If you are visiting Singapore for a holiday, the Singapore Arrival Card for tourists is a mandatory requirement. This guide covers everything tourists need to know about the SGAC, from submission to what happens at the airport.
Do Tourists Need the Singapore Arrival Card?
Yes. Every tourist entering Singapore must submit the SGAC before arrival, regardless of nationality. This includes:
- Visa-exempt tourists (most Western countries, Japan, South Korea, etc.)
- Tourists who need a visa to enter Singapore
- Cruise passengers disembarking in Singapore
- Tourists arriving by land from Malaysia
What Tourists Must Submit
As a tourist, you fall under the “Foreign Visitors” category, which means you must provide:
- Arrival information: Flight details, arrival date, accommodation address
- Personal details: Passport number, nationality, contact information
- Health declaration: Health screening questions
Singapore residents only submit the health declaration, but tourists must complete the full form.
Tourist-Specific Tips
Accommodation Details
You must provide a Singapore address. Acceptable options include:
- Hotel name and address
- Serviced apartment details
- Friend or family member’s residential address
- Airbnb or short-term rental address
If your booking is not confirmed, use a provisional address and update the SGAC later.
Multiple Entries
If you plan to leave Singapore and return (for example, a day trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia), you must submit a new SGAC for each entry. Each submission must be made within 3 days of that specific arrival.
Connecting Flights
If you are transiting through Singapore without clearing immigration, you do not need to submit the SGAC. However, if you leave the transit area (for example, to explore the city during a long layover), you must have submitted the SGAC before arrival.
At Changi Airport
When you arrive at Changi Airport:
- Proceed to the immigration counter with your passport
- The ICA officer will verify your SGAC submission electronically
- Your e-Pass is sent to the email address on your SGAC
- No physical stamp is placed in your passport
Tourist Entry Requirements Beyond SGAC
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| SGAC | Mandatory for all tourists |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from arrival date |
| Visa (if applicable) | Required for certain nationalities |
| Return/onward ticket | May be requested at immigration |
| Sufficient funds | May be requested at immigration |
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Confusing SGAC with a visa – The SGAC is not a visa. Check if you need a separate visa for Singapore.
- Submitting too early – The system only accepts submissions within 3 days of arrival.
- Wrong passport number – Even a single digit error can cause issues at immigration.
- Forgetting to submit for return trips – Each entry to Singapore requires a new SGAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tourists need to print the Singapore Arrival Card?
No. The SGAC is entirely digital. ICA verifies your submission using your passport at the immigration counter. No printed document is required.
Can a tourist submit the SGAC at the airport in Singapore?
It is possible if you have internet access, but not recommended. Submit before your departure to avoid delays at immigration.
Do I need the SGAC if I have a Singapore visa?
Yes. The SGAC is separate from a visa. All travellers, including those with valid visas, must submit the SGAC before arrival.
What should tourists know about the health declaration?
Answer all health questions honestly. False declarations are punishable under the Infectious Diseases Act. If you feel unwell before your trip, consult a doctor and update your SGAC if your health status changes.
Start your trip right with our complete guide to filling out the Singapore Arrival Card.
