Hello, fellow travelers! If you plan a trip to Singapore, you must prepare to apply for a visa. However, before entering this beautiful country, you must fulfill one more important requirement: the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).

If you're feeling confused about the SGAC application process, don't worry! In this blog, we'll guide you through everything you need about the Singapore Arrival Card, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country. Let’s get started!

What is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is an electronic travel document required by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. It serves as a pre-arrival declaration that provides the Singaporean authorities with important information about travelers before they enter the country. The SGAC is not a visa but a mandatory submission for all travelers, including tourists, business travelers, and returning residents.

Who Needs to Submit the SGAC?

All travelers must submit the SG Arrival Card with an Electronic Health Declaration before arriving in Singapore, except for:

• Transit/transfer passengers who do not require immigration clearance in Singapore.

• Residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass Holders*) traveling via Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

• Long-Term Pass Holders include those holding a Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, and Work Pass.

Please note:  As part of the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) submission, travelers must complete an electronic health declaration for disease control. This measure helps prevent the importation of diseases of concern and safeguards public health in Singapore. Providing false declarations may result in prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act.

When to Submit the SGAC?

Travelers should submit the SGAC within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before they arrive in Singapore. Submitting it too early or too late can cause issues with entry.

What are the requirements for applying for SGAC?

When submitting the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), travelers must provide specific details to ensure a smooth entry into Singapore. Below is a breakdown of the key information required:

1. Valid Passport

A valid passport is mandatory for SGAC submission. Travelers must ensure the following:

• The passport must be valid for at least six months from entry into Singapore.

• The details provided in the SGAC must match exactly with the information in the passport, including:

1. Full Name (as it appears on the passport)

2. Passport Number

3. Nationality

4. Date of Birth

5. Passport Expiry Date

6. Country of Passport Issuance

Tip: If you hold multiple passports, use the passport you will present upon arrival in Singapore.

2. Contact Information

Travelers must provide accurate contact details to ensure they can be reached if necessary. The required information includes:

• Email Address: The SGAC confirmation will be sent via email. Ensure you use an email address you can access easily.

• Phone Number: A valid mobile or landline number for communication if required by Singapore authorities.

3. Travel Information

You must provide key details about your trip to Singapore, including:

• Date of Arrival: Ensure the date is correct and within the three-day submission window before arrival.

• Flight/Travel Information:  Provide the mode of entry:

1. Flight Number (if arriving by air)

2. Bus or Vehicle Number (if arriving via land through Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint)

3. Vessel Name (if arriving by sea)

• Intended Length of Stay: Whether it’s a short visit or a long-term stay.

4. Accommodation Details (If Applicable)

If staying in Singapore, travelers must provide details of their place of stay, such as:

• Hotel Name & Address (if staying at a hotel)

• Residential Address (if staying with family or friends)

• Other Accommodation (such as Airbnb, serviced apartments, or hostels)

Tip: If you have multiple accommodations during your stay, provide the address of the first place you will stay upon arrival.

How do you apply for the Singapore Arrival Card with Health Declaration?

Applying for the SGAC is a simple online process. Follow the step-by-step guide below to complete your application:

Step 1: Visit the Official ICA Website

Go to the ICA's SGAC Submission website or download the "MyICA" mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Select "Submit SG Arrival Card"

Click the "Submit SGAC" option on the homepage to start the process.

Step 3: Select Residency Type

Choose the Appropriate Submission Category:

1. Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident

• Singapore Citizens (SC): Holders of a Singapore passport.

• Singapore Permanent Residents (PR): Singapore PR identification card holders.

2. Long-Term Pass Holder

Includes individuals holding any of the following passes:

• Student’s Pass (STP)

• Dependant’s Pass (DP)

• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

• Work Passes

3. Foreign Visitor / In-Principle Approval (IPA) Holder

• Foreign Visitors: This includes all other travelers, such as tourists and business visitors.

Step 4: Provide Travel Information

• Select your date of arrival (must be within 3 days of submission)

• Enter your flight number or other travel details

• Provide your accommodation details in Singapore

Step 5: Enter Personal Information

Fill in the required details, which may include:​

• Personal Information: Full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender.

• Trip Details: Flight or vessel number, arrival date, and Singapore address.

• Health Declaration: Current health status and recent travel history

Step 6: Complete Health Declaration

• Declare any recent symptoms (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath)

• Confirm if you’ve had recent contact with infectious diseases

• Answer any COVID-19-related questions (if required)

Step 7: Review and Submit

• Carefully review all the information entered to ensure accuracy.

• Click "Submit" to complete the application.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this email handy for immigration checks upon arrival.

Note: If your health status changes after submission, you must update your declaration before arrival.

How long does it take to get SGAC?

​The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) submission process is designed to be swift and user-friendly. Upon completing and submitting the online form, you will receive an acknowledgment email almost immediately. This email confirms your submission and contains pertinent details about your arrival declarations.

Please note: An acknowledgment email will be sent to the email address provided after submission. Ensure you can access this email upon arrival, as you may need to present it during immigration clearance.

What is the validity of SGAC?

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is valid for a single entry into Singapore. A new SGAC submission is required each time you enter Singapore, even for short trips.

It must be submitted within three (3) days before arrival and does not replace a visa if one is required.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for SGAC

• Submission Timeline: Submit within 3 days before arrival in Singapore.

• Official Platforms: Use only the ICA website or MyICA mobile app for submission.

• Free Submission: SGAC is free, avoid third-party websites charging fees.

• Health Declaration: Required for all travelers, including Singapore residents.

• Acknowledgment Email: Keep the confirmation email for immigration clearance.

• Not a Visa Replacement: Obtain one separately if a visa is required.

• Single-Use Validity: A new SGAC is needed for every entry into Singapore.

• Exemptions: Transit passengers and land checkpoint arrivals (SCs, PRs, LTP holders) do not need SGAC.