The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free, mandatory electronic declaration form that all foreign travelers must submit online within 72 hours of arriving in Singapore. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete and replaces the former paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card. Managed by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the SGAC includes a legally binding health declaration enforced under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Last updated: August 5, 2026 – verified against ICA guidelines. This informational portal is not affiliated with the Singapore government. Always refer to ica.gov.sg for current official requirements.
What Is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), formally the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration, is a free electronic pre-arrival declaration that replaced Singapore’s paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) card – commonly known as the “white card” – on 27 March 2020. A pilot program for selected transport operators began in 2019.
The Singapore Arrival Card operates independently of Singpass and requires no special account. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed its permanent status in February 2023 as a disease surveillance tool. The SGAC does not connect to TraceTogether; the discontinued app’s health monitoring function is now integrated into this declaration. For a complete overview of the official ICA e-Service portal, see our dedicated guide.
Singapore Arrival Card vs. Singapore Visa – Key Differences
The Singapore Arrival Card is NOT a visa. It functions exclusively as a health and entry declaration form. Visa requirements are assessed separately based on nationality and stay length. Read our full comparison of the Singapore Arrival Card vs. a Singapore visa to understand every key difference.
| Feature | Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) | Singapore Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Electronic declaration form | Travel authorization document |
| Required for | All foreign travelers | Depends on nationality and stay length |
| Submitted | Online, before arrival | Embassy or ICA e-Service |
| Cost | Free | Varies by type |
| Approval time | Immediate acknowledgement | Days to weeks |
Who Is Required to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card?
Every foreign traveler entering Singapore – by air, sea, or land – must submit a Singapore Arrival Card, regardless of age, visa status, or passport type. This includes infants and children; a parent or guardian submits on their behalf. For a detailed eligibility breakdown by nationality, see our SGAC eligibility checker.
Exemptions – Transit Without Immigration
The Singapore Arrival Card is not required for passengers transiting through Changi Airport without clearing immigration. If a traveler remains in the transit area, no SGAC submission is needed.
Exemptions – Land Checkpoints
Certain long-term residents entering via the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints are exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card. This applies exclusively to holders of a Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Work Pass. Arriving by air or sea requires the SGAC even for these pass holders.
| Entry Method | Foreign Nationals | Long-Term Pass Holders (Land) | Transit (No Immigration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| By air | Required | Required | Exempt |
| By sea | Required | Required | Exempt |
| By land | Required | Exempt | N/A |
Singapore Arrival Card for US Citizens in 2026
US citizens can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days under a Short-Term Visit Pass, but the Singapore Arrival Card remains a separate, mandatory requirement for all passport holders. Singapore has no ESTA equivalent – the SGAC is the only required digital pre-arrival form. For visa requirements beyond 90 days, see our US citizens guide.
- Visa Exemption: Short-Term Visit Pass upon entry, up to 90 days without a visa.
- No ESTA Equivalent: No pre-arrival travel authorization required; the SGAC is the sole mandatory digital form.
- Passport Validity: Minimum 6 months remaining from date of entry (ICA entry requirements).
- Border Prerequisites: Onward or return ticket + proof of sufficient funds for the trip duration.
What You Need Before Starting Your Submission
Before submitting the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), gather the following to avoid form timeouts:
- Physical passport (number + expiry date)
- Flight or vessel confirmation (flight number + arrival date)
- Accommodation details (hotel name + full address, OR host name, address, contact)
- Contact information (email address for confirmation receipt + phone number)
- Health awareness (recent travel history, current symptoms)
Check our complete list of documents required for the Singapore Arrival Card to make sure you have everything before you begin.
Passport Validity – The 6-Month Rule
Singapore requires a minimum of 6 months remaining passport validity from the entry date. Travelers failing this requirement face denied entry regardless of a completed Singapore Arrival Card – except Singapore passport holders.
How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card Online
Submit the Singapore Arrival Card free of charge through the ICA e-Services portal or the MyICA Mobile app. The form takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires English input. For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step submission guide.
Step-by-Step – ICA Website
- Access the ICA portal and select “SGAC e-Service”
- Choose trip type (first-time or returning visitor)
- Enter personal, passport, and travel details
- Complete the mandatory health declaration
- Review all information and submit – confirmation email sent to declared address
Warning – Paid Third-Party Services
The Singapore Arrival Card is free via ICA channels. Commercial intermediaries charging $20 to $60 for this form are not endorsed by ICA. Be aware of these unregulated operators — learn how to spot fake Singapore Arrival Card services and protect yourself from common scams.
MyICA Mobile App – Features and Group Submission
The MyICA Mobile application, available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play), offers distinct advantages over the ICA web portal for Singapore Arrival Card submissions:
- Passport bio-page scanner – auto-imports passport data, reducing manual input errors
- Profile auto-save – populates relevant fields for repeat trips automatically
- Group submission – process up to 10 travelers simultaneously from one device
- Multi-language interface (form fields still require English input)
Group submission is exclusive to the mobile app – the ICA web portal supports only individual submissions. Returning travelers benefit from the profile-saving feature, which eliminates redundant data entry across trips.
Required Information for the Singapore Arrival Card
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) form captures the following data points – all mandatory for entry processing in 2026 under the Infectious Diseases Act:
| Category | Required Field | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Full name, Nationality, Date of birth | John Michael Smith, United States, 15/03/1985 |
| Passport | Passport number, Expiry date | 567890123, 20/06/2031 |
| Travel | Arrival date, Flight/Vessel number, Mode of transport, Duration of stay | 10/08/2026, Flight SQ12, Air, 14 days |
| Accommodation | Hotel name + address OR Host details | Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave |
| Contact | Email address, Phone number | [email protected], +1 212 555 1234 |
| Health | Recent travel history, Current symptoms | None in last 21 days, No fever |
Singapore Arrival Card Submission Timeline
The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival, including the day of arrival. The recommended window is 1 to 2 days before departure. Submitting earlier than 72 hours results in automatic system rejection. For full details on timing, deadlines, and the exact cutoff rules, read our guide on when to submit your Singapore Arrival Card.
What to Do During Portal Downtime
Technical issues with the ICA portal are rare but possible. If the system is unavailable, wait a few hours and retry. Submitting early within the 72-hour window eliminates this risk.
The Electronic Health Declaration
The health declaration component of the Singapore Arrival Card is legally enforceable under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act (Cap. 137). Travelers must disclose recent travel history and perform a symptom check before arrival. This declaration is integrated directly into the SGAC form, not a separate document.
Mandatory Resubmission Rules
If a traveler’s health status changes after initial Singapore Arrival Card submission, a completely new form must be filed. This obligation remains active until the moment of border clearance. Falsifying health records triggers criminal prosecution, with penalties starting at fines up to S$10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months.
What Happens at the Immigration Counter
After submitting the Singapore Arrival Card, ICA sends a confirmation email to the declared address. At the border, an ICA officer verifies the SGAC digitally, collects biometrics, and issues an e-Pass by email. Singapore no longer provides physical passport stamps.
- Submit the Singapore Arrival Card online before travel
- Receive acknowledgement email at declared address
- Arrive at checkpoint and present physical passport to ICA officer
- Biometrics collected: fingerprints, facial scan, and iris scan
- e-Pass (electronic Visit Pass) issued via email
The e-Pass validity is set by the ICA officer – typically up to 30 days for visa-exempt visitors – and is valid for a single entry only.
Land Checkpoint QR Code Clearance
Travelers arriving by vehicle at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints use a QR code generated from the submitted Singapore Arrival Card to expedite land border clearance from Malaysia. See our full guide on the Singapore Arrival Card QR code for step-by-step generation and usage instructions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With the Singapore Arrival Card
Failing to submit the Singapore Arrival Card or providing false information may result in fines up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months, as outlined in the Infectious Diseases Act (Cap. 137) and enforced by ICA. Our detailed breakdown of Singapore Arrival Card penalties explains every fine tier, repeat offence escalation, and potential legal consequences:
- Non-submission – traveler may be denied entry; potential fine
- False declaration – criminal prosecution with harsher penalties
| Offence Type | First Offence | Subsequent Offence |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | Up to S$10,000 | Up to S$20,000 |
| Imprisonment | Up to 6 months | Up to 12 months |
| Combined | Fine and/or imprisonment | Fine and/or imprisonment |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Singapore Arrival Card
These answers address the most common questions about the SGAC. For country-specific guidance and detailed troubleshooting, visit our complete SGAC FAQ page.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card the same as a Singapore visa?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory electronic declaration form required for all foreign travelers entering the country. A Singapore visa is a separate travel authorization document required only for specific nationalities or longer stays. The SGAC is always required regardless of visa status; visa rules depend entirely on nationality and intended stay duration.
How far in advance do I need to submit my Singapore Arrival Card?
Submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival date, including the day of arrival itself. The recommended window is 1 to 2 days before departure to avoid last-minute technical issues. Submitting earlier than 72 hours triggers automatic system rejection by the ICA portal.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card free of charge?
Yes. The Singapore Arrival Card is completely free when submitted through the ICA e-Service website or MyICA Mobile application. Be cautious of paid third-party services charging $20 to $60 for a form that costs nothing. ICA does not endorse these commercial intermediaries.
Do children need a separate Singapore Arrival Card?
Yes. Every foreign traveler entering Singapore must have their own Singapore Arrival Card, regardless of age. Parents or legal guardians submit on behalf of infants and minors. The MyICA Mobile app supports group submission of up to 10 travelers from a single device, simplifying the process for families.
Can I edit my SGAC after submitting it?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card system has no edit function once a form is submitted. If you made an error or your health status changes, you must submit a completely new SGAC to replace the previous one. Health information updates are legally mandatory under the Infectious Diseases Act until the moment of border clearance.
Do I need to submit a Singapore Arrival Card when leaving Singapore?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is exclusively a pre-arrival entry requirement. There is no departure card or exit declaration form for leaving the country. You only need to submit the SGAC prior to entering Singapore – no additional documentation is required upon departure.
What is the Singapore Arrival Card e-Pass?
The e-Pass is an electronic Visit Pass sent to your email after you clear immigration at a Singapore checkpoint. It officially replaces the traditional passport stamp. The ICA officer determines e-Pass validity – typically up to 30 days for visa-exempt visitors – and it is valid for a single entry only. The e-Pass is separate from the Singapore Arrival Card itself.
What if I didn’t receive my SGAC confirmation email?
Check your spam or junk folder first. Verify that the email address you entered during Singapore Arrival Card submission was correct. If the confirmation still cannot be found, submit a new SGAC to ensure your entry declaration is recorded. Acknowledgement emails from ICA typically arrive within minutes of submission.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card required for transit through Changi Airport?
Not if you remain inside the transit area without clearing immigration. The Singapore Arrival Card becomes mandatory only if your itinerary requires passing through immigration – for example, to recheck baggage or switch terminals at Changi Airport. Staying airside means no SGAC is needed.
How long does it take to complete the SGAC form?
Completing the Singapore Arrival Card individually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Having your passport, flight details, accommodation address, and contact information ready beforehand speeds up the process significantly. The MyICA Mobile app’s passport bio-page scanner further reduces completion time by auto-importing passport data from a photo of the bio page.
