When preparing for travel to Singapore in 2026, the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) Filipino citizens must submit is a mandatory, free digital form replacing the paper disembarkation card since March 2020. Filipino passport holders do not need a visa for short-term stays up to 30 days, but the SGAC must be completed within three days before arrival. The SGAC is not a visa; it is a digital arrival registration and health declaration required of every traveler, including infants.
Information sourced from Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Last reviewed August 2026.
Visa Requirements and SGAC Basics for Filipino Travelers
Filipino passport holders are visa-exempt for short-term visits to Singapore up to 30 days, but the free Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) remains mandatory for entry.
SGAC Is Not a Visa
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) replaced the paper disembarkation card in March 2020. It is a digital arrival registration form, not an immigration pass. According to the ICA, the SGAC is 100% free when submitted via the ICA e-Service. ICA explicitly states it does not support or endorse third-party websites charging fees for SGAC submission.
Visa-Free Transit Facility for Filipino Travelers
Filipino citizens are eligible for Singapore’s Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), permitting stays of up to 96 hours when transiting to a third country. Requirements include a valid onward ticket and, where applicable, a valid visa for the destination. The VFTF does not replace standard visa-free entry for tourism or business visits up to 30 days. For a deeper look at how the SGAC differs from a visa, see our Singapore Arrival Card vs Visa guide.
Who Must Submit?
Every individual entering Singapore in 2026 requires a Singapore Arrival Card. This rule applies to all Filipino citizens, including infants and children. Airlines may deny boarding if the SGAC has not been submitted before departure.
Complete Travel Documentation Checklist for Filipino Citizens
Before traveling to Singapore in 2026, Filipino citizens must prepare essential documents including a valid passport, a confirmed Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), and the Philippine eTravel departure card.
- Passport: Minimum 6 months validity beyond the intended stay.
- Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC): Confirmation email containing the DE number.
- Return ticket: Proof of onward travel within 30 days.
- Accommodation & Funds: Hotel booking or host address, plus sufficient financial means.
- Philippine eTravel Card: Mandatory departure clearance completed within 72 hours before flying, available at etravel.gov.ph.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required conditionally if arriving from an at-risk country within the past 6 days.
| Requirement | Singapore SGAC | Philippines eTravel |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 3 days before arrival | Within 72 hours before departure |
| Purpose | Singapore entry registration | Philippines departure clearance |
How to Submit Your Singapore Arrival Card
Submit your Singapore Arrival Card free via the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app within three (3) days, including the day of arrival. The MyICA Mobile app is available free from the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android), saves profile information for faster re-submission, and supports group submission for families traveling together. For example, a Friday arrival allows submission as early as Wednesday.
SGAC Form Fields Walkthrough
The 2026 Singapore Arrival Card form requires specific inputs from Filipino travelers. Select “Philippines” as your nationality. Type your passport number exactly as printed. Filipino passports use a 7-to-9 character alphanumeric format; do not add a “P” prefix unless printed on the document. Enter your full name as shown on the passport, date of birth, gender, flight number, and arrival and departure dates. In the accommodation field, provide a hotel name and full street address, or a host’s residential address in Singapore. Entering “TBD” or a city name alone is a common error that causes processing delays. Complete the mandatory Electronic Health Declaration, disclosing recent travel history under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act.
Arrival Process, Common Mistakes, and Penalties
After submitting the Singapore Arrival Card, travelers receive a DE number for biometric clearance at Changi Airport. Upon entry, visitors receive a digital e-Pass via email, replacing physical passport stamps since March 2022.
Common SGAC errors: Incorrect passport number format, date of birth typos, missing flight number, entering “TBD” in the accommodation field, and submitting outside the three-day window. The Singapore Arrival Card cannot be edited after submission. To correct errors, submit a completely new SGAC before arrival. Practically, the most frequent mistake is entering a hotel’s city name instead of the full street address copied from a booking confirmation. For a full breakdown of troubleshooting steps, see our Singapore Arrival Card error guide.
Scam warning: SGAC submission is free. ICA does not support or endorse commercial entities charging fees. If a website asks for payment, it is a third-party intermediary. Submit directly at eservices.ica.gov.sg or via the MyICA Mobile app. Learn more about how to spot fake SGAC services and protect your money.
Non-submission or providing false health details violates the Infectious Diseases Act, carrying penalties of up to S$10,000 or 6 months imprisonment for a first violation. Subsequent offenses carry penalties of up to S$20,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to enter Singapore in 2026?
No. Filipino citizens do not require a visa for short-term visits to Singapore in 2026, staying up to 30 days for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings. The mandatory Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) and a passport valid for at least six months remain required for entry.
How many days before arrival should I submit my Singapore Arrival Card?
Submit the SGAC within three (3) days, including the day of arrival. For a Friday landing, submission is accepted as early as Wednesday.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card free?
Yes. The SGAC is 100% free via the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. ICA does not endorse third-party websites charging fees.
Can I edit my SGAC after submitting it?
No. A submitted Singapore Arrival Card cannot be edited. To fix errors, submit a completely new SGAC before arrival; the system uses the most recent submission.
Does my child need a separate Singapore Arrival Card?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and minors of any age, needs an individual SGAC. Families can use the group submission feature on the MyICA Mobile app.
What accommodation should I enter if I have not booked a hotel yet?
Accepted formats include a specific hotel name and address, an Airbnb listing, or the residential address of family or friends you are visiting. Entering “TBD” or a city name alone is a common error that causes processing delays.
How long can I stay in Singapore as a Filipino citizen?
Filipino citizens can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa. The exact duration is determined by the Immigration officer upon arrival. For longer stays, a visa or pass extension through ICA is required.
Can I enter Singapore by land from Malaysia without submitting the SGAC?
No. Filipino citizens entering Singapore overland via the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints must still submit the SGAC. The land-checkpoint exception applies only to Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders. Read our full overland entry guide for details on Malaysia–Singapore land crossings.
What is a DE number, and do I need to show it at immigration?
A DE Number is the Disembarkation/Embarkation reference code sent via confirmation email after SGAC submission. The system links it to your passport for automated biometric clearance. Keep a digital or printed copy to show airline staff if requested before boarding.
Do I need to submit the Singapore Arrival Card every time I travel to Singapore?
Yes. The SGAC is a per-trip requirement. Each visit needs a new submission. The MyICA Mobile app saves your profile information, making re-submission faster on subsequent trips.
