The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is a digital barcode generated in the MyICA Mobile app after you submit your electronic arrival declaration. At Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, you display the Singapore Arrival Card QR code on your phone screen for self-scanning, replacing passport handover at manual counters. Generating the code is free for all visitors in 2026.
Last reviewed: August 2026. Information verified against ICA guidelines.
What Is the Singapore Arrival Card QR Code and Who Is Eligible?
According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Singapore Arrival Card QR code is a digital barcode confirming your completed pre-arrival declaration. It replaces the paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card, discontinued on 27 March 2020, and is not a visa. It does not replace visa requirements for entry.
Every traveler entering Singapore, including those on a Visit Pass, must submit the free Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within 3 days before arrival (including the day of arrival) to receive a Singapore Arrival Card QR code. If you arrive on Friday, submit no earlier than Wednesday. You can read more about the exact 72-hour submission window and deadlines. Failure to complete the SGAC before arrival can result in denied entry at the checkpoint.
How the QR Code Links to Your Arrival Declaration
The Singapore Arrival Card QR code encodes a digital signature linking your identity to your SGAC record in ICA’s database. Embedded data within the Singapore Arrival Card QR code includes your passport number hash, travel itinerary reference, accommodation address, flight or vessel details, electronic health declaration (eHDC) field data, and a submission timestamp. When scanned, the system cross-references this data for instant verification.
The First-Time Visitor Rule
Your clearance method at land checkpoints depends on your travel history:
- First-time foreign visitors must present a physical passport at manual counters.
- The Singapore Arrival Card QR code becomes available for automated self-scanning only on subsequent entries.
- Eligible returning travelers can use the Singapore Arrival Card QR code at Woodlands and Tuas across four vehicle lanes: car, motorcycle, lorry, and bus.
How to Generate and Save Your Singapore Arrival Card QR Code
After submitting the SGAC via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app, the Singapore Arrival Card QR code is generated within the app’s QR Code section. Download the free MyICA Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can generate an individual Singapore Arrival Card QR code or a group code for up to 10 travelers on one trip.
What You Need Before Generating
Before generating the Singapore Arrival Card QR code, prepare:
- Smartphone with the MyICA Mobile app installed (iOS or Android)
- Required documents, including passport biographical data
- SGAC acknowledgement email containing your DE number
Steps to generate:
- Open the MyICA Mobile app and log in or create a profile.
- Navigate to the QR Code section.
- Select Individual or Group QR code.
- Generate the Singapore Arrival Card QR code.
The app saves your profile data, auto-populating it for subsequent trips to Singapore.
Locating the QR Code vs. DE Number
The SGAC acknowledgement email contains your Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) number, but the DE number alone cannot be scanned at automated lanes. Generate the Singapore Arrival Card QR code directly within the MyICA Mobile app, then save a screenshot for offline use at the border.
At the Checkpoint: Presenting, Scanning, and Troubleshooting Your Singapore Arrival Card QR Code
At Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, the Singapore Arrival Card QR code enables self-service immigration clearance without handing your passport to an officer.
What to Present – Airport vs. Land Checkpoint Comparison
The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is required only at land checkpoints. Documents differ by location:
| Checkpoint Location | Required Documents | Clearance Process |
|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport and Seletar Airport | Passport only | Automated biometric e-gates collect fingerprints, facial, and iris scans. No QR code is required. |
| Woodlands and Tuas Land Checkpoints | Singapore Arrival Card QR code and passport | Travelers self-scan the Singapore Arrival Card QR code at ICA automated lanes. |
At airports, biometric e-gates handle clearance using your passport. No Singapore Arrival Card QR code is needed. For a detailed walkthrough, see our Changi Airport immigration guide. At Woodlands and Tuas, present the Singapore Arrival Card QR code on screen alongside your passport at the ICA automated lane.
How the ICA Scanner Verifies Your Singapore Arrival Card QR Code
Per ICA checkpoint guidelines, the scanner reads the Singapore Arrival Card QR code and cross-references the embedded digital signature against your SGAC record in ICA’s database. The system confirms your passport data, travel itinerary, and electronic health declaration (eHDC) automatically in seconds without officer intervention. Once verified, the automated gate opens for entry.
Land Checkpoint Step-by-Step Procedure
To clear immigration at Woodlands or Tuas using the Singapore Arrival Card QR code:
- Approach the ICA automated lane.
- Display the Singapore Arrival Card QR code on your smartphone screen (or show a printed copy).
- Hold the screen against the scanner.
- Wait for the green verification signal.
- Walk through the automated gate.
Troubleshooting Your Singapore Arrival Card QR Code
A clear, bright phone screen is required for the Singapore Arrival Card QR code scanner. If the Singapore Arrival Card QR code fails to scan, increase screen brightness, clean your phone screen, or display a saved screenshot. If scanning still fails, proceed to the manual immigration counter with your passport. There is no penalty. The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is a convenience feature, not a strict entry requirement.
The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is valid for the specific trip indicated in your SGAC submission. If your travel dates change, generate a new Singapore Arrival Card QR code through the MyICA Mobile app before your updated arrival date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Singapore Arrival Card QR code used for?
The Singapore Arrival Card QR code verifies you completed the mandatory SGAC before arrival. At Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, it allows self-scanning at ICA automated lanes, bypassing manual passport verification for faster immigration clearance.
How do I get my Singapore Arrival Card QR code?
Submit the SGAC through the MyICA Mobile app or the SGAC e-Service. After successful submission, the Singapore Arrival Card QR code is generated inside the MyICA app’s QR Code section. You can create an individual code or a group code for up to 10 travelers.
Where can I find the QR code in my SGAC confirmation email?
Check the acknowledgement email from ICA for a PDF attachment or embedded QR image. If you only see a DE number without a Singapore Arrival Card QR code, generate the barcode separately by logging into the MyICA Mobile app. Also check your spam folder.
Do I need to print my Singapore Arrival Card QR code?
No. Immigration scanners at land checkpoints read the Singapore Arrival Card QR code directly from your smartphone screen. However, carrying a printed copy is recommended as a backup in case your phone battery dies or the screen is damaged.
Can I use a screenshot of my SGAC QR code at immigration?
Yes. A screenshot of the Singapore Arrival Card QR code saved to your phone gallery is accepted at land checkpoint lanes. Saving a screenshot before traveling ensures offline access, as internet connectivity at the border may be limited.
Do I need a QR code to enter Singapore through Changi Airport?
No. Changi Airport and Seletar Airport use automated biometric e-gates that scan your passport, fingerprints, and facial data. The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is designed only for Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints.
What happens if I don’t have my QR code at the land checkpoint?
There is no penalty. Proceed to the manual immigration counter and present your physical passport to the officer. The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is a convenience feature, not a strict entry requirement at land checkpoints.
What if my Singapore Arrival Card QR code is not scanning at the checkpoint?
Increase your screen brightness, clean the phone screen, or display a saved screenshot. If the Singapore Arrival Card QR code still fails, present your passport at the manual immigration counter. No penalty applies for a failed scan.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card QR code free of charge?
Yes. Both the SGAC submission and Singapore Arrival Card QR code generation are completely free. Avoid third-party services that charge a fee for this process.
How long is my Singapore Arrival Card QR code valid?
The Singapore Arrival Card QR code is valid for the trip specified in your SGAC submission. If your travel plans change, submit a new SGAC and generate a fresh Singapore Arrival Card QR code through the MyICA Mobile app.
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) QR code is a digital barcode generated in the MyICA Mobile app after you submit your electronic arrival card. At Singapore’s Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, display it on your phone screen for self-scanning, replacing passport handover. It is not required at Changi Airport, which uses biometric e-gates.
