Singapore Arrival Cards are required for every traveler entering Singapore, including infants and children of any age. Parents or guardians must submit a separate SGAC for each child using the child’s own passport details. Group submission allows families to link up to 10 travelers under one session, but each member still needs individual data entered.
Every traveler entering Singapore, including infants, requires an individual Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). Parents submit a separate SGAC per child using each child’s passport, or link up to 10 travelers via group submission. Submission is free and must occur within 3 days before arrival. Last verified against ICA requirements: August 2026.
Does Every Child and Infant Need a Separate Singapore Arrival Card?
Every traveler entering Singapore needs an individual Singapore Arrival Card. Singapore Arrival Card submission for families with children operates on a strict per-traveler basis – no age exemptions exist for infants, newborns, or lap children. A parent or legal guardian must complete each child’s SGAC on behalf of minors using the child’s own passport. Each passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the arrival date (per ICA entry requirements for foreign visitors).
Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders are exempt from SGAC only at land crossings (Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints). This exemption does not apply to air travel. A 3-year-old holding a Singapore PR passport arriving by air from Kuala Lumpur still needs an individual Singapore Arrival Card. The misconception that infants on a parent’s lap do not need their own card is false.
| Child’s Status | By Air | By Land or Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign passport holder | SGAC required | SGAC required |
| Singapore citizen | SGAC required | Exempt |
| Singapore Permanent Resident | SGAC required | Exempt |
| Long-Term Pass holder | SGAC required | Exempt |
SGAC for Infants, Newborns, and Young Children – Complete Guide
Infants (under 2 years) and newborns (under 1 month) require a valid passport with 6+ months validity before any Singapore Arrival Card submission can occur for that child. The passport number is a mandatory field. If a recently-born infant does not yet have a passport, travel must be deferred until the passport is issued.
When submitting a Singapore Arrival Card for infants and young children, the responsible adult enters the child’s data. The health declaration is part of the SGAC form and applies to all travelers regardless of age. Employment history, however, is not required for minors.
| Form Field | Adult | Child or Infant |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Number | Required | Required |
| Full Legal Name, DOB, Nationality | Required | Required |
| Health Declaration | Required | Required |
| Employment History | Required | N/A for minors |
| Accommodation Address | Entered or auto-copied | Auto-copied in group |
A yellow fever certificate is separately required for all travelers arriving from endemic countries, including infants. This is checked independently of the SGAC health declaration. False health declarations carry potential prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act (per ICA).
How to Submit SGAC for Your Family – Step by Step
Parents filling out SGAC for children under 12 submit one free Singapore Arrival Card per child via the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app (iOS/Android) within 3 days of arrival.
- Select your platform: ICA e-Service (web) or MyICA Mobile app (iOS/Android). One login manages multiple family submissions.
- Gather child documents: Each child’s passport details, full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and gender must be ready.
- Enter individual data: Each child needs a separate Singapore Arrival Card profile with their own passport number.
- Complete health declaration: Part of the SGAC form for every traveler, including infants.
- Time your submission: File within 3 days before arrival (including the day of arrival). Submit at least 48 hours before departure.
- Save confirmation: Each child receives a separate acknowledgement email with a unique DE Number.
Tip: Both parents can log in separately to submit SGAC for different children, but each child must appear in only one submission to avoid duplicate DE Numbers.
Singapore Arrival Card submission is free. Avoid non-official agencies like globalsingapore.sg that charge USD 25 for a service you can complete at no cost via ICA.
Group Submission for Families – Complete Walkthrough
Group submission lets one parent enter shared trip details once for up to 10 persons traveling together on one trip (per ICA FAQ). Each child still requires individual passport data entered manually for their Singapore Arrival Card.
| Data Type | Examples | How Entered |
|---|---|---|
| Replicated (shared) | Flight number, arrival date, accommodation address | Entered once by lead traveler |
| Individual (per child) | Passport number, full name, date of birth, nationality, gender | Entered manually for each traveler |
Family of 5 scenario: Two parents with children aged 8, 4, and 8 months file one group submission. Hotel address and flight data auto-copy; the lead parent enters each child’s passport number, full name, date of birth, and nationality individually to complete each Singapore Arrival Card.
When to use Group Submission:
- All family members on the same flight, group size up to 10 persons – use group submission
- Family members arriving on different flights – submit individually
- Extended family with nanny or travel helper totaling up to 10 persons – group submission works
SGAC Confirmation, Approval, and Common Family Mistakes
After submitting each child’s Singapore Arrival Card, parents receive separate confirmation emails with unique DE Numbers. Save all emails – arriving without a valid SGAC can result in denial of entry by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The system does not allow post-submission edits; errors require a completely new Singapore Arrival Card submission.
Post-submission checklist:
- Confirm receipt of separate emails, one per family member
- Screenshot or save each DE Number
- Verify passport numbers match each child
| Mistake | Why It Matters | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Using parent’s passport for a child | Creates duplicate adult record; child remains undocumented | Enter the child’s own passport details |
| Submitting one SGAC for twins | Each person needs their own entry record | File a separate form for each twin |
| Entering wrong flight dates in group submission | Record will not match the actual arrival manifest | Verify arrival dates before submitting |
| Using child’s nickname instead of legal name | Name mismatch with passport may cause entry delays | Use the exact name as printed on the passport |
| Waiting until the day of arrival | System congestion may delay confirmation | Submit within 3 days before arrival; aim for 48 hours before departure |
| Not saving confirmation emails per child | Cannot retrieve DE Number at border without email | Screenshot every confirmation immediately after submission |
Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Arrival Cards for Families in 2026
Does my newborn baby need their own Singapore Arrival Card even if they are only a few days old?
Yes. Every traveler needs an individual Singapore Arrival Card regardless of age. No exemption exists for infants or newborns. Wait until the baby’s passport is issued – the passport number is a mandatory field.
Can a parent submit the Singapore Arrival Card on behalf of a child?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian submits on behalf of any minor. The child still requires a separate individual Singapore Arrival Card.
What documents do I need before filling out my child’s SGAC?
Your child’s valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, plus their full legal name, date of birth, nationality, gender, and your Singapore accommodation address.
How far in advance should we submit our family’s Singapore Arrival Cards?
Within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival. Submit at least 48 hours before departure to allow time for error correction via re-submission.
What if my child has dual citizenship – which passport number do I enter?
Enter the passport the child will use to enter Singapore. If the child holds Singapore citizenship or PR status, exemptions apply only at land borders – not air travel.
Is there a difference in SGAC requirements between entering by air vs. land vs. sea?
Singapore Arrival Card is required at all entry points including Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, Woodlands, Tuas, and sea checkpoints. Changi e-gates may have age restrictions for children.
Does the Singapore Arrival Card affect my child’s visa status or act as a visa?
No. The SGAC is an electronic arrival card and health declaration, not a visa. US passport holders, including minors, remain visa-exempt for 90 days regardless of SGAC submission.
What personal data about my child is stored when I submit their SGAC?
Passport number, full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, and health declaration answers. Stored under ICA data protection policies.
Can I submit the Singapore Arrival Card for my child at the airport if I forgot before departure?
Technically possible at Changi immigration counters, but expect delays. Singapore Arrival Cards should be submitted within 3 days before arrival including the day of arrival.
I am a solo parent traveling alone with my child – do I need extra documents?
SGAC does not require consent documentation. However, ICA officers may request proof of parental authority at the border. Carry the child’s birth certificate, applicable custody orders, and a notarized consent letter from the absent parent.
