Disclaimer: This is an independent informational resource not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Always verify current requirements at ica.gov.sg before travel.
In 2026, Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) introduced new mandatory data fields, updated submission procedures, and a No-Boarding Directive (NBD) for the electronic Singapore Arrival Card. All foreign visitors must submit the free SGAC within three days before arrival via the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. Non-compliance carries penalties up to SGD 10,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months.
What Changed in the Singapore Arrival Card Requirements for 2026
The Singapore Arrival Card requirement update 2026 introduces new mandatory form fields, enforces a No-Boarding Directive effective 30 January 2026, and adds iris scan to biometric screening for all foreign visitors entering Singapore. The three-day submission window remains unchanged.
| Category | SGAC 2025 | SGAC 2026 | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form fields | Standard personal and travel data | New mandatory health, travel history, and contact fields | Expanded data collection for Advance Traveller Information screening |
| Submission deadline | Within 3 days before arrival | Within 3 days before arrival | Unchanged |
| Enforcement | Standard border checks | No-Boarding Directive (NBD) | Airlines must deny boarding to passengers without valid SGAC |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and facial scan | Fingerprints, facial scan, and iris scan | Added iris verification at immigration |
| Penalties | Fines at officer discretion | Up to SGD 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment; repeat offence: SGD 20,000 and/or 12 months | Stricter enforcement with custodial sentences for travelers |
Source: ICA media release, 28 November 2025; penalties per Immigration Act 1959.
New Mandatory Data Fields Added to the Singapore Arrival Card Form in 2026
The 2026 Singapore Arrival Card requirement update adds mandatory fields for Advance Traveller Information screening, health security verification, and passport-to-form data alignment. All submitted data must exactly match the passport used at entry, which requires a minimum 6 months of validity from the arrival date.
- Personal data: Full name (as in passport), passport number, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date.
- Contact details: Email address (for confirmation receipt) and mobile phone number.
- Travel details: Arrival date, flight or transport number, planned duration of stay, accommodation address.
- Electronic Health Declaration: Fever or cough symptoms in the last 14 days, contact with infectious diseases, travel history to yellow fever risk countries within 6 days before arrival (including 12+ hours of airport transit).
False or incomplete health declarations constitute a personal offence prosecutable under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Updated Singapore Arrival Card Submission Procedures for 2026
Submissions for the Singapore Arrival Card are limited to a 3-day window before arrival, inclusive of the arrival day. The ICA system blocks earlier submissions. Each card is valid for one entry only; travelers must submit a new SGAC for every trip. Completion takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
How to Submit
- Access ICA e-Service or download the MyICA Mobile app (available on App Store and Google Play).
- Enter passport, flight, and accommodation details.
- Add up to 10 travelers per group submission.
- Receive instant email confirmation with a reference number.
Airport Kiosks
Online pre-submission via ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile is mandatory. Self-service kiosks at Changi Airport are not a reliable alternative. Failure to pre-submit the Singapore Arrival Card triggers the No-Boarding Directive, preventing departure.
Updating After Submission
Select “Update SGAC” on the ICA e-Service portal, enter the reference number, and modify details before arrival at the border.
No-Boarding Directive and Penalties for Singapore Arrival Card Non-Compliance in 2026
Effective 30 January 2026, the Singapore Arrival Card requirement update enforces a No-Boarding Directive (NBD) at Changi and Seletar airports. ICA screens Advance Traveller Information, including SGAC data and flight manifests, to identify prohibited or undesirable travelers before departure. Airlines that fail to comply face penalties under the Immigration Act 1959.
| Offender | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Airline (strict liability offence) | Fine up to SGD 10,000 |
| Pilot or airline staff | Fine up to SGD 10,000 or 6 months imprisonment, or both |
| Traveler, first offence | Fine up to SGD 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Traveler, repeat offence | Fine up to SGD 20,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment |
Denied travelers must contact ICA via the ICA Feedback Channel and obtain entry approval before rebooking flights, as detailed in the ICA press release.
Scam warning: The Singapore Arrival Card is free through ICA portals. Third-party services charging processing fees (e.g., 25 USD) are not affiliated with Singapore immigration authorities and add no value to the submission process.
Who Must Submit the Singapore Arrival Card in 2026 and Who Is Exempt
All foreign visitors and In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter holders entering Singapore must submit the full Singapore Arrival Card with arrival information and the Electronic Health Declaration. The Singapore Arrival Card replaced the legacy paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) card; a separate departure card is no longer required. Approved travelers receive an e-Pass (digital entry pass) accessible online after arrival.
The following categories are exempt from the full form, requiring only the Electronic Health Declaration:
- Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents entering via air, land, or sea checkpoints.
- Long-Term Pass holders (Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, Work Pass) entering via land checkpoints at Woodlands or Tuas.
Transit Passengers
Travelers transiting airside at Changi Airport without immigration clearance do not need the Singapore Arrival Card. Transit involving terminal changes through public areas or overnight layovers with immigration clearance requires full submission.
Children and Minors
Every traveler, regardless of age, must have an individual SGAC. A parent or guardian can submit on behalf of an infant or minor using the child’s passport details.
What You Need to Prepare Before Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card
Before completing the Singapore Arrival Card, gather the following items:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the arrival date. Dual-passport holders must use the passport presented at immigration. Collective travel documents are not accepted.
- Flight or transport details (carrier, number, arrival date).
- Accommodation address in Singapore (hotel, residence, or host details; if visiting multiple locations, enter the first).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if traveling from an endemic country within the last 6 days before arrival.
- Currency declaration: Travelers carrying cash or bearer instruments exceeding SGD 20,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must declare to ICA.
Common mistake: Submitting with a passport that expires within 6 months of arrival. Verify passport validity before completing the Singapore Arrival Card.
Singapore Arrival Card Requirements 2026 FAQ
Is the Singapore Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory electronic pre-arrival declaration, not a visa. It collects advance traveler information and an Electronic Health Declaration. Depending on your nationality, a separate visa may still be required. Check visa requirements for your nationality at the ICA Entering Singapore page.
Do I need a new Singapore Arrival Card for each return trip?
Yes. Each Singapore Arrival Card is valid for a single entry and expires after three days. If you leave Singapore and return later, you must submit a new declaration for that specific re-entry.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card required for transit passengers?
Not if transiting airside at Changi Airport without passing through immigration clearance. If your transit involves terminal changes through public areas or an overnight layover with immigration clearance, the Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory.
Can I still fill out a paper arrival card at the airport?
No. The legacy paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card has been phased out. The electronic Singapore Arrival Card is the only accepted method. Pre-submission via ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile is strongly recommended to avoid boarding denials under the No-Boarding Directive.
How do I update my Singapore Arrival Card after submission?
To update your submitted Singapore Arrival Card, select “Update SGAC” on the ICA e-Service platform and enter your reference number to modify details before arrival at the border.
