The Singapore Electronic Arrival Card is the online form that has replaced the previously used paper-based Disembarkation and Embarkation system.
The Government of Singapore introduced the SG Arrival Card to facilitate and speed up the procedure of crossing the Singaporean borders. Currently, travelers arriving in Singapore can avoid the need to spend long hours in the immigration line. Instead, they can register online for the Arrival Card prior to the planned trip.
Upon arriving in Singapore, a traveler no longer needs to fill out any additional form. The approved SG Arrival Card will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.
To complete the SGAC, an applicant must provide some passport and personal data, travel details, as well as make a health declaration.
The form should be submitted 3 business days before the planned arrival in Singapore.
It is essential that the arrival card must be completed even by travelers coming from visa-exempt countries. Those who cannot enjoy visa-free travel to Singapore should remember to apply for both a relevant Singaporean visa and submit the SG health declaration.
Who needs to complete the Singapore Electronic Arrival Card
The Singaporean Electronic Arrival Card is a mandatory document that must be completed by all foreign visitors wishing to enter Singapore. Moreover, this requirement also applies to citizens of Singapore, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, as well as travelers participating in the Frequent Traveler Programme.
There are only two groups of travelers exempt from the requirement to apply for the SG Arrival Card, including:
- transiting passengers (provided that they will not be seeking immigration clearance)
- fully vaccinated Singaporean residents traveling through the country’s land checkpoints.
When to complete the SG Arrival Card
It is important to submit the Singaporean online health declaration within 3 days before the planned trip. The processing time should take around 1-2 days, depending on the volume of submitted applications at the same time.
It is the Singaporean Government that is a deciding body when it comes to the approval of the Arrival Card. Make sure to submit your online form with correct, true, and up-to-date details to ensure a smooth application and receive your SG Arrival Card receipt without unnecessary delays.
Important notes:
- The SGAC may be used only for one trip to Singapore as every application requires providing the planned arrival date in the country. You need to submit a new online declaration any time you plan to re-enter Singapore.
- Should your health status change, you will need to resubmit your declaration and update it with the most recent details. Please be aware that making a false declaration is illegal and may lead to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act.
How to apply for the Singapore Arrival Card
To successfully submit your SGAC declaration, you should follow only three simple and intuitive steps, which go as follows:
- Fill out the online form: enter your personal details, passport data, and travel-related information, as well as your health declaration.
- Pay the processing fee: once you checked twice all of your provided details for correctness, choose one of the available methods of online payment and cover the service fee.
- Refresh your email inbox: shortly after settling the payment, make sure to check your email address.
Once you pay the service fee, an email with your application ID will arrive in your email inbox. Make sure to use it whenever you wish to check the status of your SGAC application.
The approved Arrival Card will be digitally linked to your passport used in the online application. It is not mandatory to hold a paper copy of your SGAC. However, carrying a backup printed receipt is recommended in case of some technical issues with your smartphone.
SG Arrival Card requirements
To ensure smooth and quick application for the SGAC, travelers should first prepare the following:
- a passport that will not expire for the min. of 6 months from the date they plan to arrive in Singapore
- a valid means of online payment
- an active email address
- a working smartphone/tablet/PC/laptop with access to a stable Internet connection
When completing the online declaration, a traveler should be prepared to provide the following details:
- basic personal data (name, surname, gender, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
- contact information
- travel-related details
- health declaration
Requirements on arrival
To cross the Singaporean borders, it may be necessary to present the following documents:
- a receipt of the approved SGAC
proof of onward travel (e.g., an onward/return flight ticket)
- all essential documents to enter the next travel destination (if only transiting through Singapore)
- sufficient funds covering the entire planned stay in Singapore
- yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Ports of entry accepting the SG Arrival Card
Entering Singapore with the SG Arrival Card is possible using only certain entry ports. Make sure to use one of the following ones:
- Singapore Changi Airport SIN
- Changi Point Ferry Terminal
- Changi Ferry Terminal
- Singapore Cruise Centre
- Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
- Tuas checkpoint
- Woodlands checkpoint