Understanding SGAC Requirements for Travelers Transiting Through Singapore
Apply for Singapore Arrival Card Now →If you're transiting through Singapore Changi Airport, you may be wondering whether you need to submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). The answer depends on your specific travel circumstances and whether you plan to clear immigration during your layover.
This guide clarifies exactly when transit passengers need to complete the SGAC and when they are exempt from this requirement. Understanding these rules will help you prepare properly for your journey through Singapore.
If you remain in the transit area of Changi Airport without passing through immigration control, you do NOT need to submit an SGAC.
Key Point: You remain in the international transit zone and never officially "enter" Singapore.
If you plan to leave the airport or clear immigration during your transit, you MUST submit an SGAC.
Key Point: Once you clear immigration, you are officially entering Singapore and all entry requirements apply.
All travelers must submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration before arriving in Singapore. However, exceptions apply to those transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance.
If you are simply changing planes at Changi Airport and will remain in the transit area, the SGAC is not required. This applies to passengers who:
Important Note: Even if your layover is several hours long, as long as you stay within the airport's transit facilities and do not pass through immigration, you do not need an SGAC.
There are specific situations where transit passengers are required to submit the Singapore Arrival Card:
If you plan to exit Changi Airport during your layover to visit the city, stay at a hotel, or explore Singapore's attractions, you must submit the SGAC. This applies even if you're only staying for a few hours.
Transit passengers should be aware that if their airline does not provide a baggage transfer service, they must clear Arrival Immigration and claim their baggage before checking in for their next flight. In this scenario, the SGAC is mandatory.
Changi Airport offers free city tours for passengers with long layovers. If you wish to participate in these tours, you will exit the airport and clear immigration, which means you must complete the SGAC beforehand.
If your connecting flights are on separate tickets and you need to collect your luggage, exit immigration, and re-check in for your next flight, the SGAC is required.
Remember: Once you clear immigration, you are officially entering Singapore, and all standard entry requirements apply, including the SGAC submission.
Use this table to determine your SGAC requirements based on your transit situation:
| Transit Scenario | SGAC Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Staying airside entire time | NO | Remain in transit area only |
| Through-checked baggage | NO | No need to collect luggage |
| Leaving airport during layover | YES | Must clear immigration to exit |
| Collecting and re-checking baggage | YES | Requires passing through immigration |
| Taking free Singapore tour | YES | Tour exits airport premises |
| Overnight hotel stay | YES | Must enter Singapore territory |
| Separate ticket connections | MAYBE | Depends on baggage handling |
If your transit situation requires SGAC submission, follow these steps:
Determine if you'll be clearing immigration during your transit. If yes, you need the SGAC.
Complete your SGAC within 3 days before arrival in Singapore, including the day you land.
Submit through the official ICA website or MyICA mobile app. The process takes 5-10 minutes.
After arrival, proceed to immigration with your passport. Your SGAC will be verified electronically.
Submit your SGAC in advance for a smooth entry into Singapore
Complete Your SGAC ApplicationYes, you need an SGAC. If you plan to leave Changi Airport and enter Singapore, even for a short visit, you must clear immigration. This means submitting the Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory.
Submit your SGAC within 3 days before your arrival to avoid delays at immigration.
No, you do not need an SGAC. If you remain in the transit/transfer area of Changi Airport without clearing immigration, the SGAC is not required, regardless of how long your layover is.
You can use the airport facilities, shops, and restaurants in the transit area without needing to submit an SGAC.
Yes, SGAC is required. If your airline does not provide a baggage transfer service, you must clear Arrival Immigration to claim your baggage. This means you are officially entering Singapore and must submit the SGAC beforehand.
Check with your airline whether your baggage will be through-checked to your final destination.
No, you need an SGAC to participate. Changi Airport's free transit tours take you outside the airport into Singapore. You must clear immigration to join these tours, which means the SGAC is mandatory.
Plan ahead and submit your SGAC before your flight to ensure you can participate in these tours.
No, SGAC is not required for terminal transfers. All terminals at Changi Airport are connected within the transit area. You can move between terminals without clearing immigration.
Free shuttle buses and the Skytrain connect all terminals within the airside transit area.
The SGAC is not a visa. If you clear immigration to enter Singapore, check if your nationality requires a visa. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, but the SGAC is still mandatory.
Visit the ICA website to check visa requirements for your country before your trip.
Remember that the SGAC is not a visa. If you plan to clear immigration during your transit, you must also check whether your nationality requires a visa for entry into Singapore.
Many countries enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, but it's essential to verify your specific requirements with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) before your trip.
One of the most common reasons transit passengers need to clear immigration is for baggage collection and re-checking. This typically occurs when:
Pro Tip: Always check with your airline at check-in whether your baggage will be through-checked to your final destination.
If you determine that you need to submit an SGAC for your transit through Singapore, it's important to complete the submission within 3 days before your arrival, including the day of arrival.
For example, if you're arriving in Singapore on June 30, you can submit your SGAC anytime from June 28 onwards. This timeframe helps avoid delays during immigration clearance.
The SGAC is completely free when submitted through the official ICA channels. Be cautious of third-party websites or services that charge fees for SGAC submission – these are not authorized or endorsed by the Singapore government.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Providing false information on the electronic health declaration may lead to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. Always ensure all information submitted is accurate and truthful.
If you're planning to clear immigration during your transit through Singapore, complete your Singapore Arrival Card now to ensure a smooth entry process.
Complete Your SGAC Application NowOfficial SGAC submission is 100% free. Submit up to 3 days before arrival.
