via online form) | ICA or Singapore Embassy |
| Purpose | Pre-arrival declaration | Legal permission to enter Singapore |
| Is it a visa? | No β it replaces the D/E Card | Yes β authorises entry |
| Required documents | Passport, flight details, accommodation | Full application with supporting documents |
Since 2024, Singapore's health declaration is embedded directly into the SGAC. There is no longer a separate Electronic Health Declaration Card β you complete the health declaration as part of your SGAC submission.
Full eHDC Guide →Since 2024, Singapore's health declaration is embedded directly into the SGAC β there is no longer a separate Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC). You complete the health declaration as part of your SGAC submission on the ICA portal. No separate form, no separate submission.
As of 2026, Singapore has no COVID-19 specific entry requirements. There is no requirement to show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or any COVID-related documentation. The eHDC embedded in the SGAC still includes a general health declaration, but it is a standard formality.
If you are arriving from or transiting through a country on Singapore's yellow fever endemic list, you must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (YFVC/IHR yellow card) upon arrival at Changi Airport.
Countries where a yellow fever certificate is required include nations in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America (e.g. Brazil, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya).
Singapore entry requirements vary by passport: US and EU citizens enter visa-free for 90 days, UK, Australian, Japanese, and most other nationalities for 30 days, while Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and most African passport holders must obtain a visa before departure. All nationalities must submit the SGAC regardless of visa status.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Visa-Free Stay | SGAC Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ❌ No | 90 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ❌ No | 90 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇫🇷 France | ❌ No | 90 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ❌ No | 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| 🇮🇳 India | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇨🇳 China (PRC) | ✅ Yes (exemptions apply) | 30 days (select holders) | ✅ Yes |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes |
Always verify the current status for your specific passport on ica.gov.sg before booking travel. Some nationalities have specific conditions or recent exemptions not listed here.
Before flying to Singapore, tick off these 10 essential preparation steps. Missing any of these can result in denied boarding at your origin airport or refused entry at Singapore's border. The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) and passport requirements account for the vast majority of travel disruptions for Singapore-bound visitors.
Singapore enforces strict customs rules: duty-free allowance is S$500 for trips over 48 hours, chewing gum and e-cigarettes/vapes are banned entirely, tobacco carries no duty-free allowance, and cash above S$20,000 must be declared. Singapore Customs and ICA work jointly to screen arriving passengers.
| Trip duration | Duty-free allowance |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours outside Singapore | S$500 |
| Less than 48 hours outside Singapore | S$100 |
| Arriving from Malaysia | S$0 (no duty-free allowance) |
You must declare goods exceeding these limits at the Red Channel upon arrival.
Travellers who have been outside Singapore for more than 48 hours and are 18 years or older receive the following duty-free alcohol allowance:
No alcohol duty-free allowance for arrivals from Malaysia.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Chewing gum | Banned β importation prohibited (therapeutic gum allowed with prescription) |
| E-cigarettes / vapes | Banned β completely illegal to import or use in Singapore |
| Tobacco / cigarettes | No duty-free allowance β all tobacco must be declared; excise duty applies (approx. S$0.427 per cigarette) |
| Narcotics / illegal drugs | Zero tolerance β trafficking above threshold quantities carries the death penalty |
| Firecrackers / pyrotechnics | Banned |
| Endangered species products | Banned under CITES |
| Obscene/pornographic material | Banned |
At Changi Airport (SIN), foreign nationals who have pre-submitted the SGAC proceed to the immigration arrival hall, present their passport, and receive a Short Visit Pass (SVP) β the whole process typically takes under 15 minutes if the SGAC was submitted in advance. Changi Airport consistently ranks as one of the world's most efficient airports for immigration processing.
Follow signs for "Arrival / Immigration" after deplaning at Changi.
If registered for ICA Automated Clearance, use the e-gate (biometric). Otherwise, proceed to a staffed immigration counter.
The officer scans it β your SGAC data is already in the ICA system.
First-time visitors provide fingerprints and iris scan at the counter.
The officer stamps or prints your SVP into your passport, showing the authorised stay duration (30 or 90 days).
Green Channel for nothing to declare, Red Channel if you have declarable items. Then exit to arrivals hall.
The three most important changes to Singapore entry requirements in 2026 are: the digital SGAC is now the only arrival form (paper D/E cards were abolished in 2023), the health declaration is built into the SGAC (no separate eHDC since 2024), and travellers must beware of third-party fee-charging SGAC websites β the ICA form is always free.
The paper arrival card no longer exists. Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is the only way to declare your arrival. Submit it online at eservices.ica.gov.sg or via the MyICA app β it takes approximately 5 minutes and is completely free.
Submit Your SGAC Now →| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) Card discontinued; SGAC becomes mandatory for all foreign nationals |
| 2024 | Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) discontinued as a separate form; health declaration integrated into SGAC |
| 2025 | ICA Automated Clearance expanded at Changi; MyICA mobile app launched for SGAC submission |
| 2026 | No COVID-specific entry requirements remain; SGAC + 6-month passport rule + visa requirements unchanged |
A significant 2025β2026 trend is the proliferation of fraudulent websites that impersonate the Singapore government's SGAC portal. These sites charge USD $10β$80 to submit the SGAC (which is always free), appear in paid Google ads, and collect your passport and payment data.
How to identify the legitimate SGAC portal: Official URL is eservices.ica.gov.sg (domain: gov.sg) β no payment is ever requested for the SGAC itself.
If you submitted your SGAC through a third-party site and paid a fee, submit a new, free SGAC directly on the official portal before travel.
Full SGAC Scam Warning →It depends on your nationality. Citizens of over 190 countries β including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, most of Europe, Japan, and most ASEAN nations β can enter Singapore visa-free for 30 or 90 days. If you hold a passport from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China (most passports), Nigeria, or several other countries, you must obtain a Singapore visa (Social Visit Pass) before departure. Check the ICA website for your specific nationality.
The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory free pre-arrival digital form required from all foreign nationals entering Singapore. It replaced the old paper Disembarkation/Embarkation Card in 2023. You must submit it at eservices.ica.gov.sg or via the MyICA app up to 72 hours before your arrival β and it costs nothing. Learn more about the SGAC →
No. Singapore does not offer visa-on-arrival for any nationality. You are either already visa-free (based on your passport) or you must obtain a visa before departing. If your nationality requires a visa and you arrive without one, you will be refused entry.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Singapore, with at least one blank page. If you arrive on 1 July 2026, your passport must be valid until at least 1 January 2027.
Visa-free stays are typically 30 days for most nationalities (UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, most ASEAN countries, and others) or 90 days for US citizens and most EU nationalities. The exact stay duration is stamped in your passport by the immigration officer as a Short Visit Pass.
Yes. The SGAC and visa are entirely separate requirements. If your nationality requires a visa, you need both the visa (for the right to enter Singapore) and the SGAC (the mandatory digital pre-arrival declaration). All foreign nationals β visa-free or not β must submit the SGAC.
The SGAC is completely free β SGD $0. If any website charges you to submit an SGAC, it is fraudulent. The official SGAC portal is at eservices.ica.gov.sg. See our SGAC scam warning →
You can submit the SGAC up to 3 days (72 hours) before your scheduled arrival. Most travellers submit it the day before departure or the day of departure. Do not leave it until you are on the plane β submit before boarding.
No. You do not need to print anything. Once submitted, your SGAC is electronically linked to your passport number and is retrieved automatically by ICA immigration systems at the point of entry. Save your confirmation email or screenshot for peace of mind, but it is not required to be shown.
As of 2024, Singapore's health declaration (formerly the Electronic Health Declaration Card/eHDC) is embedded directly into the SGAC submission. You complete it as part of your SGAC β there is no separate form. As of 2026, there are no COVID-19-specific requirements. Full eHDC guide →
Only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country in Africa or South America. If you are travelling directly from Europe, North America, East Asia, or most of Southeast Asia, no certificate is required. The yellow fever certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
No. Airlines will not board you and Singapore immigration will refuse entry if your passport does not have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. Renew your passport before booking travel if you are close to this threshold.
With a pre-submitted SGAC, immigration at Changi Airport typically takes 5β15 minutes for most travellers. Peak arrival times (early morning when multiple flights land simultaneously) can take longer. Registered travellers using ICA Automated Clearance lanes clear in 1β2 minutes. Full Changi Airport guide →
Duty-free goods allowance: stays over 48 hours = SGD $500; stays under 48 hours = SGD $100; arrivals from Malaysia = no allowance. Alcohol: 1 litre spirits + 1 litre wine + 1 litre beer (for stays over 48h, age 18+). Important: chewing gum, vapes/e-cigarettes, and all tobacco duty-free are prohibited.
No. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore β importation is illegal (only therapeutic gum with a prescription is permitted). Vapes, e-cigarettes, and all associated products are also completely banned; importing them is a criminal offence. These are not minor rules β enforcement is strict.
If Singapore immigration refuses your entry, you will be detained in the airport arrival area and placed on the next available return flight to your origin country at your own expense. Common reasons for refusal include: insufficient funds, no return ticket, suspicious purpose of visit, criminal record, or previous overstay in Singapore. The immigration officer's decision is final.
Yes to both. Children (including infants) must hold their own valid passport separate from their parents. All foreign national children also require their own SGAC. A parent or guardian can submit the SGAC for minor children as part of the same SGAC session on the ICA portal.
A Short Visit Pass (SVP) is automatically issued by the immigration officer at the checkpoint to visa-free travellers β it appears as a stamp or printed label in your passport and authorises your stay. A visa (Social Visit Pass issued prior to entry) is a pre-approved right to enter Singapore, required for non-visa-free nationalities. Both serve as an authorisation to be in Singapore, but they are obtained through completely different processes.
You can apply for a Visit Pass extension through the ICA e-Services portal from within Singapore before your authorised stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Overstaying without permission is a serious offence and can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Singapore.
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry into Singapore. However, it is strongly recommended: Singapore is known for its excellent but expensive healthcare system. Medical costs for tourists (non-residents) can be very high. Most travel insurance plans cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
The SGAC takes only 5 minutes to complete and is completely free. Submit before your flight β it's the single most important pre-travel step for entering Singapore.
SGAC Application Guide → eHDC GuideComplete guide to the mandatory SGAC β what it is, who needs it, and how to submit it for free.
Read Guide →Step-by-step screenshots guide to submitting your Singapore Arrival Card through the ICA portal.
Apply Now →Everything about arriving at Singapore Changi Airport β immigration, customs, terminals, and transport.
Airport Guide →Last updated: March 2026. Singapore immigration rules are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official ICA website before travel.
