Understanding the Mandatory Electronic Health Declaration for All Travelers
Complete Your SGAC Now →The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is an electronic document that has replaced the traditional paper disembarkation/embarkation (DE) card previously required for entry into Singapore. This mandatory digital declaration collects essential information about all travelers entering Singapore, including personal details, travel information, and health status.
Introduced by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the SGAC streamlines the immigration clearance process while maintaining robust health and security protocols. The system processes arrival information digitally, making entry into Singapore faster and more efficient for millions of travelers each year.
Important: The SGAC is not optional – it is a mandatory requirement for entry into Singapore. Failure to submit the SGAC before arrival may result in delays at immigration or even denial of entry.
The Singapore Arrival Card was introduced to modernize and digitize the immigration process. Key objectives include:
The SGAC has become an essential tool in Singapore's smart nation initiative, leveraging technology to improve government services.
When completing your SGAC, you'll provide:
For a complete checklist, visit our required information guide.
The SGAC requirement applies to virtually all travelers entering Singapore:
All international tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors arriving by air, land, or sea must submit the SGAC regardless of nationality or visa status.
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and Long-Term Pass holders entering via air or sea checkpoints must also complete the SGAC. Learn more in our guide for citizens and residents.
Every traveler needs an SGAC, including babies and children of all ages. Parents can submit for their children using the group submission feature. Read our guide for children and infants.
Those entering via the Johor-Singapore Causeway, Tuas Checkpoint, or by ferry/cruise ship must submit the SGAC. See our land and sea arrivals guide.
Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must include vehicle details in their SGAC submission. Check our foreign vehicle guide for specifics.
Traveling together? You can submit for up to 10 people at once using the group submission feature. See our families and groups guide.
Submit up to 3 days before arrival – it only takes 5-10 minutes
Start Your Application NowWhile the SGAC is mandatory for most travelers, certain exemptions apply:
If you are transiting through Singapore without clearing immigration (remaining airside at Changi Airport), you typically do not need to submit an SGAC.
However, if you plan to leave the transit area and enter Singapore during your layover, you must submit the SGAC. This includes travelers who want to explore the city during a long layover.
Read our detailed guide: SGAC for Transit Passengers.
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders entering via Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are currently exempt from the SGAC requirement.
However, this exemption applies only to land checkpoints. If these same residents enter via air or sea, they must submit the SGAC.
All foreign visitors entering by land must still complete the SGAC regardless of their mode of transport.
Certain diplomatic personnel and official delegations may have different entry procedures. If you are traveling on official government business or hold diplomatic status, contact your embassy or the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs for specific guidance.
In most cases, even diplomatic travelers benefit from submitting the SGAC to expedite their entry process.
The Singapore Arrival Card is:
The SGAC does not grant you permission to enter Singapore. It is simply a mandatory declaration that immigration authorities use to process your entry.
A Singapore visa is:
Important: Even if you don't need a visa to enter Singapore (e.g., visa-free entry for tourism), you still must submit the SGAC.
Learn more in our detailed comparison: SG Arrival Card vs. Visa.
Timing is crucial for a smooth entry into Singapore. Here's what you need to know:
| Timeline | What You Can Do | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| More than 3 days before arrival | Too early to submit – the system only accepts submissions within the 3-day window | Prepare your documents but wait until the submission window opens |
| 3 days before arrival | Earliest you can submit your SGAC | Ideal time to submit if your travel plans are finalized |
| 2 days before arrival | Good window for submission | Submit as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues |
| 1 day before arrival | Still acceptable, but less buffer for corrections | Double-check all information carefully before submitting |
| Day of arrival (before departure) | Last chance to submit before your flight | Risky – technical issues or errors may cause delays |
| After landing (at airport) | May be possible but will cause delays at immigration | Strongly discouraged – submit before you fly |
Best Practice: Submit your SGAC 2-3 days before departure once your travel plans are confirmed. This gives you time to correct any errors if needed.
For detailed timing information, read: When to Submit Your SGAC.
The submission process is straightforward and takes just 5-10 minutes:
Access the SGAC system via the official ICA website (SGAC e-Service) or download the MyICA Mobile app from your app store.
The app can save your profile for future trips. Compare both methods: MyICA App vs. Website.
Provide your personal details, passport information, travel details, and Singapore address. Fill out the electronic health declaration accurately.
See our complete guide: How to Fill Out the SG Arrival Card.
Carefully review all information for accuracy. Common errors include incorrect passport numbers, wrong dates, or typos in names.
Avoid mistakes: Common SGAC Application Errors.
After submission, the system processes your declaration immediately. No confirmation email is sent, but you can retrieve your submission details online.
Learn more: What Happens After Submitting.
Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card through the official ICA channels is 100% free of charge. There are no government fees, processing charges, or hidden costs.
Warning: Some third-party websites and agencies may offer to submit the SGAC on your behalf for a fee. These services are not endorsed by the Singapore government and provide no additional value. Always use the official channels to avoid unnecessary charges.
Read more: The SG Arrival Card is Free.
The SGAC includes a mandatory electronic health declaration. You must accurately declare:
Legal Warning: Providing false information in your health declaration is a serious offense under Singapore's Infectious Diseases Act and may result in prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
Complete guide: SGAC Health Declaration.
Unlike many online applications, the SGAC system does not send a confirmation email after submission. Your declaration is processed automatically and stored in the ICA system.
If you need to verify your submission or retrieve your details before arrival, you can do so through the MyICA portal or app. Learn how: How to Retrieve Your SGAC Submission.
If you discover an error after submitting your SGAC, you can update your information using the "Update SGAC" feature on the ICA e-Service or MyICA app, provided you haven't yet arrived in Singapore.
If your travel plans change (different flight, new arrival date, or changed accommodation), you should update your SGAC accordingly. Read: Updating Trip Details on SGAC.
Made a mistake? See: Correcting a Mistake on SGAC.
The SGAC is valid only for the specific trip you declare in your submission. It is a single-use declaration tied to your arrival date and travel details.
If you leave Singapore and return later, you must submit a new SGAC for your next entry, even if it's just days later. There is no such thing as a multi-entry SGAC.
More information: How Long is the SG Arrival Card Valid?.
When you arrive at Singapore's immigration checkpoints, officers will have access to your SGAC submission in their system. You simply need to present your passport – the officer will verify your information electronically.
If you're eligible, you may use automated clearance lanes for even faster processing. First-time visitors may undergo biometric scanning (fingerprints and facial recognition).
The entire process typically takes just a few minutes if your SGAC information is accurate and complete.
Learn more: Immigration Process with SGAC.
No, you do not need to print anything. The SGAC is entirely electronic – your submission is stored in the ICA system and linked to your passport number.
Some travelers like to take a screenshot of their submission for their own records, but this is not required at immigration.
There is no physical card or QR code that you need to show (though some systems may generate a reference number for your records).
Read more: SG Arrival Card QR Code.
Technical issues with the SGAC portal are rare but can occur due to maintenance or high traffic. If you experience problems:
Troubleshooting guide: SGAC Not Working or Website Down.
Yes, someone else (such as a family member, friend, or travel agent) can submit the SGAC on your behalf, as long as they have access to all your required information.
This is particularly useful for:
The most important thing is that all information provided is accurate and matches the traveler's documents.
Forgetting to submit your SGAC can cause significant delays at immigration. While it may be possible to complete the declaration upon arrival at the checkpoint, this can result in:
Best Practice: Set a reminder to submit your SGAC 2-3 days before your flight when you're packing or finalizing your travel plans.
If you realize you forgot while still at your departure airport, try to submit it immediately using airport Wi-Fi.
For more questions and answers, visit our comprehensive SG Arrival Card FAQ.
Don't wait until the last minute. Submit your SGAC now and ensure a smooth, hassle-free entry into Singapore. The process is quick, easy, and completely free through official channels.
Complete Your SGAC Application Now✓ Free official submission | ✓ Takes 5-10 minutes | ✓ Valid for 3 days before arrival
