US Arrival Card Guide: ESTA, Green Card & Travel Tips for Singapore Travellers

By Feyna

January 2, 2026

Traveling to the United States for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to immigration and customs.

One of the key documents you may encounter upon arrival is the US arrival card, officially called the CBP Declaration Form 6059B.

This guide explains what it is, who needs to fill it out, and what Singapore travellers should know when entering the U.S.

What is the US Arrival Card?

The US arrival card is a customs declaration form used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It records details about your trip, passport, and the goods you are carrying.

While many U.S. airports have switched to automated kiosks and mobile apps, some international travellers may still be asked to complete the paper form before clearing immigration.

It is mainly used to:

Record your personal and passport details.
Declare the purpose of your trip.
State the items and currency you are carrying.
Ensure compliance with U.S. customs, agriculture, and immigration regulations.

Activate eSIMs Before Departure

Who Needs the US Arrival Card?

Non-U.S. citizens

This includes anyone entering the United States by air, land, or sea.

Whether you are flying in through a major international airport, arriving on a cruise ship, or crossing a land border from Canada or Mexico, you may be asked to present the arrival card and declare the purpose of your visit as well as the items you are carrying.

Tourists, students, and business travelers

Short-term visitors such as tourists on vacation, international students attending U.S. universities, and professionals traveling for business purposes are among the most common groups required to complete the form.

This helps U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) verify their travel purpose and ensure compliance with entry regulations.

Immigrant visa holders

Travelers entering the United States on an immigrant visa, those planning to live permanently in the U.S. will also be asked to provide detailed information upon entry.

This process works alongside immigration procedures like receiving a temporary I-551 stamp or awaiting a green card after arrival.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents

While American citizens and green card holders typically use faster entry methods such as Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks or the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, there are circumstances where they may still need to complete the declaration card.

For example, when traveling with family members who are foreign nationals, or when carrying items that require declaration (such as food, plants, or cash over USD 10,000). In such cases, one arrival card can often cover the entire family group, making the process quicker and easier.

✈️Tips: For Singaporeans, you don’t need a US visa for short visits under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but you must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip. Even with ESTA, CBP may still request the U.S. immigration arrival card for singapore traveller when you land.

Travel Guide for Popular Destinations in USA

Information Required on the US Arrival Card

Section	What to Provide	Why It Matters
Full name	Your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, including given name(s) and surname.	Ensures consistency between your travel documents and declaration card, preventing delays.
Passport details	Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.	Allows CBP officers to confirm your identity and verify travel document validity.
Date of birth & nationality	Your date of birth and the country of your citizenship.	Confirms your personal identity and eligibility under specific U.S. entry rules (e.g., Visa Waiver Program).
Flight number or vessel name	Your flight number (for air travel) or vessel name (for sea travel).	Helps immigration authorities trace your point of entry into the U.S.
U.S. address	The address where you will stay in the U.S. (hotel, family home, student accommodation, etc.). Even transit passengers must provide the first stop address.	Provides U.S. authorities with a contact point during your stay.
Purpose of travel	State your reason for visiting: tourism, business, study, work, or immigration.	Ensures your travel purpose matches your visa or ESTA authorization.
Items to declare	List any food, plants, agricultural products, goods for resale, or cash over USD 10,000.	Protects U.S. borders from prohibited goods and avoids fines.
Travel history questions	Answer if you’ve recently visited certain countries or been exposed to livestock/agriculture.	Helps prevent the spread of pests, diseases, and other biosecurity risks.

Cheap Flights to USA

How to Fill Out the US Arrival Card

US Green Card

Many travellers confuse the US arrival card with U.S. immigration procedures for permanent residency. Here’s what you should know:

Topic	Details
US Green Card Visa on Arrival Countries	There is no such thing as a U.S. green card visa on arrival. Unlike some countries that offer “visa on arrival,” the U.S. requires: • An approved ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries like Singapore) • A valid U.S. visa (tourist, student, work, or immigrant visa) • Or lawful permanent resident status (green card holder).
How Long to Get Green Card After Arrival in US	If you enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa, your green card process begins after arrival: • You will receive a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport at entry. • The physical green card is mailed within 2 to 6 months, depending on USCIS processing times.

Topic

Details

US Green Card Visa on Arrival Countries

There is no such thing as a U.S. green card visa on arrival. Unlike some countries that offer “visa on arrival,” the U.S. requires:

• An approved ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries like Singapore)

• A valid U.S. visa (tourist, student, work, or immigrant visa)

• Or lawful permanent resident status (green card holder).

How Long to Get Green Card After Arrival in US

If you enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa, your green card process begins after arrival:

• You will receive a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport at entry.

• The physical green card is mailed within 2 to 6 months, depending on USCIS processing times.

Best Hotels in USA

Tips for Singapore Travellers

Tips	Why It Matters
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure	ESTA approval can take up to 3 days. Applying early avoids last-minute travel issues.
Declare all food items, including snacks	Even small items must be declared to avoid fines or confiscation.
Keep your passport, ESTA, and US arrival card ready	Having documents prepared speeds up inspection at immigration.
If unsure, always declare goods	CBP officers will advise you—declaring is safer than risking penalties.
One form per family is usually allowed	Saves time at immigration and simplifies the declaration process.

Final Thoughts

The US arrival card is a simple but important step in your U.S. travel journey. For Singapore travellers, understanding ESTA rules, knowing what to declare, and being aware of green card timelines will make your entry smoother.

While the paper form is becoming less common, being prepared ensures a hassle-free arrival in the United States.

✈️For Travellers: Many countries require an online authorizations to allow short-term entry for tourism, business, or transit and must be obtained before flying. Key examples include the U.S. (ESTA) and Canada (eTA).

FAQ: US Arrival Card

Do Singapore travellers still need to fill out a US arrival card?
Many U.S. airports use electronic kiosks, but yes, you may still be asked to complete the paper card depending on your airline or port of entry.
Can Singaporeans enter the U.S. without a visa?
Yes, under the Visa Waiver Program, but you must apply for ESTA before your flight.
How long does it take to get a green card after arrival in the U.S.?
Usually 2–6 months, if you entered on an immigrant visa.
Is there a US green card visa on arrival for Singaporeans?
No. Singaporeans can travel visa-free with ESTA for short stays, but green cards require a separate immigrant visa process.

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.

Trip.com

Flights

US Arrival Card

<h3>Find Cheap Travel Deals & Explore Destinations on Trip.com</h3>

Contact Us

About

Other Services

Payment methods

Our partners