The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) raises many questions for travellers. This FAQ answers the most common queries based on what travellers search for and what the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officially states.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card still required?
Yes. As of 2026, the SG Arrival Card remains mandatory for all travellers entering Singapore. The requirement has been in place since March 2020, when the paper disembarkation/embarkation card was discontinued. There are no plans to remove this requirement.
How do I get a Singapore Arrival Card?
You submit the SGAC online through one of two official channels:
- ICA e-Service website: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
- MyICA mobile app: Available free on iOS and Android
You do not “get” the card in the traditional sense — it is a digital declaration. After submission, you receive a confirmation email, and your details are linked to your passport number electronically.
Can I fill out an e-Arrival Card online?
Yes, the SGAC is entirely online. There is no paper version. You must use either the ICA e-Service website or the MyICA mobile app. The submission takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
How early can I fill a SG Arrival Card?
You can submit the SGAC within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date, including the day of arrival. For example, if you arrive on Saturday, the earliest you can submit is Thursday.
The system rejects submissions made outside this window. You cannot submit weeks in advance.
Is the SG Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official SGAC through the ICA website or MyICA app is completely free. ICA does not charge any processing or submission fees.
Some third-party websites charge 25 USD or more to submit the SGAC on your behalf. These sites are not affiliated with ICA and are unnecessary. Always use the official channels.
What happens if I forget to submit my SG Arrival Card?
If you arrive at Singapore immigration without a submitted SGAC, you face two options:
- Submit at the airport — If you have internet access on your phone, you can submit the SGAC at the airport before clearing immigration. This causes delays but is possible.
- Penalties — Failure to submit carries fines of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months for a first offence.
Do not rely on submitting at the airport. The queues at Changi Airport immigration can be long, and fiddling with a form on your phone adds unnecessary stress.
Do I need to print the SG Arrival Card?
No. The SGAC is entirely electronic. Your submission is linked to your passport number, and the immigration officer retrieves your details when they scan your passport.
However, keeping a copy of the confirmation email on your phone is recommended as a backup in case of technical issues.
Do children need a SG Arrival Card?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own SGAC submission. Parents or guardians can submit on behalf of children using the child’s passport details.
There is no minimum age exemption. Even a newborn baby needs an SGAC if they are entering Singapore.
Can I submit the SGAC for my whole family?
Yes. Both the ICA e-Service and MyICA app support group submissions. You can add multiple travellers under one session, entering each person’s passport and travel details before submitting all at once.
The MyICA app also lets you save family member profiles, making future submissions faster.
How long is the SG Arrival Card valid?
The SGAC is valid for a single entry only. Once you enter Singapore, that SGAC is used. If you leave and return, you need to submit a new SGAC for each entry.
Can I update my SGAC after submission?
Yes. If your plans change, you can update your SGAC through the ICA e-Service or MyICA app. You can change:
- Arrival date
- Flight number
- Accommodation address
- Contact information
There is no limit on the number of updates. However, you cannot update after you have already cleared Singapore immigration with that SGAC.
What if my passport details are wrong on the SGAC?
If you entered incorrect passport details, update your SGAC immediately through the e-Service or app. A mismatch between your SGAC and your actual passport can cause immigration delays or denial of entry.
If you cannot update online, submit a new SGAC with the correct details. The system will use the most recent submission.
Do I need a visa if I have the SGAC?
The SGAC is not a visa. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Many countries have visa-free access to Singapore for 30 to 90 days, but some nationalities require a visa.
Check the ICA visa requirements page for your specific nationality. Even if you are visa-exempt, you still need the SGAC.
Can transit passengers skip the SGAC?
If you are transiting through Singapore and remain in the airport’s transit area without clearing immigration, you do not need the SGAC. However, if you leave the transit area — even to change terminals or visit the city during a long layover — you must submit the SGAC.
What information do I need to provide?
The SGAC requires:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number)
- Travel information (arrival date, flight number, mode of transport)
- Accommodation address in Singapore
- Contact information (email and phone)
- Health declaration (travel history and current symptoms)
You do not need to upload any documents. The form is a declaration, not an application.
How long does SGAC processing take?
Processing is automatic and immediate. As soon as you submit the form, your details are recorded. You receive a confirmation email within minutes.
There is no approval process. The SGAC is a declaration, not an application that gets approved or rejected (unless there are data entry errors).
Can I be denied entry with a valid SGAC?
Yes. The SGAC does not guarantee entry to Singapore. An ICA officer makes the final decision at the checkpoint based on your overall eligibility, visa status, and compliance with entry requirements.
Having a valid SGAC is a necessary condition for entry, but not a sufficient one.
Do Singapore Citizens need the SGAC?
Singapore Citizens arriving by air or sea must submit the SGAC. However, Citizens entering through land checkpoints (Woodlands or Tuas) are exempt.
Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders follow the same rules as Citizens for land entry exemption.
What is the MyICA app?
The MyICA mobile app is the official app by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. It allows you to:
- Submit SGAC
- Save passport profiles for quick future submissions
- Check your e-Pass details
- Submit for family members
- Update existing submissions
The app is free and available on both iOS and Android.
What penalties apply for false information?
Providing false information on the SGAC carries the same penalties as not submitting it at all:
- First offence: Fine up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months
ICA officers verify your declaration at the checkpoint. Inconsistencies between your SGAC and your actual travel details can trigger further investigation.
