SG Arrival Card (SGAC): Complete Guide to Submitting Before You Arrive in Singapore

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is Singapore’s mandatory electronic pre-arrival declaration system, administered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It replaced the traditional paper disembarkation/embarkation card that travelers previously filled in on the plane. Submission is completely free — zero charge. The SGAC combines two elements into one digital form:
  • Arrival information — passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation address.
  • Electronic health declaration — current health status and recent travel history.
In practice, nearly all travelers entering Singapore must submit the SGAC before arrival. ICA confirmed this requirement in a Public Advisory issued on 17 March 2026.

SGAC vs Singapore Visa — Are They the Same?

The SGAC and a Singapore visa are two separate requirements. A visa grants permission to enter Singapore; the SGAC is a pre-arrival declaration that must be provided regardless of visa status. Visa-free travelers (such as UK and US citizens) still need to submit the SGAC. Those who require a visa must obtain it separately and also have the SGAC.

Is the SG Arrival Card Still Required in 2026?

As of 2026, visitors entering Singapore must submit the SGAC. ICA published a Public Advisory on 17 March 2026 confirming the requirement remains in force. There is no indication that ICA plans to discontinue it. The SGAC replaced Singapore’s traditional paper disembarkation/embarkation card as part of ICA’s digital immigration modernization program. It was introduced to streamline the arrival process and enable pre-arrival health screening. The system is administered exclusively by ICA — not Singapore Customs, which is a separate authority managing goods declarations.

Who Needs to Submit the SG Arrival Card?

Most foreign visitors entering Singapore must submit the SG Arrival Card before the trip. This includes tourists, business travelers, and many long-term pass holders. Singapore citizens and permanent residents are generally exempt from this requirement. Those who are only transiting through Singapore without clearing immigration also do not need to submit it.

Exemptions — Who Does NOT Need to Submit

Transit passengers who remain airside (do not clear immigration) are exempt from the SGAC requirement. If you are transiting through Changi Airport without entering Singapore — for example, connecting to another flight without leaving the transit area — you do not need to submit an SGAC. Travelers on certain diplomatic or official trips may also be exempt. Check ICA’s official exemption list for the current criteria.

SGAC for Children and Minors

Children and minors must also have an SGAC submitted before arrival. Parents or guardians can complete it on their behalf through the SGAC e-Service or MyICA app. Each child requires a separate submission — there is no combined family form.
NOTE: Each traveler must have a separate SGAC application. You can submit for family members individually using the same ICA account.

How to Submit the SG Arrival Card — Step by Step

Submit your SGAC via the official ICA SGAC e-Service at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or the MyICA Mobile App (free on iOS and Android). It takes 5–7 minutes per person. Two official channels are available:
  1. SGAC e-Service — web browser, any device.
  2. MyICA Mobile App — iOS and Android, free download.

Option 1: SGAC e-Service (Web)

  1. Go to eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.
  2. Select your traveler type: Foreign Visitor or Resident.
  3. Enter your passport details — full name, nationality, passport number, expiry date, date of birth.
  4. Provide your travel details — mode of arrival (air/land/sea), flight or vessel number, and arrival date.
  5. Fill in your accommodation address in Singapore — hotel name and address, or residential address.
  6. Complete the electronic health declaration — answer questions about current symptoms, vaccination status, and recent illness.
  7. Review all information for accuracy.
  8. Submit — you will receive a confirmation with QR code immediately.
  9. Download the PDF confirmation — save it to your device or email.

Option 2: MyICA Mobile App

  1. Download the MyICA app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) — free.
  2. Open the app and tap “SG Arrival Card”.
  3. Follow the same steps as the web version (passport details → travel details → accommodation → health declaration).
  4. Submit and save the confirmation in the app for offline access.

Web vs App — Which Is Faster?

Both channels take the same time (5–7 minutes) and produce the same result. Choose based on your device preference.
Feature SGAC e-Service (Web) MyICA Mobile App
Platform Any browser iOS / Android
Submission time 5–7 min 5–7 min
PDF download ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Offline access to confirmation ❌ No ✅ Saved in app
Best for Desktop/laptop users Mobile travelers
Requires account No No

When to Submit — The 3-Day Window Explained

You can submit your SGAC up to 3 days before arrival, where Day 1 counts as your arrival day. Example:
  • Arriving on Friday → earliest submission is Wednesday
  • Arriving on Monday → earliest submission is Saturday
You cannot submit more than 3 days in advance. You can fill in the form on the day of arrival — including at the airport — but completing in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays at immigration.

What Information Do You Need to Fill In?

Have these documents and details ready before starting your SGAC completion. Submission takes 5–7 minutes when you have everything prepared.

Personal Details

  • Full name (exactly as in passport)
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Passport expiry date
  • Date of birth
  • Valid email address (required for confirmation)
  • Contact number

Travel Details

  • Mode of arrival: air, land, or sea
  • Flight number or vessel name
  • Arrival date in Singapore
  • Countries visited in the last 14 days
  • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, family visit, medical, education)
  • Intended duration of stay
  • Accommodation address in Singapore (hotel name + address, or residential address)

Health Declaration Questions

The electronic health declaration is a mandatory component of the SGAC. You must answer questions about:
  • Current symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste)
  • Vaccination status
  • Recent illness history
  • Contact with confirmed infectious disease cases in the last 14 days
Answer all questions honestly. False declarations may result in denied entry and legal consequences.

After Submission — Confirmation & e-Pass Retrieval

After submitting your SGAC, you receive a confirmation with a QR code. After clearing immigration, retrieve your e-Pass (electronic Visit Pass) via the ICA e-Pass Inquiry Portal.

How to Download Your SGAC Confirmation PDF

After submission, the confirmation page displays a QR code and a “Download PDF” button. Save the PDF immediately. You can also retrieve it later:
  1. Go to eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.
  2. Select “Submitted Declarations”.
  3. Find your trip by D/E number.
  4. Download the PDF confirmation.
Present the QR code at the immigration counter upon arrival. You do not need to print it — a digital copy on your phone is sufficient.

How to Check Your Submission Status

The SGAC does not require approval — submission is instant. There is no waiting period. Once you provide the data, your declaration is recorded immediately. To verify your submission:
  1. Log in to eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.
  2. Go to “Submitted Declarations”.
  3. Find your trip by arrival date or D/E number.

How to Get Your e-Pass After Arrival

After clearing immigration at Singapore’s checkpoints, ICA issues an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) to foreign visitors. This replaces the physical stamp in your passport. To retrieve your e-Pass:
  1. Visit ICA’s e-Pass Inquiry Portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/epass.
  2. Or open the MyICA app → tap “e-Pass” tab.
  3. Enter your passport number and date of birth.
  4. Your Visit Pass details — including duration of stay — are displayed.
If you did not receive your e-Pass, contact ICA or check their FAQ section.

Troubleshooting — What If Something Goes Wrong?

Common SGAC issues include website errors, failed submissions, and forgotten deadlines. Most can be resolved by clearing the browser cache, switching to the MyICA app, or resubmitting.

SGAC Not Working / Error Message

If the SGAC e-Service displays an error or fails to load:
  1. Clear browser cache and cookies — go to browser settings → clear browsing data.
  2. Try a different browser — Google Chrome is recommended.
  3. Switch to the MyICA Mobile App — the app uses a different connection path.
  4. Check ICA system status at ica.gov.sg — planned maintenance is announced in advance.
  5. Try again after 30 minutes — temporary server issues usually resolve quickly.
If the problem persists, contact ICA at ica.gov.sg/contact-us.

Forgot to Submit Before Arrival

If you forgot the SGAC before departure:
  • You may be denied entry or face delays at immigration.
  • Submit the form as early as possible — even at the airport if you have internet access.
  • The SGAC can be submitted on the day of arrival, including at Changi Airport.
  • ICA immigration officers may ask you to submit on the spot before clearing immigration.

Can I Submit the Form at the Airport? (Last-Minute Guide)

You can submit your SGAC at Changi Airport if you have internet access. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Changi Airport. However, submitting at the airport is not recommended because:
  • It adds time to the immigration queue.
  • You may face delays if the system is slow.
  • Immigration officers may direct you to a separate counter.
Complete the form at least 24 hours before departure. The 3-day window gives you ample time to submit from home.

How to Amend Your SGAC After Submission

You cannot edit an SGAC after completing it. If you made an error in your submission:
  1. Resubmit a new SGAC with the correct information — the latest submission will be used.
  2. There is no penalty for resubmitting.
  3. Contact ICA if you are unsure whether to resubmit: ica.gov.sg/contact-us.
Common errors that require resubmission: wrong arrival date, incorrect flight number, and wrong accommodation address.

FAQ — SG Arrival Card

Is a Singapore Arrival Card still required?

As of 2026, all travelers entering Singapore must submit the SGAC. ICA confirmed this in a Public Advisory on 17 March 2026. There is no indication that the requirement will be discontinued.

How do I get a Singapore Arrival Card?

Submit the SGAC for free via the official ICA SGAC e-Service at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or the MyICA Mobile App (free on iOS and Android).

How to submit a Singapore Arrival Card online?

Go to eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard → select visitor type → enter passport details → enter travel details → enter accommodation → complete health declaration → submit.

When must I submit an SG Arrival Card?

Within 3 days before arrival, where Day 1 counts as your arrival day. You cannot submit more than 3 days in advance.

What happens if you don’t fill a SG Arrival Card?

You risk being denied entry or facing significant delays at immigration. ICA officers may require you to submit on the spot before clearing immigration. In serious cases, you may be turned away.

Can I submit a Singapore Arrival Card at the airport?

You can submit at Changi Airport using the free Wi-Fi. However, it is strongly recommended to submit before departure to avoid delays at immigration.

Does transit in Singapore need an SG Arrival Card?

Transit passengers who remain airside (do not clear immigration) are exempt from the SGAC requirement. If you are connecting to another flight without entering Singapore, you do not need to submit an SGAC.

How long does it take for an SG Arrival Card to be approved?

The SGAC does not require approval — submission is instant. You receive a confirmation with a QR code immediately after submitting. There is no waiting period.

Do I have to print my SG Arrival Card?

A digital copy of the QR code confirmation on your phone is sufficient. You can show it at the immigration counter from your screen.

What is the official website for the Singapore Arrival Card?

The official SGAC submission website is eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard. This is the only legitimate website for submitting the SGAC.