Learn the Most Frequent Mistakes Travelers Make on Their SGAC Application
Apply for Singapore Arrival Card Now →The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory electronic declaration that all travelers must submit before entering Singapore. While the submission process takes only 5-10 minutes, many travelers make simple mistakes that can lead to delays at immigration or even denial of entry.
Understanding the most common SGAC application errors can help you avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a smooth arrival process. This guide will walk you through the typical mistakes travelers make and provide practical tips on how to prevent them.
These errors can cause significant delays at immigration checkpoints.
Timing errors can be easily avoided with proper planning.
One of the most critical errors travelers make is entering incorrect passport details. Your SGAC information must match your passport exactly, as immigration officers will verify this data upon arrival.
Always have your physical passport in front of you when completing the SGAC. Do not rely on memory. Compare each field carefully before submission, especially:
Providing incorrect travel details is another common mistake that can complicate your entry into Singapore. The SGAC system validates your information against airline databases and immigration records.
Refer to your flight confirmation email or boarding pass when filling out the SGAC. Verify:
The health declaration section of the SGAC is not just a formality—it's a legal requirement. Providing false or inaccurate health information can result in serious consequences, including prosecution under Singapore's Infectious Diseases Act.
Always provide truthful information in your health declaration. Remember:
⚠️ Important: Making a false declaration on the electronic health declaration may lead to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The consequences can include fines, imprisonment, or denial of entry.
The SGAC must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival in Singapore, including the day of arrival. Submitting too early or too late is a common mistake that can invalidate your declaration.
Follow this submission timeline for best results:
For more details, check our guide on when to submit your Singapore Arrival Card.
Providing accurate accommodation information is essential for your SGAC submission. Immigration authorities need to know where you'll be staying during your visit to Singapore.
Ensure you provide complete and accurate accommodation details:
Review all information carefully before submitting. Compare passport details, flight information, and dates against official documents.
Don't wait until the last minute. Submitting 2-3 days before arrival gives you time to correct any mistakes.
Submit through the official MyICA app or website. The SGAC is completely free—avoid paid third-party services.
Have your passport, flight booking, and hotel confirmation ready when filling out the form to avoid errors.
If your travel plans change, use the "Update SGAC" feature to correct your information before arrival.
Always provide accurate information, especially in the health declaration. False declarations can lead to legal consequences.
If you find a mistake before arriving in Singapore, you have two options:
For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to correct a mistake on your SG Arrival Card.
If you've already arrived and discovered an error, inform the immigration officer at the checkpoint immediately. They can assist you in correcting the information on the spot.
Being upfront about mistakes is always better than attempting to proceed with incorrect information, which could be flagged by the system.
Yes, you can submit multiple SGAC declarations for the same trip. The most recent submission within the valid 3-day window will be used by immigration authorities.
However, it's better to get it right the first time by carefully reviewing all information before submission.
Unfortunately, if you used an unofficial third-party service, you may need to contact them directly for corrections. However, you can always submit a new SGAC for free through the official ICA website or MyICA app.
Remember: The official SGAC submission is completely free. There's no reason to pay third-party services.
If your flight offers Wi-Fi, you may be able to submit your SGAC during the flight. However, this is not recommended as connectivity can be unreliable.
If you arrive without a completed SGAC, you may face delays at immigration. Some checkpoints have facilities to complete it on-site, but this will slow down your entry process significantly.
Use this checklist before submitting your Singapore Arrival Card to ensure accuracy:
| Category | What to Check | Common Errors to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Details | Number, expiry date, full name, nationality | Wrong passport number, misspelled names, incorrect expiry dates |
| Travel Information | Flight number, arrival date/time, port of entry | Wrong date format, incorrect flight details, wrong checkpoint |
| Accommodation | Hotel name, full address, contact number | Incomplete addresses, temporary bookings, missing postal codes |
| Health Declaration | Recent travel, symptoms, vaccination status | False declarations, unreported symptoms, missing travel history |
| Submission Timing | Within 3 days of arrival | Submitting too early, last-minute rushes, forgetting entirely |
| Contact Information | Email address, phone number | Typos in email, wrong country code for phone |
Now that you know the common errors to avoid, you're ready to complete your SGAC with confidence. Take your time, double-check your information, and submit your declaration 2-3 days before your arrival.
Start Your SGAC Application NowOfficial submission is free. Apply within 3 days of your arrival in Singapore.
