The Singapore Arrival Card cost is exactly $0. Every traveler must submit the SGAC electronically within 72 hours before arrival through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the entire process is completely free of charge. Third-party websites charge $25 to $155 for this same service. These unaffiliated entities charge unnecessary fees and expose your passport data to unregulated platforms. This guide covers the free submission process, scam verification, and non-submission penalties.
What Is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?
The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory, free of charge digital entry declaration required for all foreign visitors within 72 hours before arriving in Singapore.
- Not a visa: The SGAC does not replace a visa. It is solely an entry and health declaration required by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
- Digital transition: This electronic system permanently replaced the traditional paper disembarkation/embarkation card (DE card) on 27 March 2020.
- Health integration: The form automatically includes the electronic health declaration (eHDC) at no extra Singapore Arrival Card cost.
- Universal requirement: Every foreign visitor, including babies and young children, must possess their own individual SGAC submitted within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival, including the arrival day itself.
- Language rule: All submitted information must be completed strictly in English.
Singapore Arrival Card Cost: The Zero Fee Guarantee
Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card in 2026 costs $0 at every step, with no hidden charges for processing, confirmation, or mobile app usage. The Singapore Arrival Card cost remains zero for all travelers using the ICA e-Service at eservices.ica.gov.sg.
- Submission: $0
- Processing: $0 (processing is instant; no express or priority option exists)
- Confirmation email (PDF): $0
- e-Pass notification: $0
- MyICA Mobile app: $0 (available for iOS and Android)
- Group submission: $0
- Resubmission: $0 (updating details requires a new submission at no charge)
SGAC Cost Breakdown: Free Submission vs. Third-Party Charges vs. Non-Submission
Failing to submit the Singapore Arrival Card before arrival can result in penalties of up to S$10,000 and 6 months imprisonment.
| Dimension | Free ICA Submission | Third-Party Services | Non-Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 (Free of charge) | $25 to $155 | Up to S$10,000 fine |
| Processing Time | Instant | 1 to 2 working days | N/A |
| Data Risk | Secure | Passport data shared with unregulated entities | N/A |
| Guarantee | Guaranteed delivery | No guarantee submission reaches ICA | N/A |
| Outcome | Entry cleared | False security | Denied entry, up to 6 months imprisonment |
How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card for Free
The Singapore Arrival Card cost is exactly $0 when using the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app. Our testing of both channels in 2026 confirms the entire process takes under 3 minutes, with a confirmation PDF arriving in your inbox within seconds.
Step-by-Step Free Submission Guide
- Choose a free channel: Download the MyICA Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the ICA portal. Both options are free of charge.
- Enter your details: The MyICA app allows you to scan your passport to auto-import basic information. A profile-saving function auto-populates data for subsequent trips. All information must be filled in English.
- Submit within the deadline: Complete your SG Arrival Card within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Singapore.
- Receive instant confirmation: The Singapore Arrival Card processing cost is zero, and travelers receive an immediate acknowledgement email or a PDF document upon successful submission.
Third-Party SGAC Services: What They Charge and Deliver
Third-party services charge $25-$155 to process a Singapore Arrival Card submission that takes 1-2 working days. Through the ICA e-Service, the same Singapore Arrival Card submission completes instantly and free of charge.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Stance
ICA explicitly states it does not endorse or affiliate with any paid SGAC services. Travelers who have already paid a third-party service have no guaranteed refund, as these commercial entities operate independently of the Singapore government.
How Scam SGAC Websites Work and How to Identify Them
Scam sites bid on Google Ads to appear above the ICA portal for Singapore Arrival Card searches, using fake countdown timers and “express processing” claims. A Public Advisory published by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on 17 March 2026 warns against these commercial entities. The advisory identifies 61 flagged domains that falsely charge a Singapore Arrival Card cost. Common patterns include domains mimicking ICA naming conventions and URLs combining “singapore” with “visa” or “arrival card.”
Use this 5-point verification checklist to confirm portal legitimacy:
- Look for the exact eservices.ica.gov.sg URL or the MyICA Mobile app.
- Verify the site uses a legitimate .gov.sg domain extension.
- Ensure no payment page appears at any step.
- Confirm no credit card details are ever requested.
- Reject any portal offering an express processing upsell.
The True Cost of Getting Singapore Arrival Card Wrong
Getting the Singapore Arrival Card wrong carries real consequences. Third-party sites risk data privacy; non-submission risks fines and entry denial.
Five Hidden Costs of Paid Services
Beyond the $25-$155 fee, third-party services impose: (1) 1-2 day processing delay vs. ICA’s instant confirmation, (2) passport data shared with unregulated entities, (3) no guarantee of actual ICA submission, and (4) a false sense of compliance without verification.
Penalties for Non-Submission
Failing to submit the Singapore Arrival Card or providing false declarations carries severe legal consequences under the Infectious Diseases Act. First offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment. Repeat offenses carry fines of up to S$20,000 and 12 months imprisonment. Non-compliant visitors also face immediate denial of entry at Singapore border checkpoints.
Singapore Arrival Card Cost – Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
How much does a Singapore Arrival Card cost?
The Singapore Arrival Card costs exactly $0 when submitted through the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. No application, processing, or confirmation fees exist.
Is the Singapore Electronic Arrival Card free to submit?
Yes. The Singapore Arrival Card is completely free to submit at every stage. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) charges no government fee for the entire process.
Are there any government fees for the Singapore Arrival Card in 2026?
No. The Singapore government charges zero fees for SGAC submission, processing, or confirmation in 2026. You will never be asked for credit card details by ICA.
Why do some websites charge for the Singapore Arrival Card?
Third-party intermediary sites charge $25-$155 for a service ICA provides free. ICA does not endorse these commercial entities, and the service they offer is identical to the free process.
Can I submit the Singapore Arrival Card for free on the ICA website?
Yes. Use eservices.ica.gov.sg or the free MyICA Mobile app. Both guarantee safe, zero-cost submission with instant confirmation.
Does the cost of SGAC vary by nationality?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is free for all nationalities. Third-party scam fees may vary by location or currency used.
Can I edit my Singapore Arrival Card after submission and is there a fee?
Submit a new Singapore Arrival Card with updated details. The most recent submission supersedes all previous ones, and this resubmission process is completely free.
Is there express or priority processing for the Singapore Arrival Card?
No. Standard processing is already instant upon submission. Any website offering expedited processing for a fee is a scam and should be avoided.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card required for babies and young children?
Yes. Every foreign visitor, regardless of age, must have their own Singapore Arrival Card. Families can use the free group submission feature on the MyICA Mobile app or ICA website.
What payment methods do scam SGAC websites typically accept?
Scam sites typically accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, and occasionally cryptocurrency. The genuine ICA process never requests any payment information.
This is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the Singapore government or ICA. All official SGAC submissions must be completed at eservices.ica.gov.sg. Content reviewed: August 2026.
