The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory electronic entry declaration that all foreign visitors must submit online before arriving in Singapore. It is free of charge, takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to complete, and must be submitted within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival through the ICA e-Service portal or MyICA Mobile app. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs an individual SGAC regardless of nationality or visa status.
The SGAC functions as a digital travel pass linked directly to your passport. This guide covers eligibility, the submission process, and common mistakes for foreign visitors arriving in 2026.
This is an independent informational guide, not a government website. For official requirements, always refer to the ICA website. Last updated: August 2026.
What Is the Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory pre-arrival digital declaration that replaced the paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) card, commonly known as the “white card,” on 27 March 2020. All foreign nationals must submit travel and health information through the SGAC online system before entering Singapore. The Singapore Arrival Card is not a visa and does not replace visa requirements. Each SGAC is valid for one entry only; travellers must submit a new declaration before every trip.
| Document | What It Is | When Needed | Issuer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGAC | Digital entry and health declaration | Before every trip | Immigration & Checkpoints Authority |
| Visa | Travel authorization | Depends on nationality | Singapore Government |
| Passport | Identity document | Always | Home country |
Who Needs the SGAC and When to Submit
All foreigners entering Singapore must submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. US citizens, infants, and travellers of every nationality are required to submit – there are no nationality-based exemptions.
- Exemptions: Transit passengers who do not clear immigration and residents arriving at Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are exempt.
- Passport requirement: A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date is required.
- Visa-free entry: Singapore Arrival Card for US citizens — US citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free entry but must still complete the SGAC before every trip.
- Special cases: Holders of In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters and cruise ship passengers arriving in Singapore must also submit the SGAC.
- Deadline: The SGAC must be submitted within the 3-day window, which includes the day of arrival. Missing this deadline may result in delays or refusal at immigration.
SGAC for Minors and Children
The Singapore Arrival Card system mandates a separate submission for every individual traveller, including newborn infants. Parents or guardians must complete the SGAC on behalf of minors. Families travelling on the same trip can use the group submission feature to process all members at once.
How to Submit the SGAC: Step-by-Step Guide
The Singapore Arrival Card requires foreign visitors to submit their entry declaration online in approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The SGAC is free of charge through the ICA e-Service portal or the MyICA Mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
- Access the ICA e-Service portal or download the MyICA Mobile app.
- Select Individual Submission or Group Submission for families sharing the same travel dates.
- Complete all form fields in English.
- Submit and receive the acknowledgement email at the address you provided.
Group submission allows one person to submit for multiple travellers on the same trip with the same arrival date. Each member still receives an individual SGAC record.
Form Fields and Preparation Checklist
Prepare these items before starting the Singapore Arrival Card form:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Flight number and arrival date.
- Accommodation address in Singapore.
- Active email address for confirmation.
The SGAC form requires your full name (as on your passport), passport number, nationality, date of birth, sex, arrival date, flight number, Singapore address, and answers to health declaration questions including recent travel history.
Electronic Health Declaration & Legal Requirements
The Singapore Arrival Card health declaration is a mandatory component of the Singapore Arrival Card submission. The SGAC integrates this declaration into the main process, so foreign visitors do not need to fill a separate form.
The Singapore Arrival Card requires every traveller to disclose recent travel history, including countries visited in the past 14 days, and report any symptoms of infectious diseases such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Providing false or misleading information on the SGAC may lead to prosecution under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act, with penalties including fines or imprisonment. Declaring symptoms triggers additional health screening per ICA’s border protocols.
Common Mistakes & Post-Submission Troubleshooting
The Singapore Arrival Card cannot be edited once submitted. To correct any error, you must submit a new declaration; the system automatically accepts the most recent submission. Learn more about how to edit your Singapore Arrival Card after submission.
Can I Edit My SGAC After Submission?
- Incorrect passport number: A transposed digit causes a mismatch at immigration, resulting in clearance delays.
- Wrong email address: You will not receive the acknowledgement email. Check your spam folder first; if it remains missing, resubmit the form entirely.
- Using nicknames: The Singapore Arrival Card requires your full legal name exactly as printed on your passport.
- Wrong flight number or arrival date: Data inconsistency flagged by the ICA system requires a new submission.
- Non-English input: The SGAC form accepts English only.
The SGAC supersedes any previous entries automatically when you file a new one. A correctly submitted Singapore Arrival Card ensures your entry clearance proceeds without issues.
What to Expect at Singapore Immigration
Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card does not guarantee entry; the ICA officer at the checkpoint makes the final admission decision. Your SGAC is linked electronically to your passport number; email confirmation is typically not required at the checkpoint, though saving a copy is advised. Eligible travellers receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) via email instead of a passport stamp, specifying their permitted length of stay.
At Changi Airport, first-time visitors with an ICAO-compliant passport can use automated clearance lanes after their SGAC is verified. Manual immigration counters are available for passports not supported by automated gates.
- Entry decision: The Singapore Arrival Card is a pre-arrival declaration, not a guaranteed entry permit.
- Customs requirement: Travellers carrying physical cash or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding S$20,000 must file a separate CBNI declaration.
Singapore Arrival Card FAQs for Foreigners
How long is the Singapore Arrival Card valid?
Each SGAC is valid for one entry only. You must submit a new declaration before every trip to Singapore.
Can I submit the Singapore Arrival Card on behalf of my family?
Yes. Use the group submission option if all family members are travelling together on the same trip with the same arrival date. Each person, including infants, still requires an individual Singapore Arrival Card submission within that group.
What happens if I forget to submit the SG Arrival Card before arrival?
You may face significant delays at the immigration counter or be refused immigration clearance. Submit immediately using your mobile device, even on your arrival day, before reaching the checkpoint.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is a pre-arrival digital declaration, not a travel authorization or visa. Even travellers with visa-free entry, such as US citizens staying up to 90 days, or those holding a valid Singapore visa must submit the SGAC separately.
Do I need to submit a new SGAC every time I visit Singapore?
Yes. Every new entry into Singapore requires a fresh submission within the 3-day window, regardless of nationality or visa status.
Can I submit the SGAC more than 3 days before arrival?
Early submissions may be accepted, but ICA recommends the 3-day window to ensure your flight and health information remain current and accurate.
How do I check the status of my Singapore Arrival Card?
Use the e-Pass Enquiry Portal on the ICA website or the MyICA Mobile app. If you did not receive an acknowledgement email, check your spam folder first before resubmitting.
Are there third-party sites that charge for SGAC submission?
The SGAC is completely free of charge. Submit only through the ICA e-Service portal or MyICA Mobile app. Third-party sites charging a fee are not affiliated with ICA and should be avoided.