Planning a Singapore trip ? Before you pack, don’t forget the Singapore Arrival Card, a quick online form that keeps immigration fast and fuss-free.
It’s not as complicated as it sounds, but skipping it can mean delays at immigration.
For locals, this card is just part of keeping our immigration process smooth and efficient. For visitors, it’s your ticket to a stress-free arrival in the Lion City.
What is the Singapore Arrival Card?
Source: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority Singapore
The Singapore Arrival Card (often called SGAC) is an online entry form every visitor (except Singapore Citizens, PRs, and certain pass holders) must submit before entering Singapore.
It replaced the old paper “white card” you used to fill out on the plane. Now, everything is digital because it is faster for you and better for the environment.
You’ll also declare your health information in online form, which means no separate health forms at the airport.
Who Needs to Fill It?
Source: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority Singapore
You must submit the Arrival Card if you are:
- A short-term visitor coming to Singapore by air, land, or sea.
- A returning work pass holder or student pass holder.
You don’t need to if you’re:
- A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A Long-Term Pass holder entering via land from Malaysia regularly
- Just transiting through Changi without passing immigration
When to Submit?
You can submit up to 3 days before you arrive, including your day of arrival.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Source: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority Singapore
Singaporeans love things to be efficient, so the process is straightforward:
Step 1: Go to the Official ICA Website
Visit the ICA SG Arrival Card page. There’s also the MyICA Mobile app for iOS and Android.
Step 2: Fill in Your Details
- Personal info (name, passport number, nationality, date of birth)
- Travel info (flight number, date of arrival, accommodation address)
- Health declaration
Step 3: Check & Submit
Make sure all the details match your passport exactly. Typos can cause delays.
Step 4: Get Your Confirmation
You’ll get an email with your SG Arrival Card PDF or QR code. Keep it ready on your phone, no need to print.
Step 5: You can access the Singapore Arrival Card through
Once you submit your form successfully, you will receive a confirmation email with a PDF document attached.
The PDF document contains your SG Arrival Card number (also known as DE number) and a QR code. You will need to present this document (either printed or on your mobile device) upon arrival in Singapore.
What Happens When You Arrive?
Source: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority Singapore
At immigration, officers will be able to see your SGAC submission in the system.
No stamp will be placed in your passport, instead, you’ll receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) in your email.
For visitors, this means you don’t have to worry about running out of passport pages but traveler’s passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry or departure.
Tips for a Smooth Process
Use official channels only
Submitting your form through the official government website is always free.
Avoid third-party services that charge unnecessary fees or ask for personal information, as they offer no additional benefit and may even put your data at risk.
Don’t wait until you land
While airport Wi-Fi can be helpful, you don’t want to rely on it when you’re jet-lagged, rushing between gates, or dealing with slow or unstable connections.
Completing the form before departure ensures a smoother arrival and avoids last-minute stress.
Save your confirmation email
Immigration officers rarely request to see it, but unexpected checks can happen.
Keeping a copy either saved in your inbox, downloaded to your phone, or screenshotted gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re fully prepared.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting too early (more than 3 days before arrival), it’ll be invalid.
- Forgetting to submit at all, may result in delays at immigration and could even lead to denial of entry
- Using a different passport from the one you submitted in the form.
Happy Holidays to Singapore!
If you’ve visited Singapore before, you’ll notice how smooth things are at immigration, the SG Arrival Card is one reason why. Do it early, keep it simple, and you’ll be out of Changi and into a plate of chicken rice before you know it.