Understanding SGAC Validity Period and Single-Trip Requirements
Submit Your SGAC Now →One of the most common questions travelers have about the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is: "How long is it valid for?" The answer is straightforward but requires careful attention to timing.
The Singapore Arrival Card is valid for only the single trip specified in your declaration. Unlike some travel documents that remain valid for extended periods, the SGAC is trip-specific and has a limited submission window.
Understanding the validity period is crucial to ensure a smooth entry into Singapore without delays at immigration checkpoints.
You must submit your SGAC within three (3) days before your arrival in Singapore, including the day of arrival.
Example: If you are arriving on June 30, you can submit your declaration starting from June 28.
This three-day submission window ensures your information is current and relevant for your upcoming trip.
The SGAC is valid only for the specific trip you declare in your submission. It is not a multi-entry document.
Each time you enter Singapore, you must submit a new SGAC declaration, even if you're traveling frequently.
This single-trip validity ensures that Singapore immigration authorities have the most accurate and up-to-date information for each entry.
To help you better understand the validity period, here's a detailed breakdown:
The SGAC remains valid from the moment you submit it until your arrival in Singapore, provided you arrive within the three-day window you specified during submission.
Important: The validity is tied to the arrival date you declare in your SGAC form. If your travel plans change and your arrival date shifts beyond the three-day window, you must submit a new SGAC with updated information.
Once you've cleared immigration and entered Singapore, your SGAC declaration has served its purpose. If you leave Singapore and plan to return, you'll need to submit a completely new SGAC for your next visit.
Your SGAC submission is linked to your passport and the specific entry, which immigration officers verify electronically at the checkpoint.
Understanding different situations and how SGAC validity applies:
| Scenario | SGAC Validity Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted 2 days before arrival | Valid – within the 3-day window | No action needed; proceed to Singapore |
| Flight delayed by 1 day (still within 3 days) | Valid – unchanged arrival date within window | Update SGAC if arrival date changes significantly |
| Flight delayed beyond 3-day window | Invalid – arrival date no longer matches | Submit new SGAC with correct arrival date |
| Multiple visits to Singapore in one month | SGAC valid for first trip only | Submit separate SGAC for each visit |
| Submitted 5 days before arrival | Invalid – submitted too early | Wait and submit within 3-day window |
| Return trip after leaving Singapore | Previous SGAC is no longer valid | Submit new SGAC for return journey |
Submit your SGAC within the 3-day window. Submitting too early means you'll need to resubmit when you're within the valid timeframe.
Each entry to Singapore requires a fresh SGAC submission. The card cannot be reused or extended for future trips.
The information in your SGAC must accurately reflect your actual arrival date and travel details to remain valid.
If your arrival date changes significantly, submit a new SGAC with updated information rather than relying on an outdated submission.
You won't receive a confirmation email, but you can retrieve your submission through the MyICA portal if needed.
SGAC submission is free, regardless of how many times you need to submit. There's no cost to resubmit if your plans change.
If your flight is delayed but you still arrive within the 3-day window you originally specified, your SGAC remains valid. However, if the delay pushes your arrival beyond this window, it's recommended to submit a new SGAC with the updated arrival date.
Minor delays (a few hours) typically don't require a new submission, but if you're arriving on a completely different day outside your original 3-day window, you should update your information.
No. Each SGAC submission is valid for only one trip to Singapore. Even if you're visiting Singapore multiple times in a short period, you must submit a separate SGAC for each visit.
The SGAC submission process is quick (5-10 minutes) and free, so there's no burden in submitting multiple times if you're a frequent traveler.
No, the SGAC is not a visa. It's a mandatory health and immigration declaration specific to each trip. Unlike a visa, which may be valid for multiple entries over several months or years, the SGAC is valid only for the single trip you declare.
If you require a visa for Singapore, you must apply for it separately. The SGAC does not replace visa requirements.
If you submitted your SGAC more than 3 days before your arrival, it may not be considered valid. The system requires submission within the 3-day window to ensure information accuracy.
In this case, submit a new SGAC once you're within the valid 3-day timeframe before your arrival date. The submission is free, so there's no penalty for resubmitting.
Your SGAC is valid if:
You can verify your submission status through the MyICA portal or app before your departure.
While the SGAC validity itself is trip-specific, your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to Singapore. If your passport validity changes or you get a new passport, you may need to submit a new SGAC with updated passport information.
Always ensure your passport meets Singapore's entry requirements when planning your trip.
Learn the exact timing requirements and best practices for submitting your SGAC to avoid any issues at immigration.
If your travel plans change or you made an error, find out how to correct your SGAC submission before your trip.
Understand the crucial difference between an SGAC and a visa, and why you might need both for your Singapore trip.
Discover what happens after you submit your SGAC and what to expect at Singapore immigration.
Ensure your Singapore Arrival Card is valid by submitting it within 3 days of your arrival. The process is quick, free, and mandatory for all travelers entering Singapore.
Complete Your SGAC NowValid for single trip only. Submit a new SGAC for each visit to Singapore.
